Ms. Slesha Tuladhar | Paramount Planet Product | United States
Slesha Tuladhar is a dynamic and multidisciplinary researcher specializing in sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative thinking, thanks to her triple bachelor’s degrees in Sustainable Product Design, Architecture, and Business Administration from Keene State College. Her passion for innovation and sustainability is evident in her groundbreaking work with hydrogels and 3D bioprinting technologies. Slesha has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, focusing on optimizing the rheological properties of bio-inks and cellulose-derived materials. She is actively involved in teaching and mentoring, and serves on the University of Maine’s Graduate Sustainability Committee. With numerous accolades, including National Science Foundation travel grants and leadership roles in academic organizations, Slesha stands out as a forward-thinking researcher poised to make significant contributions to the future of sustainable manufacturing.
Publication Profile:
Education:
Slesha Tuladhar is currently a Master of Science candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine, expecting to graduate . Her thesis focuses on “Free Hanging Hydrogel Droplet Formation for 3D Cell Culturing,” reflecting her deep engagement in biofabrication research. She holds three bachelor’s degrees from Keene State College, each earned with distinction (GPA: 4.0): Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Product Design and Innovation, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Her academic path reflects a rare convergence of design, engineering, and business principles, positioning her to lead in both research and applied industry settings. Throughout her education, she has focused on sustainable solutions, material science, and advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly in the field of 3D bioprinting with cellulose-based hydrogels. This well-rounded and rigorous academic background lays the foundation for her impactful research contributions.
Experience:
Slesha has gained extensive hands-on research and teaching experience across both undergraduate and graduate levels. As a Research Assistant at the University of Maine, she investigates cellulose-based hydrogels, optimizing rheological properties for 3D bioprinting. She concurrently serves as a Teaching Assistant, supporting courses in Manufacturing and Materials Engineering. Here, she mentors students in processes including casting, molding, milling, forming, and additive manufacturing. Prior to this, at Keene State College, she led research projects on hybrid hydrogels, culminating in several peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Her work explored the integration of Tempo-Mediated Nanofiber Cellulose and Carboxymethyl Cellulose into bio-inks for sustainable manufacturing. Slesha has presented at national conferences, collaborated with faculty on high-level research, and led student organizations, including her role as President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Her experience combines experimental rigor, educational impact, and leadership — all core qualities for a leading researcher.
Honors and Awards:
Slesha Tuladhar’s academic journey has been decorated with numerous honors and awards that reflect her excellence in research, leadership, and service. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) student travel grant for her work on hydrogel-based bioprinting. At Keene State College, she was awarded the Peter Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Endowment, recognizing her academic distinction and research contributions. Slesha was also supported throughout her undergraduate career by the Little Sister’s Fund (LSF) Scholarship, awarded for outstanding potential and academic commitment. Her work has garnered attention across academic communities and the media, featured in outlets like New Hampshire Business Review, Union Leader, and the EPSCoR Idea Foundation. Additionally, she held leadership positions, including serving as President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and Graduate Student Senator at the University of Maine. These accolades underscore her potential as a transformative researcher and emerging leader in sustainable technologies.
Research Focus:
Slesha Tuladhar’s research lies at the intersection of material science, biofabrication, and sustainability. Her work focuses on the formulation and rheological optimization of hydrogel-based bio-inks, with a special emphasis on cellulose-derived polymers like Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) and Tempo-Oxidized Nanofiber Cellulose (TONFC). She investigates how parameters like shear rate, solid content, and fiber integration impact 3D printability and scaffold fidelity, with applications in tissue engineering and sustainable manufacturing. Through her thesis on “Free Hanging Hydrogel Droplet Formation for 3D Cell Culturing,” she explores innovative methods for precision cell placement and viability. Her long-term vision involves developing biocompatible and environmentally sustainable materials that can replace synthetic polymers in biomedical and industrial applications. Her work contributes both theoretical insights (via rheological modeling) and practical methodologies (via extrusion-based bioprinting), making it impactful for academic, clinical, and commercial fields. She integrates engineering precision with ecological responsibility, aiming to reshape future manufacturing practices.
Publications Top Notes:
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Tuning Shear Thinning Factors of 3D Bio-Printable Hydrogels Using Short Fiber – Materials
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Controlling Rheological Properties of Hybrid Hydrogel Using Short Fiber for Extrusion-Based 3D Bioprinting – ASME MSEC
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Developing Hybrid Hydrogels for Full-Scale Scaffold Fabrication Using Extrusion-Based Bioprinting Process – ASME MSEC
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Pre-Crosslinked Hybrid Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Process: Rheological Analysis – ASME MSEC
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Rheological Analysis of Low Viscosity Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Processes – ASME MSEC
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Rheological Study of Highly Thixotropic Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Processes – IIE Conference Proceedings
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Modulating Rheological Characteristics of Bio-Ink with Component Weight and Shear Rate for Enhanced Scaffold Fidelity – Bioprinting, (Link Disabled)
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Fine-Tuning Rheological Properties of 3D Bio-Printable Hybrid Hydrogel by Controlling Component Solid Content – Conference Paper,
(Additional journal titles not provided, assuming 12 total in the record)