Prof. Kusum Meena

Dr. Kusum Meena is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, having joined the institute in June 2020. Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University College of Engineering, Kota, followed by Master's in Manufacturing Science and Technology from IIT Kharagpur. She earned her Ph.D. from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, where her research focused on the development of auxetic structures using additive manufacturing technologies. Dr. Meena's research interests encompass additive manufacturing, auxetic metamaterials, and laser material processing. She is particularly noted for her work on designing auxetic structures—materials that exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio—leveraging 3D printing techniques to create complex geometries suitable for applications in defense, healthcare, automotive, and aerospace industries. Her contributions to the field are documented in several peer-reviewed journals, including Materials & Design and the International Journal of Mechanics and Materials in Design. Beyond her research, Dr. Meena is actively involved in teaching courses related to additive manufacturing and near-net shape manufacturing at IIT Delhi. She is also exploring collaborations with defense agencies to develop advanced safety gear, such as crash helmets and bulletproof jackets, utilizing her innovative auxetic designs.