At the 2026 Conference on Economic Complexity in Istanbul, Ozgur Keles presented a testable framework connecting software-defined manufacturing, local innovation capabilities, and materials discovery.

Led by Swapnil S. Bamane, our NSF CAREER-supported study links atomistic GQD-epoxy simulations to carbon-fiber composite-scale predictions—and defines the experiments needed next.

Led by first author Swapnil S. Bamane, this collaborative molecular-dynamics study screens thermoplastic and thermoset matrices for cryogenic composite tanks and helps narrow candidates for subsequent experimental validation.

I’m honored to have been invited by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as a Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering. I will be presenting at the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 18, 2025. I look forward to attending IMECE, sharing my research, and connecting with colleagues […]

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Membrane Based on Poly (2-Ethyl Oxazoline) and Poly (Propylene) Graft Copolymer for Potential Food Packaging and Medical Applications Baki Hazer, Zeynep Karahaliloglu, Özgür Keleş* Abstract Cost-effective olefin polymers have been producing several hundred million tons of olefins each year. They have material properties suitable for packaging and biomedical applications. […]

Optimizing Epoxy Nanocomposites with Oxidized Graphene Quantum Dots for Superior Mechanical Performance: A Molecular Dynamics ApproachPrathamesh P. Deshpande,* Robert Chan-Jobe, Josh Kemppainen, Gregory M. Odegard, and Ozgur Keles* ABSTRACT: Due to their excellent mechanical properties epoxy composites arewidely used in low-density applications. However the brittle epoxy matrix oftenserves as the principal failure point. Matrix enhancements […]

Comparison of the Macro Chain Transfer Agent and the Macro Azo Initiator Based on the Poly(3-hydroxy Butyrate) in the Polymerization Kinetics of Methyl MethacrylateBaki Hazer and Özgür Keleş You can access here link.Abstract: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) derivatives are attractive for sustainable polymer production, yet their role in controlling radical polymerization kinetics remains underexplored. In this study, […]

I am looking for three Ph.D. students who can work on molecular dynamics, finite element, and additive manufacturing of nanocomposites, ceramics, and polymers. In addition to these techniques, understanding of fracture mechanics, recycling, quantum dot synthesis, and machine learning is preferred. If you are interested, you can send your CV to [email protected].

Abstract Hybrid epoxy composites are highly considered for low-density applications due to the excellent specific strength and specific stiffness. Enhancements made to the epoxy matrix by addition of nanofillers like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GNPs) have been studied in detail over the course of few decades. These enhancements not only help elevate the material […]

Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Prathamesh Deshpande presented our research on the effects of oxidized quantum dots in epoxy nanocomposites.

It is great to see this article coming out after many years, thanks to my co-authors! Abstract Purpose Fused deposition modeling enables multiscale structure control. However, most of this structural space is unexplored. Specifically, the impact of biomimetic porous structures on the mechanical behavior and reliability of common thermoplastics are unclear. In this work, porous […]

Abstract Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were reported to fill the role of nanofillers that enhance composite properties. Detailed investigation of this nanofiller in composites is largely unexplored. To understand the fundamental mechanisms in play, this study uses molecular dynamics simulations to reveal the effects of GQDs on epoxy properties. Mechanical simulations were performed on three […]

Mechanical Behavior of Graphene Quantum Dot Epoxy Nanocomposites: A Molecular Dynamics Study Authors: Özgür Keleş1, Prathamesh P. Deshpande1*1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, San Jose State University, One Washington Sq, San Jose, CA*Corresponding author: [email protected] Abstract Quantum dot fillers were reported to enhance stiffness, yield strength, and toughness of polymers. However, the underlying mechanisms for […]

Non-Technical Description:The acquisition of a tip-enhanced Raman spectroscope at San Jose State University (SJSU) can significantly improve our understanding of nanometer-scale materials and foster hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate and master’s student researchers. The team at SJSU utilizes this optical instrument to tackle scientific challenges on materials science, with the materials for potential applications in […]

Many thanks to my co-authors and Robert Bruce for making this happen! Experiential Learning of Engineering Concepts in Immersive Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) Özgür KeleşSan Jose State UniversityVincent Brubaker-GianakosSan Jose State UniversityVimal ViswanathanSan Jose State UniversityFarshid MarboutiSan Jose State University Abstract This paper describes the application of new Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) in engineering education. […]

Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Prathamesh Deshpande presented our research on the effects of quantum dots in epoxy nanocomposites.

Many thanks to my SJSU colleagues for nominating and selecting me for the 2023 College of Engineering Award for Excellence in Scholarship. Kudos to all the faculty who is doing excellent research at our minority serving university with the available resources.    Posted 15th March 2023 by Ozgur Keles

We got an NEA grant titled “Exploring San Jose Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Design through 3D Printing Technology.” Thanks to Prof. Yoon Chung Han for leading the efforts.  We bring sustainable design, recycled materials, and additive manufacturing together under the cultural heritage umbrella. Click to see our previous work Future Artifact on Data+AI+Design+3D printing.   […]

Dei Rossi, Joseph, Ozgur Keles, and Vimal Viswanathan. “Fused Deposition Modeling with Induced Vibrations: A Study on the Mechanical Characteristics of Printed Parts.” Applied Sciences 12.18 (2022): 9327.  https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/18/9327 Abstract: The recent development of RepRap style 3D printers has made additive manufacturing technology available to the public at a low cost. While these 3D printers […]

I will be working on the mechanics of quantum dot nanocomposites. Thanks for all the support from NSF, reviewers, and officers Dr. Nakhiah Goulbourne and Dr. Siddiq Qidwai.  More information coming soon. ABSTRACT This Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant will support fundamental research on processing-structure-mechanics relationships in thermosetting nanocomposites containing ultrasmall two-dimensional quantum dot […]

Effect of raster angle on mechanical properties of 3D printed short carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Skhandesh Srinivasan Ganesh Iyer and OzgurKeles Abstract The most common additive manufacturing technique fused filament fabrication (FFF) suffers from inter-bead porosity that reduces mechanical properties. Inter-bead pores follow the raster angle, which causes anisotropic mechanical properties. Yet, the […]

My vision for the Silicon Valley goes beyond education, companies, public, and environment, that goes to a collective, sustainable, self-learning ecosystem. Towards this vision, College of Engineering faculty and other decision makers decided to give me the Kordestani Endowed Chair Position for the third time and for a longer period.  Many thanks to Omid Kordestani […]

Temperature dependence of field-response mechanisms in 0.4Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.6(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 Authors: Chris M Fancher, Özgür Keleṣ, Matthias Ehmke, Keith J BowmanPublication date: 2021/7/12Journal: Applied Physics LettersVolume: 119Issue: 2Pages: 022904 DescriptionUnderstanding the temperature dependence of how ferroelectric materials respond to electric fields is critical for determining how best to use these materials in applications. Here, temperature dependent in situ x-ray diffraction […]

Effect of fiber content and fiber orientation on mechanical behavior of fused filament fabricated continuous-glass-fiber-reinforced nylon Lukea, D. Soaresa,b, J. Marshalla, J. Sheddenb, O. Kelesa*  aDepartment of Chemical and Materials Engineering, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San José, CA 95192, United States bTenCate Advanced Composites, 18410 Butterfield Blvd., Morgan Hill, CA 95037, United […]

Prediction of elastic stresses in porous materials using fully convolutional networks Ozgur Keles, Yinchuan He, Birsen Sirkeci-Mergen Chemical and Materials Engineering Department, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192 USA Electrical Engineering Department, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192 USA Abstract Machine learning (ML) models enable exploration of vast structural space faster […]