Daniel S. Raja

Daniel S. Raja serves as an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Greenville University, specializing in mechanical engineering with emphasis on energy processes, solid mechanics, and computational solid mechanics. He teaches a comprehensive range of engineering courses including Introduction to Engineering, Engineering Design and CAD, Dynamics, Fluid Dynamics, Engineering Thermodynamics, and Senior Design projects.

Dr. Raja earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes (Crystal Plasticity) from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2015-2021), following an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2013-2015) and BS from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (2009-2013). His research focuses on developing mathematical formulations to characterize deformation of Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) materials using Crystal Plasticity and Elasto-Plasticity Self-Consistent modeling.

His scholarly work demonstrates consistent expertise in computational mechanics, particularly in modeling magnesium and other HCP metals considering twinning, slip systems, and anisotropic elasticity. Recent publications reveal expanding interests in engineering education, including multidisciplinary project-based learning and frameworks for prior learning assessment in CAD courses. His research has direct applications in aerospace, marine engineering, nuclear reactors, and medical prosthetics where high-strength lightweight materials are critical.

Dr. Raja maintains active membership in professional organizations including the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), SAE International, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and American Scientific Affiliation (ASA). His technical proficiency spans C++, MATLAB, Python, and Finite Element Analysis across multiple engineering domains.

Alongside his faculty position at Greenville University, Dr. Raja serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he validates material models developed during his doctoral research and publishes findings in peer-reviewed journals. His educational approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through senior design projects and multidisciplinary learning experiences.