New faculty Q&A: Siavash Sattar

Robotics and mechatronics engineering professor Siavash Sattar arrived at Randolph ready to help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in what he calls a dynamic discipline. 

“This field is rapidly growing, and the opportunity to shape a program that will prepare students for future challenges in engineering is both exciting and fulfilling,” he said of the College’s new major, which launched this fall. 

Sattar holds both a bachelor and master of science in mechanical engineering from Azad University and Tafresh University, respectively, where he focused on solid design and manufacturing. 

He earned his PhD from Old Dominion University in 2022 and came to Randolph from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. 

As an assistant professor there, he worked on research projects related to the design and processing of advanced materials and taught courses and labs in materials engineering and manufacturing.

“My research spans materials engineering, structural mechanics, and manufacturing, emphasizing sustainable mobility solutions,” he said. “My career has been dedicated to advancing the field of polymer composites, with a specific focus on developing digital twins for virtual testing to design and predict advanced material performance for cutting-edge engineering applications.” 

At Randolph, he’s excited about the possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration among the College’s vast offerings. 

“This will be critical in driving innovation,” he said, “and providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future.” 

What attracted you to the job here?

I was drawn to Randolph College by the unique opportunity to contribute to establishing a new robotics and mechatronics program. My background and expertise in solid design and manufacturing will help build the program and prepare students to excel in the specialized challenges of robotics and mechatronics. 

The College’s emphasis on close student-faculty interaction and its commitment to high-quality teaching and research made it an ideal place for me to further my academic career.

Describe your teaching style. What can students expect in your classes?

My teaching style is research-driven and hands-on. I believe in the power of integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications so students can expect a theoretical and highly applicable curriculum to real-world challenges. I emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and using advanced computational tools to understand complex phenomena. Students in my classes will engage in projects that mimic real industry scenarios, preparing them for the demands of the engineering field.

What are your initial impressions of Randolph and its students?

Randolph College has a vibrant and supportive academic community, which I find very appealing. The students are enthusiastic and motivated, showing a strong interest in exploring new ideas and technologies. I am impressed by their curiosity and eagerness to learn, which makes teaching here very rewarding.

What do you like to do outside of the classroom as far as hobbies or other activities?

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy staying active through hiking and exploring nature. I am also passionate about DIY projects, particularly those related to materials and engineering. Additionally, I am continuously expanding my knowledge through research and staying updated on the latest developments in my field.