Nima
Rahbar
Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
Associate Professor
Affiliated Department or Office
Mechanical Engineering
Education
BS Sharif University of Technology 1998
MS Northeastern University 2003
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.

Research areas/Expertise
Bioinspired Design of Materials
Civil Engineering
concrete

Media Coverage

Developing a sustainable concrete substitute

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

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