Back to Faculty Directory

Kamyar Pashayi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science, a Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He received his PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY in 2012. After graduation, he joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University at Harrisburg as a faculty member, where he was awarded the Research Council Grant. From 2015 to 2020, he worked as an engineer and quality manager in multiple aerospace and pressure vessels manufacturing companies. From 2020 to 2022, he has been a full-time faculty and faculty program director at Excelsior University. Kamyar has been teaching engineering courses at the Applied Physics program at Siena College since 2019 as an adjunct lecturer and now he is rejoining this program as an Associate Professor. Kamyar also holds a MBA degree from University of Albany and he is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the state of New York.

He has multiple journal publications in The Journal of Physical Chemistry, Journal of Applied Physics, Nanoscale, and his current research interests include application of augmented reality in engineering education.

Degree Program University
Other Master of Business Administration University at Albany
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
M.S. Metallurgical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering
B.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering Sharif University of Technology

My Siena Experience

My Teaching Philosophy

My teaching method revolves around “hands-on engineering.” The idea is built around well-known methods such as problem-based learning, problem solving and, more generally, the concept of learning by doing, coined by John Dewey in his philosophy of education. The focus goes from knowing “what to do” to the more interactive know “how to do“ and it allows students to acquire an awareness of the process practices and the skills necessary to solve real problems. I have developed course modules that simulate real situations and allow students to learn a series of correct practices and participate in a team-oriented problem-solving activity. It provides a chance for students to demonstrate mastery of not just their technical skills but their professional skills as well preparation for entry into the engineering field.
 
In general physics courses we use the Team-Based Learning (TBL) model of group work to improve students’ ability to apply content. This model consists of a readiness assurance process, student groups and application activities.
 
For the applied physics and engineering courses, the Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach is designed and implemented. This model gives students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects set around challenges and problems they may face in the real world.

What I Love About Siena

I love teaching at Siena College because it provides an inclusive, positive, productive, and quality education environment required for students' academic, emotional, and social success.

My Favorite Courses to Teach

My favorite classes to teach are General Physics, Introduction to Engineering, Computer Aided Design, Statics, Strength of Materials, and Engineering Design.

My Professional Experience

Year Title Organization
2022 - Now Associate Professor Siena College

Articles & Book Reviews

  • High Thermal Conductance Thermal Interface Materials Based on Nanostructured Metallic Network-Polymer Composites
    United States Patent
    2015
  • Engineering the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and Thermal Conductivity of Polymers Filled with High Aspect Ratio Silica Nanofibers
    Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 58
    March, 2014
  • Self-Constructed Tree-Shape High Thermal Conductivity Nanosilver Networks in Epoxy
    Nanoscale, vol. 6
    January, 2014
  • Effect of Additives on Kinetics of Liquid-Liquid Extraction in a ZnSO4/D2EHPA/Kerosene System
    Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, vol. 49
    July, 2013
  • Thermal Conductivity of Er+3:Y2O3 films grown by Atomic Layer Deposition
    Applied Physics Letters, vol. 103
    January, 2013
  • High Thermal Conductivity Epoxy-Silver Composites Based on Self-constructed Nanostructured Metallic Networks
    Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 111
    August, 2012
  • Enhanced Thermal Conductivity in a Nanostructured Phase Change Composite Due to Low Concentration Graphene Additives
    Journal of Physical Chemistry C, vol. 115
    April, 2011