Our Team
Rob began at Binghamton University (Binghamton, NY) in Januarty 2024. Rob earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Union College (Schenectady, NY, 2013) where he gained an appreciation for professors' roles not only as educators, but also as discoverers of new information and developers of new engineering practices. After a four year stint (2013-2017) working as an an Application Engineer at GE Oil & Gas (Houston, TX), Rob decided to pursue his Ph.D. in Material Science & Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder (2022) with a focus in soft matter mechanics and collective behavior of living systems. From August 2022 to December 2023, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Cornell).
Robert J. Wagner
Assistant Professor of Mech. Eng.
Ph.D., Mat. Sci. & Eng. (CU Boulder)
B.S., Mech. Eng. (Union College)
Principal Investigator
Ph.D. Students
Sifat graduated from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He joined our group in the Fall of 2024. Driven by a strong passion for nature and engineering, his research is primarily focused on the enchanting fields of Biomechanics and Computational Solid Mechanics. His work centers on understanding the mechanical aspects of biological systems, aiming to unravel their complexities. Whether it's decoding the peculiar movements of tiny insects or capturing breathtaking photos of birds in the forest's depths, Sifat is always up for an adventure.
Sifat Mottaqin
B.S., Mechanical Engineering (BUET)
Tahsin Haque, nicknamed Dipy, graduated from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She joined our group as a PhD student in Fall 2025. Leveraging her experience in molecular dynamics simulations, her research focuses on investigating the physics of micro- and nanoplastics across multiple length and time scales. Naturally curious and eager to explore new ideas, Tahsin finds joy in the small details of life and is always ready to embrace new experiences, both inside and outside the lab.
Tahsin Haque ('Dipy')
B.S., Mechanical Engineering (BUET)
M.S. & 4+1 Students
Matthew Toscano
Mechanical Engineering
Matthew is a 5th-year 4+1 student at Binghamton University pursuing his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He obtained his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in May 2026. He has experience in manufacturing and design from the Binghamton Society of Automotive Engineers Baja and Formula projects. Joining the group in August 2026, his research is focused on topographically toughening 3D-printed surfaces and mechanically testing them.
Undergraduate Researchers
Jacob Lazarus
Mechanical Engineering
Jacob is a senior at Binghamton University pursuing his B.S. in mechanical engineering. He is an active member of Binghamton’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the on-campus free format radio station WHRW Binghamton. Joining the group in March 2025, his research is focused on topographically toughening 3D printed surfaces.
Ben Morrow
Mechanical Engineering
Ben is a senior at Binghamton University working towards his B.S. in mechanical engineering. In his spare time, he enjoys resistance training and studying theology. He joined the group in March 2025 and is currently exploring the effects of topological interlocking on the mechanical performance of 3D-printed multimaterial metasurfaces.
Nicole Santa Maria
Mechanical Engineering
Nicole is a junior in the Binghamton University Mechanical Engineering program. She is currently on the executive board of the Engineers for a Sustainable World and American Society of Engineering Education organizations on campus. She joined the group in September 2026 and her research focuses on understanding how environmental factors influence the thermomechanical properties of self-healing polymers.
Alumni
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John Mehalak - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering '26 (Universal Instruments Corporation)
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Abigail MacAdams - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering '26 (Carrier Global)
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Elijah Malach - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering '26 (Binghamton ME 4+1 Program)
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Ethan Schoenblum - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering '26 (Binghamton ME 4+1 Program)