Zahra Shahbazi

Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Zahra Shahbazi is a professor of mechanical engineering. Her research eara are computational modeling of protein molecules, robotics and computational kinematics, finite element analysis, additive manufacturing, machine learning and engineering education. 

She is the current chair of Council for Faculty Affairs (CFA). She has served as ASME's IDETC-DEC conference chair, NSF grant reviewer and advisor for several student clubs. 

Education

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tehran
  • M.S. in Biomechanical Engineering from Amirkabir University
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Connecticut
  • Graduate Certificate in College Instruction, University of Connecticut

Courses Taught

  • ENGS 115    Introduction to Engineering
  • PHYS 160    Survey of Engineering
  • MECH 211   Technical and Graphical Communication
  • MECH 332    Finite Element Analysis and Computer Aided Engineering
  • MECH 411    Mechanical Vibrations
  • MECH 401    Mechanical Engineering Design I
  • MECH 402    Mechanical Engineering Design II
  • MECH 408    Mechanical Engineering Projects I
  • MECH 427    Special Topics, Research Project
  • MECG 548    Introduction to Robotics
  • MECG 541    Special Topics in Engineering Mathematics 
  • MECG 630    Control systems theory and applications 
  • ENGG 614    Engineering Mathematics
  • MECG 642    Artificial Intelligence Applications in Mechanical Engineering
  • MECG 746    Research Project in Mechanical Engineering

 

  • Research
    •  Design and Simulation of Nano-bio Mechanical Systems
    • Machine Learning
    • Robotics & Computational Kinematics
    •  Finite Element Analysis of Tree Branches
    •  Additive manufacturing 
    • Engineering Education
  • Publications and Scholarly Activities

    Publications:

    Book Chapter

    Shahbazi, Z., Poursina, M. (2021). Protein Kinematics. In: Ang, M.H., Khatib, O., Siciliano, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Robotics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41610-1

    Peer Reviewed Journal Papers

    1.  Sprague, A. Tavousi, P., Shahbazmohamadi, S., & Shahbazi, Z. (2022). Automatic Nondestructive Detection of Damages in Thermal Barrier Coatings Using Image Processing and Machine Learning. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 28(S1), 3068-3072. doi:10.1017/S1431927622011448 
    2. Konnik, M., Ahmadi, B., May, N., Favata, J., Shahbazi, Z., Shahbazmohamadi, S., Tavousi, P. (2021). Training AI-Based Feature Extraction Algorithms, for Micro CT Images, Using Synthesized Data. Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation, 40(25).
    3. Konnik, M., Ahmadi, B., May, N., Favata, J., Shahbazi, Z., Shahbazmohamadi, S., Tavousi, P. (2020). AI-based feature detection in X-ray-CT images using synthesized data. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 26, 2116 – 2120.
    4. Ahmadi, B., May, N., Snider-Drysdale, S., Tavousi, P., Shahbazi, Z., Di Mase, D., Shahbazmohamadi, S. (2020). A new fast helium ion imaging technique through rapid acquiring and restoring using the point spread function deconvolution method. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 26, 1728 – 1731.
    5. Tavousi, P., Shahbazi, Z., Shahbazmohamadi, S. (2020). AI-based brain image segmentation using synthesized data. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 26, 694 – 697.
    6. Ahmadi, B., Heredia, R., Shahbazmohamadi, S., Shahbazi, Z. (2020). Non-destructive automatic die-level defect detection of counterfeit microelectronics using machine vision. Microelectronics Reliability, 114, 113893.
    7. Zahra Shahbazi, Devon Keane*, Doemenick Avanzi*and Lance Evans, “Automated Finite Element Analysis on Tree Branches”. American Society of Mechanical Engineering Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering (ASME. J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng.) (2017);17(4):041008-041008-9. doi:10.1115/1.4036556. 
    8.  Frank Celentano*, Richard Dipasquale*, Edward Simoneau*, Nicholas May*, Zahra Shahbazi and Sina Shahbazmohamadi, “Reverse Engineering and Geometric Optimization for Resurrecting Antique Saxophone Sound using micro-CT and additive manufacturing”. American Society of Mechanical Engineering Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering (ASME. J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng.) (2017), 17(3):034501- 034501-9. doi: 10.1115/1.4037180. 
    9.  Zahra Shahbazi, “Mechanical Model of Hydrogen Bonds in Protein molecules”, American Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 3, no. 2 (2015): pp 47-54. doi: 10.12691/ajme-3-2-3 
    10.  Zahra Shahbazi, Allison Kaminski* and Lance Evans, “Mechanical Stress Analysis of Tree Branches” American Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 3, no. 2 (2015): 32-40. doi: 10.12691/ajme-3-2-1. 
    11.  Zahra Shahbazi and Ahmet Demirtas*, “Rigidity analysis of protein molecules”. American Society of Mechanical Engineering Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering (ASME. J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng.) (2015); 15(3):031009-031009-6. doi:10.1115/1.4029977. 
    12. Zahra Shahbazi, Tais A.P.F. Pimentel, Horea Ilies, Kazem Kazerounian, Peter Burkhard, "A Kinematic Observation and Conjecture for Stable Construct of a Peptide Nanoparticle", Advances in Robot Kinematics, Issue on Motion in Man and Machine, (J. Lenarcic & M. Stanisoc editors), ISBN 978-90-481-9261-8, Springer Science & Business Media, June 2010.
    13. Zahra Shahbazi, Horea Ilies, Kazem Kazerounian, “Hydrogen Bonds and Kinematic Mobility of Protein Molecules", Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, Vol 2. no. 2, May 2010, pp 021009-1,9. 

    Peer Reviewed Conference papers and presentations: 

    1.  Sprague, A., Tavousi, P., Shahbazmohamadi, S., Shahbazi, Z. Automatic Nondestructive Detection of Damages in Thermal Barrier Coatings Using Image Processing and Machine Learning. Microscopy and Microanalysis conference, Portland, Oregon, Aug. 2022.

    2. Ahmadi, B., May, N., Snider-Drysdale, S., Tavousi, p., Shahbazi, Z., Di Mase, D., Shahbazmohamadi, S. (2020). A new fast helium ion imaging technique through rapid acquiring and restoring using the point spread function deconvolution method. Microscopy & Microanalysis (M&M) 2020, virtual conference.

    3. Tavousi, P., Shahbazi, Z., Shahbazmohamadi, S. AI-based brain image segmentation using synthesized data. Microscopy & Microanalysis (M&M) 2020, virtual conference.

    4. Konnik, M., Ahmadi, B., May, N., Favata, J., Shahbazi, Z., Shahbazmohamadi, S., Tavousi, P. AI-based feature detection in X-ray-CT images using synthesized data. Microscopy & Microanalysis (M&M) 2020 virtual conference.

    5. Ahmadi, B., Heredia, R., Shahbazmohamadi, S., Shahbazi, Z. Non-destructive Automatic Die-Level Defect Detection of Counterfeit Microelectronics using Machine Vision. ESREF 2020 (31st European Symposium on Reliability of Electron Devices, Failure Physics and Analysis) virtual conference.

    6. Jacobs, M., Shahbazi, Z. (2019). Best practices in encouraging STEM majors among 6-12 students. Tampa Fl, 2019 ASEE Conference. (18 pages)

    7. Mary Ann Jacobs Zahra Shahbazi, “Bridging Diverse Disciplines: Engineers and Educators Expand STEM Pipeline”, ASEE 2019 Annual Conference, Tampa, Fl. 2019.

    8. Mary Ann Jacobs Zahra Shahbazi, “Best practices in encouraging STEM majors among 6-12 students”, AAC& U/PKAL Transforming STEM Higher Education Conference,Chicago, IL, 2019.

    9. Joseph Brucculeri, Lance Evans, and Zahra Shahbazi “Automated Quantitative Analysis of Terminal Tree Branch Similarity by 3D registration”, IDETC/CIE conference, Cleveland, OH 2017. 

    10. Zahra Shahbazi, Sr. MaryAnn Jacobs, Alexandra Lehnes, Kathleen Mancuso and Anthony Scotti, “Improving the Professional Skills of Engineering Undergraduates” 124th Annual Conference of ASEE (American Society of Engineering Education), Columbus, Ohio, 2017. 

    11. MaryAnn Jacobs, Zahra Shahbazi, Anthony Scotti, Kathleen Mancuso, and Alexandra Lehnes, “From Professor to Teacher: Who Knows What Engineering Is Best in the K-12 Classroom?” 124th Annual Conference of ASEE (American Society of Engineering Education), Columbus, Ohio, 2017.

    12. Devon Keane, Doemenick Avanzi, Lance Evans and Zahra Shahbazi “Automated Finite Element Analysis on Tree Branches”. ASME. International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Volume 1A: 36th Computers and Information in Engineering Conference: V01AT02A009. doi:10.1115/DETC2016-60508. 

    13. Frank Celentano, Richard Dipasquale, Edward Simoneau, Nicholas May, Zahra Shahbazi, and Sina Shahbazmohamadi, “3D Printing for Manufacturing Antique and Modern Musical Instrument Parts”, Submitted to ASME-IMECE 2016 conference, Phoenix, Arizona 2016. 

    14. Zahra Shahbazi, Sr. MaryAnn Jacobs, Alexandra Emma Lehnes, and Kathleen Christal Mancuso, “Engineering Ambassadors: Bridging the Gap between Engineering and Education Undergraduates and Middle and High School Students”, 123rd Annual Conference of ASEE (American Society of Engineering Education), New Orleans, LA 2016.

    15. MaryAnn Jacobs, Zahra Shahbazi, Kathleen Mancuso, and Alexandra Lehnes, “Hands-on STEM Lesson Plans Developed through Engineering Faculty and STEM Teacher Collaboration”, 123rd Annual Conference of ASEE (American Society of Engineering Education), New Orleans, LA 2016. 

    16. Zahra Shahbazi, MaryAnn Jacobs, Alexandra Lehnes, and Kathleen Mancuso, “Designing integrated STEM education: Linking STEM teachers and learners in a K-20 continuum”. IDETC/CIE conference, Charlotte, NC 2016. DETC2016-60288, doi: 10.1115/DETC2016-60288. 

    17. Zahra Shahbazi, “Rigidity Analysis of Protein Molecules”, International Symposium on Lasallian Research, Minnesota, Sep. 2015.

    18. Zahra Shahbazi, and Sr. MaryAnn Jacobs, “Best Practices Learned from Manhattan College Engineering Scholars Training and Retention (STAR) Program”, International Symposium on Lasallian Research, Minnesota, Sep. 2015.

    19. Allison Kaminski, Simon Mysliwiec, Zahra Shahbazi, Lance Evans, “Stress Analysis Along Tree Branches”, ASME 2014 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and exposition, Nov. 2014, Montreal, Canada. doi:10.1115/IMECE2014-37726. 

    20. Sina Shahbazmohamadi, Robert Howe, Richard Bass, and Zahra Shahbazi, “Antique Musical Instruments: Non-destructive 3D Analysis for measurement and Duplication Using Avizo Fire”, Americas Amira-Avizo User Group Meeting, Oct 2014, Boston, MA.

    21. Ahmet Demirtas and Zahra Shahbazi, “An Optimized Kinematic Mobility Analysis of Protein Molecules”, ASME 2014 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Aug. 2014, Buffalo, NY. doi:10.1115/DETC2014-34783 

    22. Zahra Shahbazi, and Graham Walker, “A Sophomore Proto-Simulation Course”, ASEE (American Society of Engineering Education) Engineering Design Graphics Division: 68th Midyear Conference, Web of Graphics, Worcester, MA, 2013. 

    23. Zahra Shahbazi, and Sina Shahbazmohamadi, “A novel game-based approach for teaching an engineering course: Implementation in Mechanical Vibration course”, 120th Annual Conference of ASEE (American Society of Engineering Education), Atlanta, GA, 2013. 

    24. Zahra Shahbazi, and Sina Shahbazmohamadi, “From Black boards to Digital boards: Students and Professors Experience Challenges and Remedies”, 120th Annual Conference of ASEE (American Society of Engineering Education), Atlanta, GA, 2013.

    25. Pouya Tavousi, Zahra Shahbazi, Horea Ilies, Kazem Kazerounian, "A Mechanics Framework for Analysis and Design of Protein Based Nano Machines", NSF CMMI Engineering research and innovation Conference, Boston, MA, July 9-12, 2012

    26. Zahra Shahbazi, "Role of Hydrogen Bonds in Kinematic Mobility and Elasticity Analysis of Protein Molecules", Phd thesis, University of Connecticut, 2011.

    27. Zahra Shahbazi, Horea Ilies, Kazem Kazerounian, “Kinematic Motion Constraints of the Protein Molecule Chains", ASME-IDETC, Design Engineering Technical conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Washington, DC, 2011.

    28. Zahra Shahbazi, Horea Ilies, Kazem Kazerounian, “Hydrogen bonds role in protein mobility", Biophysical Society 55th Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, 2011

    29. Kazem Kazerounian, Zahra Shahbazi, Aida Ghiaei, “The Joule Fellows: Teachers in Sustainable Energies Research Laboratories", NSF Engineering Education Awardees Conference, Washington, DC, 2011.

    30.  Zahra Shahbazi, Horea Ilies, Kazem Kazerounian, “Protein Molecules as Natural Nano Bio Devices: Mobility Analysis", ASME - NEMB, First Global Congress on NanoEngineering for Medicine and Biology, Houston, TX, 2010.

    31. Kazem Kazerounian, Marty Wood, Kevin Mclaughlin, Zahra Shahbazi, “The Joule Fellows: Teachers in Sustainable Energies Research Laboratories", NSF Engineering Education Awardees Conference, VA, 2010.

    32. Zahra Shahbazi, "Structural Analysis of Protein Molecules", the 6th Annual North Eastern Structure Symposium (NESS), CT, 2009.

    33. Zahra Shahbazi, Horea Ilies, Kazem Kazerounian, “On Hydrogen Bonds and Mobility of Protein Molecules", ASME-IDETC, Design Engineering Technical conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, San Diego, CA, 2009.

    34. Zahra Shahbazi, Ahmadreza Arshi, Farhad Tabatabaei, “Energy Descriptions of Rapid Potassium Channel Blockers in The Central Sino Atrial Node Cells", ISME , Tehran, Iran, 2007.

    35. Zahra Shahbazi, Farhad Tabatabaei, Ahmadreza Arshi, “Energy Descriptions of L-type Calcium Channel Blockers in The Central Sino Atrial Node Cells", ICBME , Tehran, Iran, 2007.

    36. Zahra Shahbazi, Farhad Tabatabaei, Ahmadreza Arshi, “Pharmaco-Dynamics Evaluation of the Sino Atrial Node's Electrical Activity Using Bond Graph Technology", ECMS ,Bon, Germany, 2006.

    37. Mohammad Mahjoob, Zahra Shahbazi, “Experimenting and Evaluating the Sound Pollution Caused by Traffic in Metropolitan Areas", ISME, Isfahan, Iran, 2005.

    38. Mohammad Mahjoob, Zahra Shahbazi, “Detection of the Noise Sources in the Automobile Windshield Wiper Motor". ISME, Mashhad, Iran, 2003.

  • Honors, Awards, and Grants

    Grants

    • "Networking Infrastructure: Improving Science Data Flows with Advanced Networking and Cyberinfrastructure at Manhattan College" NSF- Campus Cyberinfrustructure, 2023, ($639,778)
    • “MRI: Development of an instrument for synthesis of polymer thin films by initiated chemical vapor deposition with capability of in situ structural characterization" NSF - MRI, 2019 ($359,997)
    • “Advanced Mechanical Analysis of Saxophone Reeds using X-ray Computed tomography, Mechanical Testing and Computer Simulation” Claude Lakey, Inc.  ($ 15,000)
    • “Manhattan College Engineering Scholarship Initiative (MCESI)”, NSF – DUE- S-STEM Program, 2015 ($ 579,896)
    • “Manhattan College Engineering Scholars Training and Retention (STAR) Center”, NSF- DUE- Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, 2014, ($ 297,516)

    Honors & Awards

    • National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship for "Materiomics Merging Biology and Engineering in Multiscale Structures and Materials" Summer Institute , Boston, 2012
    • Engineering Outstanding Graduate Women Student, University of Connecticut, 2011
    • National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship for Cancer Nanotechnology Summer Institute ,Houston, 2011
    • National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship for attending the "NanoEngineered Therapeutics I & II" workshop at (ASME-NEMB2010), Houston, 2010
    • National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship for attending "Eective Negotiation Skills" workshop at (ASME-IDETC), San Diego, 2009
    • Ranked 4th in graduate research competition, University of Connecticut, 2009
    •