Yasaman M
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at University of Pennsylvania
Expertise
Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanobiology, Computational Modeling, Finite Element Analysis, Robotics, Mathematics, Statistics, Quantitative data analysis
Bio
I am a mechanical engineer and researcher with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania. My academic interests lie at the intersection of engineering and biology, particularly biomechanics, mechanobiology, and computational modeling. I am fascinated by how mechanical forces influence biological systems and how engineering approaches can be used to better understand the human body. I especially enjoy working with students to turn their scientific curiosity into meaningful and achievable research projects. Outside of research, I enjoy reading and painting. Reading allows me to explore new ideas and perspectives, while painting gives me a creative way to express myself and relax. I enjoy the balance between the analytical thinking involved in engineering and the creativity involved in art.Project ideas
How Does Bone Shape Affect Its Ability to Withstand Force?
Bones experience different types of forces during everyday activities such as walking, running, and jumping. In this project, the student will investigate how the shape and structure of a bone influence the way mechanical forces are distributed throughout it. Using a simplified computer model, the student can compare different bone geometries or loading conditions and examine where high stresses and strains occur. Depending on the student's interests and experience, the project could involve computational modeling, analysis of existing data or images, and a review of biomechanics literature. Through this project, the student will learn fundamental concepts in biomechanics, mechanical stress and strain, computational modeling, data analysis, and scientific research. The project can be adapted to the student's skill level and could result in a research paper, computational study, or visual presentation of the modeling results.
Build a Smart Robotic Assistive Device Using Sensors
How can a robot use sensors to detect its environment and respond intelligently? In this project, the student will design and build a small Arduino-based robotic or assistive device that uses sensors to collect information and make simple decisions. For example, the student could build a robotic system that detects obstacles and changes direction, a smart mobility aid that warns users about nearby objects, or a sensor-based robotic gripper that responds to contact or distance. The student will progress from designing the system and selecting sensors to building the prototype, programming the controller, testing different conditions, and analyzing its performance. Depending on the student's experience, the project could incorporate ultrasonic, force, motion, or other sensors and explore how changing the control algorithm affects the robot's behavior. Through the project, the student will gain experience in robotics, Arduino programming, sensors, engineering design, prototyping, experimental testing, and data analysis, ultimately producing a working prototype and a research report or presentation.