joseph najem

assistant professor

About

Research has allowed me to investigate, solve, prove, and develop new ideas and theories. It has served as a confirmation that I want to be a professor in the field one day. Specifically, I envision myself working in a field that combines the breadth of mechanical engineering with the sciences – physical, life, and social. I want my expertise to be in a field that enhances the quality of life.

Country

united states

City

state college

Industry

mechanical or industrial engineering

Skill

microsoft office, microsoft excel, microsoft word, powerpoint, customer service, c++, english, windows, research, outlook, photoshop, c, teaching, html, public speaking, labview, matlab, science, robotics, microfabrication, simulink, autocad, mechanical engineering, engineering

Experience

phd candidate and graduate research assistant

virginia tech

2012-5 - 2015-12 · 3 yrs 8 mos

* First to achieve the incorporation and mechanical activation of mechanosensitive channel (MscL) in a droplet interface bilayer system. * Studied the physics of MscL activation in a droplet interface bilayer system. * Developed a micropipette-based technique to study the mechano-electrical behavior of droplet interface bilayers.

postdoctoral research associate

university of georgia college of engineering

2015-11 - 2016-11 · 1 yr 1 mo

* Studied deterioration of cell membrane in the presence of nitric oxide. * Studied use of mechanosensitive channels as tension sensors in hydrogel-supported droplet interface bilayers. * Studied the incorporation and activation of proteorhodopsin in droplet interface bilayers. * Designed 3D printer to print tissue-like materials composed of arrays of cell-sized droplet interface bilayers.

postdoctoral research associate

joint institute for biological sciences

2017-3 - Present · 9 yrs 7 mos

graduate research assistant

virginia tech

2010-8 - 2012-5 · 1 yr 10 mos

* Designed and developed a biomimetic robotic jellyfish that uses ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators. * Improved performance of IPMC actuators by changing the chemical composition of the material. * Studied behaviors of different jellyfish species.

assistant professor

penn state university

2019-8 - Present · 7 yrs 2 mos

Education

virginia tech

2012-1 - 2015-1 · 3 yrs 1 mo

lebanese american university

mechanical engineering

2004-1 - 2009-1 · 5 yrs 1 mo

Activities and Societies: ASME

virginia tech

mechanical engineering

2010-1 - 2012-1 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Activities and Societies: Tau Beta Pi, ASME, SPIE, Cedars of Lebanon

virginia tech

mechanical engineering

2012-1 - 2015-1 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Thesis Topic: “Design and Development of a Bio-inspired Robotic Jellyﬁsh Actuated by Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuators” * Advisor: Donald J. Leo Activities and Societies: Tau Beta Pi, ASME, SPIE, Cedars of Lebanon