Dr. Mrinal Saha , University of Oklahoma , United States
Dr. Mrinal C. Saha is a Professor at the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics from Old Dominion University in 2001. With extensive experience in academia and research, Dr. Saha has made significant contributions to advanced materials and sensor technologies, including the development of self-powered sensors and environmental remediation technologies. His professional journey includes serving as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma. He is a seasoned researcher and innovator, holding patents and receiving various best paper awards. Throughout his career, he has been involved in interdisciplinary research, collaborating with experts across various fields to enhance engineering applications in structural health monitoring and nanocomposite technologies.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Strengths for the Award:
Mrinal C. Saha’s expertise in mechanical engineering, especially in material science and sensor technology, is highly relevant for interdisciplinary applications, including those in cell biology research. His research has focused on advanced materials such as composite structures, nanocomposites, and self-powered sensors, which could have implications for biosensors and medical devices used in cell biology. His work on embedding sensors in structures and developing multifunctional electrodes is particularly pertinent to cellular monitoring and bioengineering applications. Moreover, his collaborations with prominent researchers, as well as funding from various high-profile sources, demonstrate his ability to lead innovative projects with significant implications for multiple fields.
Areas for Improvement:
While Mrinal C. Saha’s work has an obvious focus on material science and mechanical engineering, his direct experience in cell biology research is less evident. Bridging the gap between his materials-focused research and cell biology could further enhance his suitability for the Cell Biology Research Award. Expanding his network to include collaborations with biologists and bioengineers could help integrate his expertise with biological research directly.
Education:
Dr. Mrinal C. Saha’s educational journey reflects his strong foundation in mechanical engineering. He obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics from Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA, in 2001. Before that, he earned an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA, in 1996. His academic journey began at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, where he completed both his MS and BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1992 and 1988, respectively. His education at BUET equipped him with a solid technical background that has supported his contributions to research in advanced composite materials, sensors, and nanotechnology. Dr. Saha’s academic credentials and his continuous pursuit of knowledge have played a crucial role in shaping his research career, allowing him to make significant strides in the field of mechanical engineering.
Experience:
Dr. Mrinal C. Saha brings a wealth of experience to his role as a Professor at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Saha has held various academic positions, starting as an Assistant Professor in 2006, advancing to Associate Professor in 2012, and ultimately becoming a full Professor in 2018. Throughout his tenure at OU, he has been involved in cutting-edge research and educational development in the areas of structural health monitoring, additive manufacturing, and nanocomposites. Prior to his current role, Dr. Saha contributed to research initiatives at Tuskegee University, collaborating on high-profile projects with the National Science Foundation and the Federal Aviation Administration. His leadership and collaborative research efforts have resulted in numerous funded projects, publications, and significant technological advancements in aerospace and mechanical engineering.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Mrinal C. Saha has earned multiple prestigious awards and recognitions for his research and academic contributions. He has been honored with best paper awards for his exceptional work in the areas of nanocomposite materials, sensors, and additive manufacturing. In addition to this, Dr. Saha holds a patent and has been involved in another patent disclosure, demonstrating his innovative contributions to the field. His research achievements have been recognized both nationally and internationally, underscoring his expertise and impact in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Dr. Saha’s work on embedded sensors, multifunctional electrodes, and self-powered technologies has led to significant advances in structural health monitoring and materials science. These accolades not only reflect his research capabilities but also his role as a leader in advancing engineering solutions for real-world applications. Dr. Saha’s continued success in securing research funding and publishing influential papers speaks to his academic excellence.
Research Focus:
Dr. Mrinal C. Saha’s research focuses on the development of advanced materials, self-powered sensors, and innovative manufacturing techniques. His work spans a wide range of areas, including nanocomposite materials, 3D printing, and multifunctional electrodes for environmental remediation and structural health monitoring. He specializes in the design and characterization of high-performance composite structures and sensors, emphasizing flexibility, sensitivity, and durability for various engineering applications. One of his primary research interests is the integration of embedded sensors into materials for real-time damage detection and monitoring. His work on electrospun nanofibers, piezoelectric nanogenerators, and flexoelectric sensors has led to groundbreaking advancements in self-powered systems for aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. Dr. Saha’s research is multidisciplinary, blending mechanical engineering, materials science, and sensor technologies to address challenges in the design and performance of smart structures and sustainable engineering solutions.
Publications Top Notes:
- Mondal, A., Saha, M.C., Rhule, D. (2025). Experimental Investigation of In-Plane Compressive Characteristics of 3D-Printed Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite Honeycomb Cores 🏗️📑
- Mondal, A., Saha, M.C. (2025). Characterization of In-plane Compressive Response of Triangular Honeycomb Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites 🧱📚
- Maity, K., Saha, M.C. (2025). Design of Flexible and Ultrasensitive 3D Printed Flexoelectric Sensors for Self-Powered Damage Detection ⚡🔧
- Mondal, A., Saha, M.C., Maity, K., Altan, M.C., Liu, Y. (2023). Analysis of Fiber Flow, Fiber Orientation, and Void Formation in Material Extrusion of Short Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites 🧵📊
- Rhule, D., Mondal, A., Saha, M.C., Cummings, L., Robison, T. (2023). Effect of Silica and Mixing Time on Microstructures and Properties of Porous Polymer Composite 🧪🧬
- Mondal, A., Saha, M.C. (2023). 3D Printing and Characterization of Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites 🖨️🔬
Conclusion:
Mrinal C. Saha’s background in materials science, sensor technology, and advanced manufacturing methods makes him a strong candidate for the Cell Biology Research Award, provided there is a greater focus on integrating his research with biological applications. His innovative work in sensors and nanocomposites could significantly contribute to advancing biosensors, tissue engineering, and other cell biology-related fields.