Nature has undergone 3.8 billion years of evolution, refining mechanisms that achieve remarkable functionality with common materials. These evolutionary processes offer a rich blueprint for innovation, as natural systems have developed highly efficient strategies for managing surfaces, adhesion, and environmental interactions. My research draws on these bioinspired principles to address key challenges in mechanical engineering, using interfacial science and surface mechanics. Biomimicry in this context has vast applications, from designing superhydrophobic surfaces and anti-icing coatings to optimizing fluid flow and energy efficiency. Understanding nature’s solutions not only inspires new designs but also promotes sustainable technologies that improve the efficiency and longevity of engineered systems, thereby addressing core goals in modern engineering.

In my previous research at Ohio State University (OSU) and IIT Ropar, I explored bioinspired materials and mechanics with a focus on surface engineering and biological material characterization. At OSU, I developed superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings that mimic natural structures like lotus leaves, achieving high water and oil repellency for applications in environmental and medical sectors. Additionally, I worked on water-harvesting surfaces inspired by desert plants, demonstrating a tenfold increase in water collection efficiency over conventional methods. My time at IIT Ropar involved studying the biomechanics of biological structures, such as the mosquito's piercing mechanism, which led to the development of mosquito-inspired microneedles for minimally invasive medical applications. Together, these experiences refined my expertise in biomimetics, interfacial science, and mechanical characterization.

Currently, at the University of Michigan, my research focuses on advancing anti-icing and self-deicing technologies for applications in critical industries such as transportation and energy. My work includes the development of bilayer coatings that minimize ice adhesion, allowing for scalable solutions for aircraft, wind turbines, and power lines. These coatings use a toughness-controlled mechanism to enable ice shedding even at longer ice lengths, addressing a key challenge in practical applications. Additionally, I was involved in pioneering self-deicing surfaces that exploit natural temperature variations to autonomously shed ice, achieving ultra-low adhesion values. This research is supported by substantial funding from agencies such as the U.S. Navy and DARPA, underscoring the importance of developing resilient, real-world anti-icing solutions to ensure safety and efficiency in extreme conditions.