Zhao Qin, Ph.D., PI
Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151L Link Hall
Email: zqin02_at_syr.edu
Office: 315-443-3352
Education
Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2013
M.Eng., Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 2008
B.Eng., Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 2006
Honors
Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151L Link Hall
Email: zqin02_at_syr.edu
Office: 315-443-3352
Education
Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2013
M.Eng., Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 2008
B.Eng., Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 2006
Honors
- National Science Foundation CAREER Award, NSF, May 2022
- 2021 Fellowship to 25th International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ICTAM 2020+1) from USNC/TAM
Graduate Students
Libin Yang, Ph.D. Candidate
Research Focus on the multi-scale analysis of the structure-mechanics relationship of mycelium-based bio-composites. The long-term goal is further to develop the comprehension of the mycelium-based bio-composite material properties.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2019 - Present: Ph.D. student at Syracuse University
2018 - 2019: Master of Civil Engineering, Syracuse University
2011 - 2015: Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Renai college of TianJin University
Honors
Research Focus on the multi-scale analysis of the structure-mechanics relationship of mycelium-based bio-composites. The long-term goal is further to develop the comprehension of the mycelium-based bio-composite material properties.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2019 - Present: Ph.D. student at Syracuse University
2018 - 2019: Master of Civil Engineering, Syracuse University
2011 - 2015: Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Renai college of TianJin University
Honors
- Award for the MRS Fall Meeting Science as Art second place (2021)
- Award for the Syracuse University Engineering & Computer Science research day Civil and Environmental Engineering poster prize (2020).
- Yang L, Park D and Qin Z (2021) Material Function of Mycelium-Based Bio-Composite: A Review. Front. Mater. 8:737377. doi: 10.3389/fmats.2021.737377
- Mingrui Jiang, Ph.D. Student
My research focuses on how to make appropriate atomistic models for various biomaterials, and how atomistic simulation is capable of explaining experimental observations. For example, hemoglobin is the oxygen carrier in the human body, but its binding with carbon monoxide leads to hypoxia and threatening life. I studied the pattern of its binding with CO and O2 at the active site by DFT calculations and made an atomistic force field to illustrate how the O2-rich environment can drive the dissociation of CO (Jiang, Mingrui et al, 2024), aligning with the clinical practice of hyperbaric O2 therapy for patients with CO poisoning. I am also modeling the mycelium cell wall structure to study its behavior under different loading conditions.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2022-Present: Syracuse University, Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering
2020-2022: Syracuse University, MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering
2016-2020: ShanghaiTech University, BS in Material Science and Engineering
Publications
- Jiang, Mingrui, et al. "Binding of carbon monoxide to hemoglobin in an oxygen environment: force field development for molecular dynamics." Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation (2024).
- Cui, Junhe, et al. "Multiscale understanding in fracture resistance of bamboo skin." Extreme Mechanics Letters 49 (2021): 101480.
- Jiang, Mingrui, et al. "Predicting the conformations of the silk protein through deep learning." Analyst 146.8 (2021): 2490-2498.
Milad Masrouri, Ph.D. Student
Research Interest: Investigating structure-mechanics correlations in materials from molecular to macro scales.
I am a dedicated PhD student passionate about the intersection of advanced modeling techniques and machine learning. My research focuses on integrating multiscale modeling approaches – ranging from atomistic and coarse-grain models to finite element methods– with Generative AI to enhance predictions of material properties and develop innovative materials/structures with specific functionalities. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing soccer, watching movies, and exploring the tranquility of nature.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2022 - Present: Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University
2015 - 2018: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2011 - 2015: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Publications
Research Interest: Investigating structure-mechanics correlations in materials from molecular to macro scales.
I am a dedicated PhD student passionate about the intersection of advanced modeling techniques and machine learning. My research focuses on integrating multiscale modeling approaches – ranging from atomistic and coarse-grain models to finite element methods– with Generative AI to enhance predictions of material properties and develop innovative materials/structures with specific functionalities. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing soccer, watching movies, and exploring the tranquility of nature.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2022 - Present: Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University
2015 - 2018: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2011 - 2015: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Publications
- Milad Masrouri, Ghader Faraji, M. Sepehr Pedram, Mohammadreza Sadrkhah, In-vivo study of ultrafine-grained CP-Ti dental implants surface modified by SLActive with excellent wettability, International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, Volume 102, 2020.
- Masrouri M, Parvizi A. Slab analysis of front and back tensions effects on decreasing force and pressure in asymmetrical rolling process of unbonded clad sheet. Modares Mechanical Engineering. 2017; 17 (7) :431-440
Kamalendu Paul, Ph.D. Student
Work on simulation of multiscale nanomaterials with focus on the strength and thermal conductivity of materials like graphene, MoS2 and MXene. The long-term goal is to understand the mechanism of heat transfer and strength in these materials with varying architecture.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2019-Present: Ph.D. student at Syracuse University
2014-2019 – Bachelor and Masters in Physics from NISER, Bhubaneswar
Awards:
Summer Pre-Dissertation Fellowship for 2023
Work on simulation of multiscale nanomaterials with focus on the strength and thermal conductivity of materials like graphene, MoS2 and MXene. The long-term goal is to understand the mechanism of heat transfer and strength in these materials with varying architecture.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2019-Present: Ph.D. student at Syracuse University
2014-2019 – Bachelor and Masters in Physics from NISER, Bhubaneswar
Awards:
Summer Pre-Dissertation Fellowship for 2023
Gargi De, Ph.D. Student
Research interests focus on the use of waste materials in various construction materials, their adaptability, suitability and practicality as environment-friendly, cost-effective substitutes to the more traditional materials. In addition, the carbon sequestration process in mangroves and how that can be applied to construction materials manufactured using waste materials.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2021- Present: Student - Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Syracuse University
2016 - 2020: Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering, Amity University, Kolkata
Awards
Research interests focus on the use of waste materials in various construction materials, their adaptability, suitability and practicality as environment-friendly, cost-effective substitutes to the more traditional materials. In addition, the carbon sequestration process in mangroves and how that can be applied to construction materials manufactured using waste materials.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2021- Present: Student - Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Syracuse University
2016 - 2020: Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering, Amity University, Kolkata
Awards
- Shri Baljit Shastri Award For The Best in Human and Traditional values from Amity University Kolkata, in March 2021.
- Gold Medal along with a Citation for ranking ‘First in Academic Performance’ – B.Tech. Civil Engineering - from Amity University Kolkata, in March 2021.
- Gargi De, Shamim Raja, Avishek Mukherjee. “Stabilization of Expansive Soil Using Saw Dust”, Published by Springer Nature as Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering in Sustainability in Environmental Engineering and Science (Select Proceedings of SEES 2019), Sept. 2020.
- Sushovan Sarkar, Gargi De. “Energy Efficient Building to Fight Against Covid – 19”, on the theme of Engineering for Self Reliance and Sustainable Goals at the 35th Indian Engineering Congress, published by The Institute of Engineers (India), Technical Volume, December 18-20, 2020
- Gargi De. “ Towards Greater Sustainability in The Sundarbans”, Acta Scientific Agriculture (ISSN: 2581-365X),Volume 5 Issue 2 February 2021
- Gargi De. “Physical Model As A Tool For Studying River Problems - A Review”, International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts– IJCRT (ISSN: 2320-2882),Volume 9 Issue 5 May 2021
Akshay Vilas Jadhav, Graduate student
Research Interest: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to advance sustainable technology and material science.I am a driven Master’s student deeply interested in the convergence of AI, machine learning, and sustainable technology. My research centers around using Generative AI to design bioinspired composite materials and develop innovative solutions that improve material performance across a variety of industries. I focus on integrating machine learning techniques with advanced computational simulations to address challenges in sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impact. Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy exploring new technologies, working out, and immersing myself in outdoor adventures.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2023- Present: Student - Master of Science in Computer Science, Syracuse University
Research Interest: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to advance sustainable technology and material science.I am a driven Master’s student deeply interested in the convergence of AI, machine learning, and sustainable technology. My research centers around using Generative AI to design bioinspired composite materials and develop innovative solutions that improve material performance across a variety of industries. I focus on integrating machine learning techniques with advanced computational simulations to address challenges in sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impact. Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy exploring new technologies, working out, and immersing myself in outdoor adventures.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2023- Present: Student - Master of Science in Computer Science, Syracuse University
Saif Elsayed, Graduate student
Research interests focus on understanding and predicting the mechanical strength of materials through molecular dynamics simulations, in particular failure mechanisms of structural materials. The primary goal is to illuminate and accurately model the physical mechanisms that control material failure in real conditions.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2021 - Present: Master of Science student at Syracuse University.
2014 - 2018: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University
Publications
Research interests focus on understanding and predicting the mechanical strength of materials through molecular dynamics simulations, in particular failure mechanisms of structural materials. The primary goal is to illuminate and accurately model the physical mechanisms that control material failure in real conditions.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2021 - Present: Master of Science student at Syracuse University.
2014 - 2018: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University
Publications
- Shell microelectrode arrays (MEAs) for brain organoids, Q Huang, B Tang, JC Romero, Y Yang, SK Elsayed, G Pahapale, TJ Lee, .et al., Science Advances (2022), 8 (33), eabq5031
Stephen Goffredo, Graduate Student
Research interests focus on the bio-inspired mechanical enhancement of common construction materials, such as Portland cement, while studying the integration of modernized, advanced materials like carbon fiber. The long-term goal is to further the development of innovative methodologies that instruct the design of reinforced concrete members. This detailed knowledge, based on atomistic information, will help lead to smaller, lighter, and stronger concretes for robust infrastructure with longevity.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2021 - Present: MS, Civil Engineering; Structure and Materials Engineering Program, Syracuse University
2019 - Present: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Syracuse University
Honors and Awards
Research interests focus on the bio-inspired mechanical enhancement of common construction materials, such as Portland cement, while studying the integration of modernized, advanced materials like carbon fiber. The long-term goal is to further the development of innovative methodologies that instruct the design of reinforced concrete members. This detailed knowledge, based on atomistic information, will help lead to smaller, lighter, and stronger concretes for robust infrastructure with longevity.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2021 - Present: MS, Civil Engineering; Structure and Materials Engineering Program, Syracuse University
2019 - Present: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Syracuse University
Honors and Awards
- Member, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society (2021)
- Why mussel byssal plaques are tiny yet strong in attachment, DA Qureshi, S Goffredo, Y Kim, Y Han, M Guo, S Ryu, Z Qin, Matter (2022), 5 (2), 710-724
Aymeric Destrée, Graduate Student
Research interests focus on studying the pattern of silica particles in the skin of bamboo. The long-term goal is to develop an understanding of the relationship between this pattern and the tensile strength of bamboo during crack propagation. Studying the influence of silica particles on the mechanical properties of bamboo is important given the emergence of the material in sustainable construction.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2022 - Present: MS, Civil Engineering; Structure and Materials Engineering Program, Syracuse University
2019 - 2023: Undergraduate Civil Engineering student at Syracuse University
Awards
Research interests focus on studying the pattern of silica particles in the skin of bamboo. The long-term goal is to develop an understanding of the relationship between this pattern and the tensile strength of bamboo during crack propagation. Studying the influence of silica particles on the mechanical properties of bamboo is important given the emergence of the material in sustainable construction.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2022 - Present: MS, Civil Engineering; Structure and Materials Engineering Program, Syracuse University
2019 - 2023: Undergraduate Civil Engineering student at Syracuse University
Awards
- Initiated Tau Beta Pi member (2021)
- Patrick P. Lee Scholar (2021)
- Engineering and Computer Science Dean’s list (all semesters)
Undergraduate Students
Santiago Alejandro Carrillo
SU Undergraduate: 2021-Present (Lab Work: 2024-Present)
I am a Senior Undergraduate student who is fascinated in finding and researching new ways in which conventional construction methods could be swapped or improved. My research currently focuses on how music can affect the growth of Mycelium, as well as using mycelium as a bonding agent between certain fibers and soil. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, cooking (and mostly eating) good food, and getting some nice exercise by either going to the gym or playing tennis.
SU Undergraduate: 2021-Present (Lab Work: 2024-Present)
I am a Senior Undergraduate student who is fascinated in finding and researching new ways in which conventional construction methods could be swapped or improved. My research currently focuses on how music can affect the growth of Mycelium, as well as using mycelium as a bonding agent between certain fibers and soil. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, cooking (and mostly eating) good food, and getting some nice exercise by either going to the gym or playing tennis.
Ruohan Xu, Undergraduate, MAE
Research focus area is the mechanical structure of materials. I have done the research about the mechanical structure of the silicon as well as the pothole 3-D model design. Since I am an undergraduate student, my main goal is to work with the research group in order to better learning the research skills. Other interest include K-12 education and involving students in research.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2019 - Present: Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering, Syracuse University
Awards
Syracuse University Orange Circle Award, A Hand for Wuhan Fundraising Program, 2020
2020 Syracuse University Office of Student Living Resident of the Year & Student Leader Award
Publications
Design, manufacture, and testing of customized sterilizable respirator, R Xu, L Yang, Z Qin, Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials (2022), 131, 105248
Research focus area is the mechanical structure of materials. I have done the research about the mechanical structure of the silicon as well as the pothole 3-D model design. Since I am an undergraduate student, my main goal is to work with the research group in order to better learning the research skills. Other interest include K-12 education and involving students in research.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2019 - Present: Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering, Syracuse University
Awards
Syracuse University Orange Circle Award, A Hand for Wuhan Fundraising Program, 2020
2020 Syracuse University Office of Student Living Resident of the Year & Student Leader Award
Publications
Design, manufacture, and testing of customized sterilizable respirator, R Xu, L Yang, Z Qin, Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials (2022), 131, 105248
Jose Arturo Venegas, Undergraduate, CEE
Research interests focus on construction materials like composites by testing their architecture and properties. In the long-term I intend on further developing the understanding of the mechanics of innovative building materials and utilizing this information for the development of sustainable construction of infrastructure. This detailed knowledge, along with advancements in green energy, will open opportunities for cheaper, safer, and more efficient building mechanisms of infrastructure involved in the daily lives of people.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2021 - Present: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Energy and Its Impacts at Syracuse University
Research interests focus on construction materials like composites by testing their architecture and properties. In the long-term I intend on further developing the understanding of the mechanics of innovative building materials and utilizing this information for the development of sustainable construction of infrastructure. This detailed knowledge, along with advancements in green energy, will open opportunities for cheaper, safer, and more efficient building mechanisms of infrastructure involved in the daily lives of people.
Email: [email protected]
Education
2021 - Present: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Energy and Its Impacts at Syracuse University
Former Students and Collaborators
Mr. Michael Amponsah, Summer high school student, 2022
Ms. Anushka Joardar, Summer high school student, 2022
Mr. Sihan Liu, Visiting Student 2021, currently at Princeton Univeristy
Ms. Junhe Cui, Visiting Student 2020, currently at Columbia University
Mr. Daanish AleemQureshi, Visiting Student 2019, currently at Brown University
Ms. Anushka Joardar, Summer high school student, 2022
Mr. Sihan Liu, Visiting Student 2021, currently at Princeton Univeristy
Ms. Junhe Cui, Visiting Student 2020, currently at Columbia University
Mr. Daanish AleemQureshi, Visiting Student 2019, currently at Brown University
