Professor, Aalen University, Germany
Miranda Fateri is a professor at Aalen University, specializing in Additive Manufacturing, Selective Laser Melting, and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for space applications. With a strong background in engineering and material sciences, she has played a vital role in pioneering research on lunar regolith processing and 3D printing technologies for extraterrestrial environments. She has contributed to multiple ESA and Horizon 2020 projects, focusing on sustainable manufacturing solutions for space exploration. Her work on solar sintering, microwave additive manufacturing, and lunar regolith utilization has earned her global recognition. She has also supervised over 30 technology readiness level (TRL) projects and managed significant research funding exceeding €2 million.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
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STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD
- Extensive Research Contributions – Dr. Fateri has a strong publication record in Additive Manufacturing, Selective Laser Melting, Lunar Regolith, and Microgravity applications. Their research significantly contributes to space exploration and sustainable manufacturing.
- Significant Funding and Awards – Secured over €2 million in research grants, including funding from ESA, H2020, DLR, and Innovate-Sand Project, demonstrating strong research impact and leadership.
- Innovative Space Applications – Their work on lunar regolith sintering, 3D printing for space applications, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) supports future Moon and Mars missions, which is a groundbreaking area in aerospace engineering.
- Experimental Leadership – Dr. Fateri has played a key role in experiments for the International Space Station (ISS), ESA, and DLR projects, demonstrating the ability to translate theoretical research into real-world space applications.
- Mentorship & Supervision – Supervised 30+ projects under ESA Spaceship-EAC, contributing to the next generation of researchers in additive manufacturing and space technology.
- Industry Collaboration – Strong partnerships with DLR, ESA, and international research institutions showcase their ability to work on large-scale projects with global impact.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
- Broader Industrial Impact – While their research is highly specialized in space manufacturing, expanding applications of their findings to terrestrial industries (e.g., sustainable construction, biomedical applications of AM) could further enhance impact.
- Interdisciplinary Outreach – Engaging in more cross-disciplinary collaborations with materials science, environmental engineering, and AI-based optimization could strengthen research versatility.
- Increased Citation Impact – While well-cited, increasing high-impact journal publications and patent applications could further solidify their status as a leading researcher.
EDUCATION
🎓 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering – RWTH Aachen University
🎓 M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – RWTH Aachen University
🎓 B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – University of Tehran
Her academic journey began at the University of Tehran, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She then pursued her master’s and doctoral studies at RWTH Aachen University, focusing on advanced manufacturing techniques, material processing, and space technology applications. Her doctoral research contributed to the development of additive manufacturing techniques for extraterrestrial environments, particularly selective laser melting of lunar regolith.
EXPERIENCE
🛰 Professor at Aalen University – Teaching and research in additive manufacturing
🚀 Engineering Lab Head at DLR-Cologne – Responsible for experimental designs, equipment management, and risk assessments
🏗 Additive Manufacturing Lab Lead at FH Aachen – Supervised projects, managed safety protocols, and conducted research on advanced manufacturing techniques
🔬 ESA Spaceship-EAC Program – Supervised 30+ research projects focused on space manufacturing
🌍 Horizon’s ISS Experiment – Developed additive manufacturing solutions for space applications, including on the ISS
📡 Project Lead for ESA and H2020 Programs – Focused on lunar regolith 3D printing, energy storage, and extraterrestrial construction
AWARDS AND HONORS
🏆 Research Grants & Awards – Secured over €2 million in research funding
🏅 ESA-ESTEC OSIP Idea Calls – Recognized for innovative lunar regolith utilization projects
🥇 Horizon 2020 Regolight Project – Key contributor to the development of solar sintering techniques for lunar applications
🚀 DLR-Technology Marketing Innovate-Sand Project – Led research on Sahara sand-based additive manufacturing
🔬 ESA-NPI Project Award – Developed powder-based 3D printing solutions for microgravity environments
🌌 Explor-Stiftung Kessler & Co. Grant – Advanced research in 3D-printed pneumatic actuators
RESEARCH FOCUS
🔄 Additive Manufacturing – Advancing 3D printing for space applications
🌕 Lunar Regolith Processing – Developing sustainable construction methods for the Moon
🛰 Microgravity Manufacturing – Creating novel solutions for in-space fabrication
☀ Solar Sintering – Harnessing solar energy for extraterrestrial manufacturing
⚙ Material Science – Investigating new materials for high-performance applications in space
PUBLICATION TOP NOTES
📄 Process parameters development of selective laser melting of lunar regolith for on‐site manufacturing applications
📄 Solar sintering for lunar additive manufacturing
📄 Selective laser melting of soda‐lime glass powder
📄 EAC-1A: A novel large-volume lunar regolith simulant
📄 Experimental investigation on selective laser melting of glass
📄 Feasibility study on additive manufacturing of recyclable objects for space applications
📄 Investigation of the sintering and melting of JSC-2A lunar regolith simulant
📄 Thermal properties of processed lunar regolith simulant
📄 Advancing solar sintering for building a base on the Moon
📄 Experimental investigation of selective laser melting of lunar regolith for in-situ applications
📄 **Investigation on wetting and melting behavior of lunar regolith simulant for additive manufacturing
CONCLUSION
Dr. Miranda Fateri is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given their pioneering work in Additive Manufacturing for Space Applications, Microgravity Research, and Lunar Resource Utilization. Their contributions to ESA, ISS, and DLR projects showcase scientific leadership, innovation, and global impact. Expanding industrial applications and interdisciplinary collaborations could further elevate their standing in the field.