Mechanical Engineering Faculty
Chi Hou Lei, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Email: chihou.lei@scranton.edu
Tel: 570-941-6598
Education:
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, 2015.
MS, Mathematics, Michigan State University, 2008.
BS, Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, 2006.
BS, Mathematics, National Taiwan University, 2006.
Teaching and Research Interests:
Statics, Mechanics of Materials, Machine Design, Material Science, Vibration, Automatic Control, Finite Element Analysis, Computer Methods.
Dr. Lei recently transitioned to The University of 51视频 from Saint Louis University, bringing expertise blending mathematics and mechanics. Specializing in multi-physics modeling and computational design, he focuses on understanding the behavior of multifunctional materials like shape memory alloys, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, thermoelectric, electrocaloric and ionic materials across different scales. Utilizing phase-field models and simulations, he explores the impact of microstructures on various physical performances, leading to enhancement via optimization and controls. Dr. Lei's research, highlighted in esteemed journals such as Applied Physics Letters, Science Advances, and Nature Communications, also delves into the mechanism of material characterization using microscopy at micro- and nanoscales.
In addition, Dr. Lei has developed a secondary interest in biomedical engineering motivated by collaborators. His recent projects include designing a real-time adjustable air-cell cushion system to alleviate pressure ulcers in patients who sit for prolonged periods and a variable-stiffness ankle foot orthosis to assist those with neurological impairments. Notably, undergraduate students actively contribute to his research. Outside academia, Dr. Lei engages in K-12 outreach activities, organizing interactive science sessions for students.
More details of Dr. Lei's research work can be found in
Geng Liu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Email: geng.liu@scranton.edu
Tel: 570-941-7412
Education:
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2013.
BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 2007.
Teaching and Research Interests:
Thermo-Fluids Sciences, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Flow-Structure Interaction, Bio-inspired Flows, Biological Flow Sensing, Bio-inspired Robot Design.
Dr. Geng Liu joined The University of 51视频 as an assistant professor in the Fall of 2023. Prior to his position at UofS, he was an assistant professor at King's College, Wilkes-Barre. Dr. Liu obtained his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2013. After completing his doctorate, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Virginia for four years and at the University of Maine for two years.
Dr. Liu's research mainly focuses on high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics of fish swimming, insect flight, and seal whisker flow sensing. As a postdoctoral researcher, he was involved in several projects supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). His studies have led to publications in leading engineering journals, such as the Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Journal of Computational Physics, Physics of Fluids, Bioinspiration, Physical Review E, etc. One of his studies on the hydrodynamics of fishing swimming was selected as the cover page of the Journal of Fluid Mechanics when the work was published. Another study on the aerodynamics of insects was chosen by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa for a ten-year exhibition.
More details of Dr. Liu's research work can be found in
Mojib Saei, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Email: mojib.saei@scranton.edu
Tel: 570-941-5189
Education:
Ph.D., Manufacturing Engineering, Purdue University, 2021.
MS, Materials Engineering, Purdue University, 2018.
BS, Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (Iran), 2013.
BS, Materials Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (Iran), 2013.
Teaching and Research Interests:
Manufacturing, Computational Solid Mechanics, Particle Image Velocimetry, Materials Deformation, Micro/Nano Scale Simulation, Mechanical Design.
Dr. Mojib Saei joined the University of 51视频 as an assistant professor in the Fall of 2022. Prior to his position at UofS, he was a visiting assistant professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre, IN. He also has been a faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College. He served as a researcher in the Scalable Micro Nano Manufacturing Laboratory as well as the Center of Materials Processing and Tribology at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Dr. Saei's research mainly focuses on machining, nanomaterials, multi-layer composites, 3D printing, laser processing, and flexible electronics.
Preston J. Propes
Email: preston.propes@scranton.edu
Bio:
AOS, Precision Machining, Johnson College, 2009
Interests and Job Experience:
Manufacturing, Precision Machining, 3D Printing, CAM and CAD, Welding.
Mr. Propes joined The University of 51视频 as a Lead Machinist in the Summer of 2022 where he could help students learn how to safely transform the blueprints of their designs into a reality. Prior to his position at UoS, he was a Work Leader in the Production Maintenance Department of The United States Mint in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also worked as a Machinist at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Pennsylvania and has more than 14 years of experience in Precision and Production Machining for the United States Government. During that time, he provided instruction on machining and operating to college students who were part of the National Guard and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
Preston dedicates his time to collaborating with the Mechanical Engineering Professors to implement hands-on laboratory experiences based on their classroom teachers. He then assists students with the practical and physical work needed to bring their ideas to life.