Dr. Christian Mathew | Engineering | Editorial Board Member 

Dr. Christian Chukwudi Mathew is a dedicated engineering researcher whose work spans solid mechanics, computational modeling, corrosion science, and the behavior of advanced materials, reflecting a rich academic journey rooted in Civil Engineering and advanced studies in Engineering Mechanics at Virginia Tech, where he serves as a Graduate Teaching and Research Fellow. With 24 publications, more than 3,200 reads, and over 300 citations, he has developed a strong research profile marked by innovation, multidisciplinary expertise, and a commitment to addressing real-world material challenges. His work integrates finite element modeling, phase field modeling, fracture mechanics, fatigue behavior, and composite materials, enabling him to explore how materials deform, crack, corrode, and fail under complex mechanical and environmental conditions. His doctoral research particularly emphasizes phase field numerical modeling of stress corrosion cracking, contributing refined multiphysics frameworks that couple electrochemical processes with mechanical responses in both isotropic and anisotropic materials. Beyond corrosion and fracture studies, he has contributed significantly to the mechanical characterization and modeling of multilayered composites, functionally graded materials, thin-walled structures, and fiber-reinforced concretes—collaborating extensively with researchers across institutions in the United States, Germany, and Nigeria. Earlier academic experiences include serving as an MSc researcher at TUD Dresden University of Technology and conducting research at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, roles that strengthened his foundation in structural mechanics and civil infrastructure materials. Christian has also authored impactful review works on cutting-edge topics such as AI-driven approaches for predicting stress corrosion cracking and advancements in the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM), highlighting his capacity to bridge traditional engineering analysis with emerging computational innovations. His contributions extend to environmental studies, including investigations into heavy metal contamination and corrosion inhibition, demonstrating versatility beyond core mechanical research. Supported by collaborations with notable scholars and involvement in Yao Fu’s lab at Virginia Tech, Christian continues to advance scientific understanding in materials durability, computational mechanics, and structural integrity. His growing body of work positions him as a promising researcher whose expertise contributes to safer materials, more resilient infrastructure, and more predictive engineering models across academia and industry.