Dr. Hormoz Zareh (formerly Zarefar) started his undergraduate Mechanical Engineering education at Arya-Mehr University of Technology (AMUT) in Tehran, Iran. After moving to the United States in 1979 he completed his B.S.(1980), M.S.(1982) and Ph.D.(1986) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). From 1981 to 1986 he lectured undergraduate classes in Manufacturing Processes, Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery and Engineering Design at UTA. In April of 1986, he received the Carl W. Files Outstanding Teaching Award from the Mechanical Engineering Department of UTA.
Since joining Portland State University (PSU) in September of 1987, he has taught undergraduate courses in Engineering Problem solving, Mechanics and Design, as well as senior/graduate courses in Finite Element Analysis, vibrations, design optimization, expert systems applications in design and manufacturing, and controls. Starting in 1997, he revised the introductory engineering problem solving course (EAS101) to include programming and computer-assisted problem solving topics using MATLAB software. Furthermore, he has implemented a complete senior/graduate level elective core in Finite Element Modeling and Analysis.
His research interests are in the general area of Design Automation and Simulation, specifically Finite Element Methods and their applications. Dr. Zareh has worked on Finite Element modeling and analysis projects with local industries such as Intel, Electro Scientific Industries (ESI), Althin (CD-Medical), and MicroSystems Engineering.
Students of Mechanical Engineering Department at PSU granted Dr. Zareh the Department's "Teacher of the Year" award during the 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2004-2005 academic years.
Dr. Zareh is a member of ASME, Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering Honor Society), and Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society). He is a member of the Academic Committee of the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA).
Dr. Zareh is an avid racquetball and tennis player. He likes dogs, appreciates wildlife (especially birds), enjoys cooking, and listening to music. His other hobbies include tinkering with, and building, home computers. He has been a technical beta tester for Microsoft Corporation's Windows 2000 and XP operating systems.
On Thursday June 16, 2005 my loyal friend "Jake" passed away. He was 12.5 years old (being a big 95-lb dog, that translated into 97 human years).
Here’s a picture of us on one of those happy days upon returning from an early morning “run” during the weekend. His undiminished enthusiasm, loyalty, and love brought unmatched joy to my life. I shall miss him, forever.