New Faculty Member, 2021-22
Masoud Yekani Fard
Lecturer, Mechanical and aerospace engineering
Masoud Yekani Fard received his doctorate from Arizona State University back in 2011. Fast forward more than a decade and Yekani Fard is right back where it all started — this time as lecturer. For Yekani Fard, being a faculty member in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is the perfect marriage of his STEM interests and his desire to help others who are learning the field.
“I love science and engineering, and I enjoy working with students,” Yekani Fard says.
Yekani Fard’s expertise lies in solid mechanics, composite and nanocomposite materials, material characterization and modeling. During his time with the Fulton Schools, including in his previous position as an associate research professor, Yekani Fard has taught a broad range of classes. In the spring, he taught Materials and Manufacturing Processes, Computer-Aided Engineering II and Principles of Mechanical Design in addition to overseeing individualized research, applied projects, research and honors theses.
Yekani Fard is a valuable mentor for his students, providing critical insight and guidance through challenging projects. To date, Yekani Fard has mentored 20 students through their projects, including students participating in the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative, or FURI program, and the Master’s Opportunity for Research in Engineering, or MORE program.
In one of these projects, entitled “Characterization of the CNT Agglomerate Interphase in a Three-Phase Nanocomposite,” Yekani Fard mentored a mechanical engineering student who also was awarded a W. L. Gore & Associates sponsorship.
Because of his impeccable guidance and the high level of care he shows his students, the student lauded Yekani Fard for the impact that he made to him and his research.
“Dr. Masoud Yekani Fard has had a huge impact on my outlook as a student and an engineer,” the student says. “His passion has inspired me to work hard and cultivate my own passion. Dr. Yekani Fard is also exceptional at sharing his knowledge with students. I have learned a lot about our research topic from our conversations.”
Meet the newest faculty members of the Fulton Schools of Engineering here.