Hi, I’m Christian D’Andrea.

I’m a PhD candidate in computational biomechanics, working on simulation of spine deformity progression and correction in Drexel University’s Orthopedic Biomechanics Lab led by Sriram Balasubramanian.

I utilize finite element modeling, machine learning, and mechanical testing, and have experience in full-stack app development. I built a custom liquid-cooled GPU server, and play (1) / compose instrumental music (1, 2).

Email / GitHub / Scholar / X / YouTube

Christian D'Andrea

Demos

Humanoid + Finite Element Model Real-Time Interaction
A humanoid robot presses into a finite element model of a cylinder, its deformation solved in real time via in-browser neural network inference.
Live demo Code
GaitDynamics with Shoes On: Real-Time High-Resolution Simulation of Foot Pressure
Sole-shaped FE meshes deform during walking, with an interactive floor-height slider for matching FE-recovered ground reaction forces to GaitDynamics outputs.
Live demo Code

Latest Topics

In preparation
Vertebral Body Tethering Simulation with Patient-Specific Finite Element Models
Writeup available by request
Neural-network-based intervertebral disc deformation simulation result
In preparation
Neural-Network-Based Simulation of Intervertebral Disc Deformation
Information available on request
Porcine spine finite element modeling of scoliosis-like growth modulation
In preparation
Porcine Spine Finite Element Modeling of Scoliosis-Like Growth Modulation
Information available on request

Selected Research

Stress-relaxation curves for scoliotic and non-scoliotic pig spinal ligaments
Stress-Relaxation and Failure Properties of Spinal Ligaments in Pigs With and Without Scoliosis-Like Deformity
Christian R. D'Andrea, Mattan R. Orbach, Dogerno J. Norceide, Madeline S. Boyes, Axel C. Moore, Jacob Jordan, Thomas P. Schaer, Anita Singh, Patrick J. Cahill, Edward J. Vresilovic, Brian D. Snyder, Sriram Balasubramanian
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2025
We characterized spinal ligament viscoelastic and failure properties in normal and scoliotic pigs to inform porcine-specific finite element material properties.
Patient-specific FE model generation from X-ray landmark points
Patient-Specific Finite Element Modeling of Scoliotic Curve Progression Using Region-Specific Stress-Modulated Vertebral Growth
Christian R. D'Andrea, Amer F. Samdani, Sriram Balasubramanian
Spine Deformity, 2023
We simulated Stress-modulated spine growth in patient-specific finite element models, predicting scoliotic curve progression over three years.