My teaching philosophy emphasises active, practice-based learning integrated with current research in mechanics, materials, and manufacturing. I aim to help students connect core engineering principles with hands-on experimentation, fabrication, and testing, enabling them to understand how analytical models translate to real structural and material behaviour. Through laboratory work, prototyping, and design projects, I encourage students to reason independently, evaluate trade-offs, and refine their designs through iterative improvement. I also incorporate contemporary research examples into coursework to illustrate how engineering knowledge evolves through experimentation, modelling, and critical evaluation.
I am prepared to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the field of mechanical engineering:
Core Mechanical / Materials / Manufacturing Courses
Engineering Materials
Mechanics of Solids
Design and Manufacturing
Mechanical Behaviour and Failure Analysis
Advanced / Elective Courses
Additive Manufacturing
Composite Materials
Smart and Functional Materials
University of Michigan — Laboratory Instructor (AE516 Mechanics of Composites)
Led laboratory sessions on composite fabrication, mechanical testing, and data interpretation
Guided students in linking analytical flexrual model of composite panels to experimental behaviour
Redesigned instructional segments to improve understanding of stress–strain relationships when considering specific experimental setup
Gave a recitation class about the micromechanics of composites
Shanghai Jiao Tong University — Teaching Assistant (VM350 Design and Manufacturing II)
Assisted students in CAD modelling, prototyping, and mechatronics integration
Supported team-based design projects and evaluated design functionality
Encouraged creative approaches to mechanical design problems
Mentoring has been a central part of my academic development, and I consider it one of my strongest contributions to research and education. I have mentored multiple Master’s and early-stage PhD students across diverse cultural and national backgrounds, including students from China, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Italy. Working with students from such varied academic and cultural contexts has shaped my mentoring philosophy, which emphasizes communication, inclusivity, and the development of independent research ability.
During my PhD at the University of Michigan, I supervised students working on composite fabrication, additive manufacturing, piezoelectric materials, and sensing systems. I provided guidance in experimental planning, technical troubleshooting, data analysis, and manuscript development. Several of these collaborations resulted in peer-reviewed journal publications (e.g., Nano Energy 2022, Composites Science and Technology 2022), demonstrating my ability to coordinate research direction, maintain scientific rigor, and help students contribute meaningfully to high-impact work.
In my current postdoctoral role at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I mentor Master’s and PhD students working in biodegradable materials, mechanical testing, and soft actuator or device development. I encourage students to formulate hypotheses, justify design decisions, and take ownership of their projects. My goal is to help them become confident, independent researchers who can apply critical thinking to both scientific challenges and broader engineering problems.
I view mentoring not only as a responsibility but as an opportunity to cultivate the next generation of researchers and engineers. Many of my mentees have continued to advanced degrees, gained authorship on publications, or pursued research careers, which I consider a meaningful indicator of mentoring success.