Alumna Appointed Director Arizona State University Polytechnic School

Department of Mechanical Engineering alumna, Leila Ladani (M.S. ’05, Ph.D. ’07) has been appointed director of Arizona State University’s (ASU) Polytechnic School in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. The Polytechnic School is home to seven academic programs, more than 5,500 students and 200 faculty and staff members.

Ladani is internationally recognized for her research on advanced and multi-scale manufacturing and mechanics of materials. Her focus is on developing new, more efficient manufacturing methods and materials — specifically in the fast-emerging field of additive manufacturing based on using applications of 3D printing in a “bottom-up approach” to making new materials, structures and components.

During her time at the University of Maryland's Clark School of Engineering, Ladani studied under faculty advisor, Jeong H. Kim Professor Abhijit Dasgupta.

In an article posted by ASU online, Ladani explained her decision take the position at The Polytechnic School because the school is taking academics and research in the directions they need to go to help the world overcome its numerous and varied challenges. In addition, The Polytechnic School “promotes innovation and access to education for all,” and “is a place where change and progress is expected and encouraged.”

Ladani has won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Electronic and Photonic Packaging Division’s Women in Engineering Award. She was also a finalist for the Connecticut Technology Council’s Women of Innovation award in the Academic Innovation and Leadership category during her time as faculty member at the University of Connecticut.

Most recently Ladani was on the faculty of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she directed the Manufacturing Innovation and Catalysis Center.

She also serves as the editor of the Journal of Materials Science and Engineering and has published more than 120 refereed manuscripts and patents.

She will be utilizing her extensive background in research and academics to broaden the educational and research impact of TPS.

Photo by Erika Gronek/ASU