Faculty & Staff

Babak N. Safa

---

---

Introduction

---

Education

• Post-doctoral fellow, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA (2024)
• Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA (2019)
• B. Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (2014)

---

Research Areas

Dr. Safa is a researcher specializing in soft tissue biomechanics, integrating science, engineering, and medicine to tackle critical challenges in human health. His research focuses on understanding the biomechanical and mechanobiological factors underlying glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness—as well as musculoskeletal conditions like tendinopathy and fibrous tissue damage. Utilizing advanced methodologies, including benchtop mechanical testing, computational modeling, in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical research, Dr. Safa aims to uncover fundamental insights into tissue health and disease progression. His work seeks to advance innovative therapeutic strategies, enhance diagnostic tools, and develop preventive measures to mitigate vision loss, chronic conditions, and their profound effects on quality of life.

---

Memberships

• (2022) Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
• (2018) Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
• (2015) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

---

COURSES

• Soft Tissue Biomechanics (BME 6931/4931): The soft tissue biomechanics course explores the mechanical behavior, structural properties, and physiological function of soft tissues, emphasizing their role in health, disease, and injury using theory and application of continuum mechanics, structurally inspired constitutive modeling, and finite element analysis.
• Biomechanics (BME 6931/4232): This course focuses on engineering statics, dynamics, and vibration as applied to biological systems, emphasizing the analysis of forces, energy, and motion in human health, injury, and biomedical applications.

---

Research grants

• Pathway to Independence Grant K99/R00 - NIH NEI 2023-2028
  Support Role: PI, Total cost: $957,379
  Project title: “The role of iris biomechanics and sex differences in primary angle-closure glaucoma”
• Postdoctoral Fellowship BrightFocus Foundation 2021-2023
  Role: PI, Direct cost: $150,000
  Project title: “Investigating the Optic Nerve Head Remodeling in Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy”

---

Service

• Member of the Undergraduate Education Committee, Department of Medical Engineering USF 2024-present
• Liaison of Medical Engineering Department in Morsani College of Medicine's MD/PhD program 2024-present
• Member of Solid Biomechanics Technical Committee, ASME Bioengineering Division,  2021-present

---

Recent Publications