Laboratory Director

Dr. Solaiman Tarafder

Solaiman Tarafder, PhD

Dr. Solaiman Tarafder is an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the South Dakota State University in Brookings. He received his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Washington State University. Dr. Tarafder’s research interests lie in the areas of bio-adhesives, stimuli-responsive smart biomaterials, immunomodulatory biomaterials, interplay between tissue pathology and tissue biomechanics, biofabrication, 3D printing/additive manufacturing of bioscaffolds and biomedical devices and drug delivery. His goal is to advance our understanding of how materials chemistry, composition, spatiotemporal delivery of bioactive cues/pharmacologically active small molecules along with advanced manufacturing and approaches can be leveraged to drive stem/progenitor cell functions for the regeneration of biomechanically functional cartilage, tendon and bone. Before joining South Dakota State University, Dr. Tarafder worked as a research scientist at the Columbia University, and as a principal scientist at the Shu-Tung and Alice Li Foundation. In his spare time, Dr. Tarafder enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and traveling.

Graduate Students

Hasan Rafsan Jani

Hasan Rafsan Jani

Hasan Rafsan Jani is currently pursuing his PhD in mechanical engineering at South Dakota State University, with a research focus on biomaterials and bioadhesives. He holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. His master’s research concentrated on natural fiber composite materials, which further ignited his interest in sustainable and innovative materials for medical applications.

Currently, his PhD research focuses on advanced hydrogel materials for meniscus and cartilage repair, where he combines his expertise in materials science with biomedical applications. His work aims to explore the use of bioengineered materials to improve tissue regeneration and healing.

In his free time, Hasan enjoys playing cricket, watching soccer, and working on 3D printing projects.

Zahra Essassi

Zahra Essassi

Zahra Essassi is currently pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering with a research focus on meniscus regeneration. She holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Morocco and an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on materials from Mississippi State University.

Zahra’s research centers on developing and evaluating meniscus-derived matrix scaffolds to replicate the structural and functional properties of the human meniscus.

In her free time, Zahra is passionate about giving back to the community through science outreach programs. She enjoys hiking and running, which help her maintain a healthy work-life balance. She also enjoys reading and writing to express her creativity and explore ideas beyond her research.

Mohammad Jahir Raihan

Mohammad Jahir Raihan

Mohammad Jahir Raihan (who goes by Raihan) is currently pursuing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University.

His research focuses on biomaterials and regenerative medicine strategies for tendon tissue repair and regeneration. Raihan holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh. Additionally, he earned a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from South Dakota State University under the supervision of Dr. Mark Messerli, with a thesis titled “Exploring the Properties of Chitin for Promoting Tissue Engineering and Repair.” His work emphasized biomaterials, wound healing, and tissue engineering.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling, reading, and fishing.

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