Mehrdad N. Ghasemi Nejhad

Professor Mehrdad N. Ghasemi Nejhad is a faculty member at the University of Hawaii, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Director of the Composites, Smart Structures & Nanotechnology Labs. He holds a PhD from the University of Delaware (1992) and specializes in advanced materials research, with a focus on nanotechnology, composite materials, and smart structures. His work bridges analytical, computational, and experimental mechanics to address challenges in structural dynamics and thermomechanics.

Education:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, 1992

Research Interests:

• Development of multifunctional nanocomposites and carbon nanotube-based materials
• Thermomechanical analysis of advanced composites
• Smart structures with embedded sensors/actuators for adaptive control
• Design and testing of composite pressure vessels for marine applications

His research has been featured globally, including in Nature Materials, Science, and the Guinness World Records for innovations like the world’s smallest brush.

Publications: Over 15 key papers focus on nanotechnology applications, smart materials, and composite structural analysis. Notable works include groundbreaking studies on carbon nanotube forests and super-compressible nanomaterials.

Awards & Honors:

• 2007 Guinness World Record for Multifunctional Nanobrush
• 2007 ASME Best Paper Award in Mechanics of Materials
• Multiple Mechanical Engineering Merit Awards (UH, 2000, 2002)
• ASME Region IX Outstanding Faculty Advisor (2001)

Advising & Grants: Advised national-winning Human Powered Vehicle teams (1995, 1997). His labs focus on cutting-edge nanotechnology and composite manufacturing, supported by interdisciplinary collaborations and industry partnerships.

Labs & Teams: Leads the Composites, Smart Structures & Nanotechnology Labs, fostering innovation in advanced materials and their applications across aerospace, marine, and energy sectors.