Mark A. Nicosia, PhD
- Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Strategy
- Professor
- Engineering
Affiliated Programs
- Mechanical Engineering (BS)
- Mechanical Engineering (MSE)
- International Engineering (BA/BS)
- Robotics Engineering (MSE)
Education
- PhD, Mechanical Engineering (1997)
Pennsylvania State University--University Park (PA)
About Me
I have taught a number of different lecture and laboratory courses and advised senior project groups. My focus is to challenge students while maintaining a respectful classroom environment in which material is rigorously presented and a real connection to the practice of engineering is maintained through applications and examples. I work continuously to improve my teaching skills.
Research Interests
My research is focused on the computational and experimental analysis of physiological systems, particularly the gastrointestinal system. I am currently working on an interinstitutional project developing patient-specific computer models of oropharyngeal swallowing to aid clinicians in developing therapeutic strategies for individuals with swallowing disorders.
Media Expertise
- Biomechanics
- Computational mechanics
- Dysphagia
Publications
- Nicosia, Mark A. "Theoretical Estimation of Shear Rate During Oropharyngeal Swallowing: Effect of Parial Slip." Journal of Texture Studies 44, no. 2 (2013): 132–139.
- Schievano, Silvia, Karyn Kunzelman, Mark A. Nicosia, Richard P. Cochran, Daniel R. Einstein, Sachin Khambadkone, and Philipp Bonhoeffer. "Percutaneous Mitral Valve Dilatation: Single Balloon Versus Double Balloon. A Finite Element Study." Journal of Heart Valve Disease 18, no. 1 (2009): 28–34.
- Nicosia, Mark A. "A Planar Finite Element Model of Bolus Containment in the Oral Cavity." Computers in Biology and Medicine 37, no. 10 (2007): 1472–1478.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Dysphagia Research Society (DRS), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Awards
- Distinguished University Professor, Widener University (2019)
- NIH Grant to study oropharyngeal swallowing (2008–2009)
News
In the Media
- Delaware County Daily Times
Noteworthy
- School of Engineering Professor Honored with Faculty Institutional Leadership Award
School of Engineering Professor Mark A. Nicosia has received the Faculty Institutional Leadership Award. It recognizes a record of leading initiatives that further the university’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
Nicosia has championed the university’s vision through his involvement on campus. He has served on the Faculty Council Executive Committee for the past six years—the past four years as faculty chair and two years prior as chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee. Nicosia has been a remarkable leader during the COVID-19 pandemic. While serving on the Provost Council and the Crisis Management Team, and chairing the Executive Committee of Faculty Council, he worked closely with the faculty and administration on policies and procedures that directly impacted our students. Nicosia has an exceptional ability to listen and hear concerns expressed by faculty, staff, and administrators and is intentional and thoughtful in any decision-making process. Nicosia is the ideal scholar and campus leader to elevate Widener’s institutional agility and focus on strategy.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/22551/ - Mark Nicosia Named Associate Dean of the School of Engineering
Dr. Mark Nicosia, professor of mechanical engineering, was appointed to the position of associate dean of the School of Engineering. Dr. Nicosia, who previously chaired the department of mechanical engineering, will oversee academic affairs and external relations in this new role. A member of the engineering faculty since 2005, Professor Nicosia's research focuses on computational and experimental analysis of physiological systems, particularly the gastrointestinal system. In 2019, Professor Nicosia was named Distinguished University Professor, an award that recognizes faculty members of distinction and demonstrates how Widener is committed to recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/20431/