Assistant Professor Meisam Asgari, from the Department of Medical Engineering at USF, was recently recognized for his contribution to a research paper published in the Science Journal (Vol. 387, Issue 6734, pp. 659–66). The study, titled “Does the Mantis Shrimp Pack a Phononic Shield?” explores the impact-resistant properties of the peacock mantis shrimp’s dactyl club. Asgari’s contribution in this paper was completed during his postdoc at Northwestern University. His current affiliation with USF is noted in the publication’s footnotes.
The research examines how the mantis shrimp’s dactyl club—a biological hammer—endures repeated high-impact strikes without sustaining damage. Despite being small enough to fit in a human hand, the crustacean generates forces exceeding 1,000 times its body weight through rapid strikes that produce imploding bubbles, delivering extreme impact energy. The study focuses on phononic shielding, a mechanism that filters high-frequency shock waves within the club’s periodic structure, dissipating energy and preventing structural failure.
Dr. Asgari leads the Biological Materials, Bioinspiration, and Biomechanics Laboratory (BMBB Lab) at USF, where his team analyzes the small-scale structural and mechanical properties of biological materials, including exoskeletons and soft tissues. His lab employs advanced imaging and testing techniques such as atomic force spectroscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), focused on ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), and in-situ SEM mechanical testing to study the relationship between the structure, property, and function of biological materials.
These insights contribute to innovations in biomimetics, medical devices, and engineering applications. Before joining USF in 2023, Asgari earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and completed postdoctoral training at both McGill and Northwestern universities.
The full paper can be accessed here.
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