Thiraj Dhanushan Mohankumar

Mechanical Engineer & Ph.D. Researcher specializing in nanotechnology, materials science, biomedical drug delivery, thermal management, CFD and energy systems. Experienced in nanoparticle design, protein/drug conjugation, biological transport studies, numerical modeling, CFD, and experimental validation. Passionate about solving complex engineering challenges through data-driven analysis, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to integrate simulation, prototyping, and experimental research for real-world applications.

Bachelor of Science of Engineering Honors: Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka, 2019 (Mechanical Engineering )

Master of Science in Engineering : University of Cincinnati USA, 2024 (Mechanical Engineering)

Peer Reviewed Publications

Thiraj Mohankumar, Veil Denise Plazuela, Sergey Budko, Daniel Quain Sun, Donglu Shi  (2026). Multimodal Magnetic, Photothermal, Ultrasonic, and Vibrational Actuation of Drug-Loaded Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Transport Across Semipermeable Membranes. Bioengineering, 13 (7) , 834More Information

Anudeep Katepalli, Thiraj Mohankumar, Meher Saketh Gandharapu, Sagar Shrestha, Anton Harfmann, Mathias Bonmarin, John Krupczak, Donglu Shi  (2025). Photon Recycling for Indoor Energy Harvesting: Optical Optimization of LED-Driven Silicon Photovoltaic Systems. Journal of Energy and Power Technology, 7 (3) , 1-45More Information

Thiraj D Mohankumar, Je-Hyeong Bahk, Abhishek Saini, Sarah J Watzman  (2025). Performance Evaluation and Optimization of Air-to-Air Thermoelectric Heat Pump System. Energy and Buildings, 344More Information

Thiraj Mohankumar, Xinjie Li, Je-Hyeong Bahk  (2023). Effects of side-wall air cooling on solar thermoelectric generation with high aspect-ratio, V-shaped P/N couples. Journal of Applied Physics , 133 (21) , 215001More Information

Tien Dao; Je-Hyeong Bahk; Thiraj D Mohankumar  (2022). Solar Thermoelectric Generator Simulation Tool. nanoHUB, 1.2More Information

Invited Presentations

T Mohankumar, J Weisfelder, P Zhang, JH Bahk (04-15-2023. ) All-electric, solid desiccant-based building dehumidification system controlled by solid-state thermoelectric heat pumps .MUFMECH - Midwestern University Fluid Mechanics Retreat, Rochester, Indiana. Professional Meeting. . Level:Regional

Poster Presentations

Thiraj Mohankumar, Daniel Sun, Donglu Shi (02-2026. ) Combined Effects of Magnetic, Photothermal, and Ultrasound Mediated Enhancement of Magnetic Nanoparticle Delivery Vehicles .Association for Research in Otolaryngology - 49th Annual ARO MidWinter Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico. . Conference. . Level:International

2024 -2025 Graduate Student Research Fellowship Award UC Office of Research & Graduate College Status:Recipient Level:University Type:Fellowship

2023 -2024 Graduate Research Fellowship Tuition award for academic excellence IRiS (Institute of Research in Sensing) - UC Status:Recipient Level:University Type:Fellowship

Academic - 404 Rhodes Hall
2851 Woodside Drive
Cincinnati  Ohio, 45221
Phone: 7853177368
mohanktd@mail.uc.edu