Introducing New Faculty Member - Dr. Vikas Tomar

Event Date: May 13, 2009
The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics welcomes new faculty member Dr. Vikas Tomar. He joins the school as Assistant Professor in the structures and materials group beginning in the fall of 2009.

Dr. Tomar received his PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology in December 2005. He has been working as an assistant professor of the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Notre Dame since the fall of 2006.

His research focus is on molecular and continuum modeling combined with some degree of characterization of failure in nanostructured as well as microstructured ceramic composites, quantum dots, and ceramicbio hybrid systems and materials. Recent focus include coupling of thermal, electrical, photo, and mechanical behaviors.

Through his research, he hopes to make fundamental contributions for advancements in the field of material and systems for aerospace, energy, and medicine. He has written numerous technical articles including 23 journal publications, 1 book chapter, 1 edited journal special issue, and 1 edited volume on conference proceedings.

Funding for his work has come from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Army, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Recent honors include the 2008 AFOSR Young Investigator Award.

In addition to his research, Dr. Tomar has significantly invested in teaching and outreach activities including establishing a pre-engineering program at West Side High School in Gary, Indiana.