Meet Our Team
The Integrated Multi-Physics laboratory is located in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. The lab focuses on investigating multi-physics, multi-scale phenomena through the integration of theoretical, experimental, and computational analysis combined with data sciences. Coupled multi-physics phenomena are defined as those with at least two independent physical processes in one or multiple regimes, typically involving the solution of coupled systems of partial differential equations, such as fluid injection into heterogeneous porous media or the impact of chemical corrosion at fracture tips.
Principal Investigator: Pania Newell
Associate Professor , Mechanical Engineering (1 Jul 2023 - present)
Adjunct Faculty , Kahlert School of Computing, The University of Utah
Adjunct Faculty , Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Utah
Elected Affiliate , Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, The University of Utah
Post-Doc, Engineering Sciences, Sandia National Laboratories, 2011-2012
Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Colorado-Boulder, 2011
M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Colorado-Boulder, 2009
M.S., Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico, 2006
B.S., Civil Engineering, Baha'i Institute for Higher Education, 2001
Pania Newell investigates multi-physics and multi-scale phenomena through theoretical, experimental, and computational analysis integrated with data sciences to solve coupled systems of partial differential equations.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr. Minh Chien Trinh
Dr. Minh Chien Trinh is currently a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah, where he works on a range of computational engineering projects. He earned his integrated Master’s and Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Sejong University in South Korea in 2020. Since 2021, he has also served as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical System Engineering at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea. His research interests include computational mechanics, mechanics of materials, biomechanics, fracture mechanics, machine learning, advanced engineering simulations, structural analysis, and AI-driven applications. Outside of research, he enjoys playing tennis and guitar.
Dr. Arijit Pradhan
Dr. Arijit Pradhan is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah, where his research spans the broad domain of computational mechanics. He earned his Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in 2019, and went on to complete his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Washington State University in 2026. During his doctoral studies, he focused on developing design methods for manufacturability-aware architected fiber reinforced composites. His primary research interests include scientific machine learning, topology optimization, and architected material modeling. In his free time, Arijit enjoys hiking, running, and playing the flute.
Graduate Student
Ryan Nielsen
Ryan Nielsen is currently a PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering program. He received his bachelor of science from the University of Utah in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Solid Mechanics. He currently works in the aerospace industry as an engineer for Williams International. During his free time, Ryan enjoys traveling, playing music, rock climbing and skateboarding.
Project: Thermo-mechanical homogenization in porous materials.
Sponsor: Industry
David (Jiseok) Han
David (Jiseok) Han is a Ph.D. student in the Mechanical Engineering program. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Hanbat National University in South Korea. His research interests include computational modeling and multiphysics simulation of nanostructured materials. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and cooking.
Mohamed Essam
Mohamed Essam is a masters student in the ME program. He received his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Power Engineering from Cairo University. He has worked as a Piping Design Engineer at Saudi Aramco and various national companies in Egypt after his bachelor's degree. In his free time, they enjoy horse riding, swimming, and reading. His current research focuses on the micro/macro mechanical characterization of porous materials.
Dallin Baird
Dallin Baird is an aircraft structures engineer for the U.S. Air Force. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Weber State University. His interests include mountain biking, triathlons, CAD, and 3D printing, and he regularly shares his projects and designs on maker platforms.
Undergraduate Student
Neeraja Vasa
Neeraja Vasa is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Business. She is inquisitive and likes to explore new things. In her free time, she likes to make art, dance, cook, and watch movies.
Jackson Carter
Jackson Carter is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He is passionate about understanding problems fully and applying knowledge to find and develop solutions. He hopes to further expand his knowledge of the world and contribute to solutions for real-world problems. Outside of class and studies, he enjoys design and 3D Printing, spending time with family, and reading.
Una Willhoite
Una Willhoite currently in the undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Utah. She is very passionate about the environment and sustainability and wants to learn actionable ways to protect our planet. Outside of school, she is a short track speed skater and hopes to be able to compete in the Olympics someday.
Brooke Evans
Brooke Evans is a third-year undergraduate student from Las Vegas studying Mechanical Engineering. She was driven into this area of study by her love of math and problem solving. In her free time she enjoys playing volleyball and baking.
Kai Shapiro
Kai Shapiro grew up in Reno, Nevada and came to the University of Utah because of the outdoors. In his free time, he loves to snowboard, play Catan with friends, and volunteer. He is a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and has served on its executive board for three semesters. A fun fact about him is that last summer he rode a bicycle from San Franscico to Washington, DC.
Woosung Han
Woosung Han is a third year mechanical engineering student who is passionate about applying classroom concepts to solving real world problems. He is eager to deepen his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions and gain hands on experience addressing real life challenges. Outside of academica, he enjoys traveling and exploring natural landscapes, which inspires his curiosity and appreciation for the world around him.
Research Positions Available
Positions are currently available for post-docs, graduate and undergraduate students interested in the study of multi-scale, multi-physics. Please contact Dr. Newell directly at pania.newell@utah.edu .
