S.S. Gamaniel (Shari)

Samuel Shari Gamaniel is a researcher investigating bio‑tribological interactions, molecular adsorption, surface damage mechanisms and the role of boundary lubrication in protecting biological tissues. His work integrates tribology and biology, providing insights relevant to food science, consumer‑product development and biomedical applications.

Shari earned his Bachelor’s (2017) and Master’s (2020) degrees cum laude in Mechanical Engineering from Bilkent University in Ankara, Türkiye. His undergraduate research focused on optimizing the ice‑cream mix freezing process at the Unilever Algida pilot plant in Istanbul, where he gained early experience applying engineering principles to real industrial challenges. During his Master’s studies, he developed a numerical algorithm to simulate the behaviour of viscoelastic fluids in lubricated contacts under cavitation.

He went on to pursue an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) at the University of Twente, where he developed a tongue‑equivalent tribological platform to assess the astringency induced by plant‑based proteins. Shari later completed his PhD in 2025, also at the University of Twente, focusing on lubrication loss in wet epithelial tissues during sliding contact phenomena central to biological surfaces such as the eyes, oral cavity and internal mucosal linings. As part of his doctoral work, he conducted research as a visiting scholar at the University of Sheffield, examining how mucous proteins influence friction and epithelial tissue damage.

He aims to help scale scientific insights into real‑world applications, contributing to the development of next‑generation materials and formulations that drive innovation in food technology, biomaterials and consumer products.

Expertise

• Material Science

  • Surface
  • Film
  • Fluid
  • Mucin
  • Viscoelasticity

• Chemistry

  • Food
  • Protein

• Engineering

  • Design

Organisations

Publications

Research profiles

Since 2021, Shari has contributed to education by teaching Statics to first-year Bachelor’s students in Industrial Design Engineering.

Affiliated study programs

Address

University of Twente

Horst Complex (building no. 20), room N137
De Horst 2
7522 LW Enschede
Netherlands

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Organisations