Michael Maughan

Michael Maughan, Ph.D., P.E., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho's College of Engineering. His research focuses on micromechanics of materials, defect behavior in crystalline materials, and additive manufacturing. He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University (2015), and M.S. and B.S. degrees from the University of Idaho (2007, 2005).

Education:

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 2015
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Idaho, 2007
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Idaho, 2005

Research Interests: His work spans advanced materials characterization, additive manufacturing of bio-based composites, and mechanical property manipulation. Key areas include nanocomposites, fracture mechanics, and sustainable materials design.

Recent Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize bio-based additive materials (e.g., wood-sodium silicate composites), nanomaterial-enhanced composites, and mechanical property analysis of metals. Research often bridges sustainability and high-performance material development.

Awards:

• Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award, University of Idaho College of Engineering (2022)
• ASME Outstanding Student Section Advisor Award (Honorable Mention, 2020)
• Estus H. and Vashti L. Magoon Award for Excellence in Teaching (Purdue University, 2015)

Grants & Projects:

• $4M NSF EPSCoR Track II Grant (2018) for bio-based additive manufacturing frameworks
• $895K Idaho Board of Education Grant for cellulosic 3D-printed construction materials
• $274K Idaho Commerce Grant for direct metal laser melting optimization
• NASA-funded nitrogen property characterization ($28K)

Labs & Teams: Leads research in the 3D Imaging and Printing Lab, collaborating on sustainable manufacturing and advanced materials. Active in interdisciplinary teams for bio-composite development and additive manufacturing innovation.