Ali Beheshti

Ali Beheshti is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at George Mason University, where he directs the Tribology and Surface Mechanics (TSM) Lab. His research focuses on sustainable design and operation of advanced materials, particularly tribology (lubrication, wear, friction) and interfacial mechanics under extreme conditions. Prior to George Mason, he held positions at Texas State University-Lamar and Texas A&M University. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Louisiana State University.

Beheshti’s research has been funded by federal and state agencies including the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation (NSF), and Port of Beaumont, totaling nearly $600K. His work addresses challenges in additive manufacturing, superalloys, and materials performance under high-temperature and corrosive environments. Notable projects include helium tribology studies for nuclear reactor applications and the mechanical behavior of additively manufactured Inconel alloys.

He has published over 35 peer-reviewed papers in journals like Mechanics of Materials and Tribology International, and serves as a reviewer for multiple journals and NSF panels. In 2017, he received the Texas State University Junior Faculty Merit Award.

Current research initiatives include tribological studies of additively manufactured polymers and superalloys, contact mechanics under extreme conditions, and multiscale material characterization. He also organizes STEM outreach activities for K-12 students.