Sameh H Tawfick

Sameh H Tawfick is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and an Andersen Faculty Scholar. His research focuses on additive manufacturing, materials science, and soft robotics, with emphasis on carbon nanotubes, polymer actuators, and elastocapillarity. He has received prestigious awards including the Chao and Trigger Young Manufacturing Engineer Award (2017) and the SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award (2016).

Research interests span advanced manufacturing techniques, biomimetic materials, and fluid-structure interactions. Recent work includes defect detection in additive manufacturing via deep learning, high-performance polymer actuators, and dynamic elastocapillary phenomena in biological systems. His contributions bridge mechanics, materials, and robotics, with applications in medical devices and smart materials.

Key achievements include pioneering embedded solvent exchange for 3D printing soft fibers and developing morphogenic growth 3D printing methods. His lab collaborates internationally, addressing challenges in manufacturing quality, material characterization, and energy-efficient actuators. Ongoing projects explore bioinspired systems for flexible displays and emergency medical devices.