Peter Avitabile

Peter Avitabile is a Research Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at Michigan Technological University and a Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. With nearly five decades of experience, his expertise spans structural dynamics, vibrations, and modal analysis. He has contributed over 350 technical papers and authored Modal Testing: A Practitioner’s Guide. Dr. Avitabile holds a DEng from UMass Lowell and has led the Structural Dynamics and Acoustic Systems Laboratory. He is a Fellow of the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) and served as its President in 2016.

Education:

• DEng, Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell (1998)
• MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Rhode Island (1982)
• BS, Mechanical Engineering, Manhattan College (1974)

Research Interests: Structural dynamic modeling techniques, experimental modal analysis, system modeling, reduced order modeling, and model correlation.

Awards:

• SEM DeMichele Award (2004)
• Fellow, Society for Experimental Mechanics (2022)
• UMASS Lowell Pillars of Excellence Award (2016)

Grants & Funding: Over $9.3 million in research funding since 2000, alongside substantial hardware/software donations. His work has been supported by industries and government agencies including NASA, the Department of Energy, and the Navy.

Teaching & Mentorship: Taught over 30 semesters of graduate courses in structural dynamics and modal analysis at UMass Lowell. Advised 18 PhD and 19 MS students. Conducted international seminars on structural dynamics for companies like NASA, General Motors, and Siemens.

Labs & Affiliations:

• Co-Director, Structural Dynamics and Acoustic Systems Lab (UMass Lowell)
• Director, Modal Analysis and Controls Lab (UMass Lowell)