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,

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 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 (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.

Samiul Nibir is started pursuing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University from Spring 2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology in Bangladesh, and completed his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at South Dakota State University.

He earned his MS in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University in Fall 2024, becoming the first graduating student from the TARAFDER Lab. His master’s research focused on the development of a collagen-based bioink for 3D printing biomimetic tendon-to-bone tissue grafts, with the objective of advancing rotator cuff repair techniques.

Samiul’s current research focuses on engineering soft-to-hard tissue interfaces through bioprinting with natural polymers, aiming to enhance the body’s ability to repair and regenerate complex tissue structures. Outside the lab, Samiul enjoys traveling, watching TV series, and playing soccer and cricket.

Jacob is an undergraduate student majoring in Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University. He is originally from Brookings, SD, graduated from Brookings High School in May 2024. Jacob joined TARAFDER Lab in Spring 2025. In the lab, Jacob works with the Ph.D. students to perform scaffold fabrication and microsphere preparation and is currently contributing to a review paper about collagen. Outside of research, he is actively involved on campus as a member of the chess club and serves as the secretary of the SDSU ASME chapter. In his free time, Jacob enjoys running, playing guitar, and playing chess.