Nima Rahbar

Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering

White Family Distinguished Professor & Department Head

AFFILIATED DEPARTMENT OR OFFICE

Mechanical Engineering

EDUCATION

BS Sharif University of Technology 1998

PhD Princeton University 2008

Expert Bio

Professor Rahbar studies the fundamental principles that control the behavior of materials in engineering and biology at multiple scales particularly the bioinspired design of materials and structures. In this field, studying biological materials leads to the design of high-performance materials and structures. For example, Prof. Rahbar's lab has created bioinspired dental ceramic crowns that last longer than the current dental crowns; studied the fracture properties of bamboo as a sustainable structural material, and researched the fracture and fatigue of materials and structures in ceramics. His team was also involved with the repair of the Adam statue at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Some of his most recent work involves developing self-healing concrete and a sustainable concrete substitute.

Media Coverage

See More Media Coverage

Interesting Engineering

Scientists develop recyclable building material that absorbs CO2 instead of emitting it

Multiple media outlets reported on research that has created a new carbon-negative building material with the goal of contributing to sustainable construction. The team led by Nima Rahbar, the Ralph H. White Family Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, engineered the enzymatic structural material using an enzyme that helps convert carbon dioxide into solid mineral particles. The research was recently published in the journal Matter.

Science Daily

Developing a sustainable concrete substitute

Science Daily covered the continued collaboration between Professor Suzanne Scarlata and Associate Professor Nima Rahbar to develop their Enzymatic Construction Material – a sustainable, low-cost replacement for concrete that can also heal itself. Scarlata and Rahbar recently received a nearly $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to refine the material, explore its ability to repair cracks in glass, and create educational programs for girls in Worcester and Nigeria.

For media inquiries please contact:

Colleen B Wamback Associate Director, Public Relations

Colleen B Wamback
Director of Public Relations

Jon Cain Senior Public Relations Manager

Jon Cain
Senior Public Relations Manager

Need someone quickly?

If you are a reporter on deadline please email experts@wpi.edu or text (774) 701-1902 for assistance.