Villanova’s College of Engineering is Pleased to Announce the Addition of Five New Faculty Members for the 2024-25 Academic Year
These faculty members bring a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to the College, enhancing its commitment to providing top-tier education and fostering innovative research. The new hires include specialists in Chemical and Biological, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical Engineering.
Prashant Kambali, PhD
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Kambali moved into a visiting assistant teaching professor role in Mechanical Engineering following his position as a postdoctoral researcher at Villanova University. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Hyderabad, India, Dr. Kambali specializes in nonlinear dynamics, structural mechanics, machine learning and micro-electro-mechanical systems.
“I'm excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ learning experiences in my new role at Villanova,” he says. “I’m looking forward to engaging with students in the classroom and the lab, bringing real-world applications and cutting-edge research into the curriculum.”
Patrick Kirby, PhD, ’06 ME, ’07 MSME
Assistant Teaching Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Kirby is a familiar face at Villanova, having earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University, followed by a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University. He also previously served as a visiting assistant teaching professor in Mechanical Engineering. With a wealth of experience in engineering education and problem-based learning, Dr. Kirby is eager to connect academia and industry. His focus is on guiding students to tackle stakeholder-driven challenges and establishing a vibrant and secure learning environment to support their growth and achievements.
“I am excited to learn along with the students and from my fellow faculty members,” he says.
Andrew Lee, PhD, ’19 ME
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Lee, who graduated from Villanova’s Mechanical Engineering Department in 2019, earned his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University. He will instruct undergraduate heat transfer and senior capstone design courses. Dr. Lee seeks to spark curiosity in fundamental science and applied engineering principles and empower students to make an impact in their endeavors at Villanova University and beyond.
“I’m looking forward to bringing excitement about science to the classroom,” Dr Lee says. “Engineering isn’t just important and challenging—it’s fun. When students open their mind to joy, creativity and connection in their work, they can really take off.”
Gabriel Rodriguez Rivera, PhD
Assistant Professor
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Dr. Rodriguez Rivera has dedicated the past seven years to manufacturing and transferring new products at Bristol Myers Squibb in Puerto Rico. Driven by his passion for academia and biomaterials, he earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Rodriguez Rivera will be instructing undergraduate students in Biomaterials.
“I am excited about joining the Biomaterials research cluster and seeing what synergies arise from our work in this new, fantastic space,” he says. “I also studied philosophy and theology, so I’m looking forward to learning more about the Augustine spirit here at Villanova and establishing a dialogue with the work we do as biomedical researchers.”
Samir Talegaon, PhD
Assistant Teaching Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dr. Talegaon joins the College of Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he was a visiting assistant professor. He will be instructing undergraduate courses in Computer Engineering, with a focus on operating systems and computer architecture. His research interests include access control in Android and Android platform analysis and modification. He earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
“This academic year, I hope to inspire students to reach their true potential,” says Dr. Talegaon. “My aim is to create a dynamic and inclusive learning atmosphere where they feel encouraged to question and apply their knowledge in different ways.”