Dr. Christian Mathew, Engineering Mechanics, Best Researcher Award

Professional Experience:

Dr. Mathew’s professional journey is marked by a series of impactful academic and research appointments. At Virginia Tech, he serves as an Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering and as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant in the Department of Engineering Mechanics since 2021. His role involves developing and refining multiphysics phase field models and finite element models, analyzing experimental data, and conducting large-deformation solid mechanics simulations.

Previously, at the Technical University of Dresden (2017-2021), Dr. Mathew contributed to modeling plasticity in anisotropic metallic materials, implementing models in finite element codes, and leading verification and validation efforts. His industry experience includes working as an engineer at CHRITZEC NIG LIMITED (2015-2017), where he was responsible for interpreting technical drawings, characterizing building materials, supervising construction sites, and managing procurement and materials.

Research and Innovations:

Dr. Mathew’s research interests lie at the intersection of solid mechanics, composite materials, and computational modeling. His specific areas of focus include:

• Solid mechanics and composite laminates
• Environment-assisted fracture and fatigue behavior
• Computationally guided innovative materials and manufacturing design
• Multi-scale simulation modeling of microstructural evolution in additive manufacturing processes
• Phase field modeling