I am sincerely grateful to the Graduate Dean’s Awards Advisory Panel and the Dean for approving my application for the prestigious Finishing Fellowship for Summer 2026. This support represents a significant milestone in my doctoral journey, and I am deeply appreciative of the confidence placed in my work. I am especially indebted to my advisor, Dr. Bhisham Sharma, whose guidance since the beginning of my Ph.D. has been instrumental in bringing me to the final stage of my program. I also extend my gratitude to the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering for its continued support.
I joined Michigan Technological University in Fall 2023. Coming from southern India, where I had never experienced snowfall, adapting to Houghton’s average seasonal snowfall of nearly 200 inches was a striking change. However, I embraced this new environment and grew to genuinely enjoy it. My aspiration to pursue a Ph.D. has been longstanding. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Hyderabad, India, in 2015, I worked for two years before deciding to fully commit to research. I then pursued a fully funded master’s degree at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia, where I strengthened my research foundation.
As I approached the completion of my master’s degree, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my plans to begin a Ph.D. in the United States. During this period, I remained engaged in research at KFUPM, where I gained valuable experience and developed a deeper understanding of the ethics and rigor required in scientific inquiry. Once conditions improved, I began my Ph.D. at Wichita State University in Fall 2022 and subsequently followed my advisor to Michigan Tech in Fall 2023.
My research lies at the intersection of computational solid mechanics and machine learning for advanced material design. I focus on enhancing the mechanical performance of lightweight cellular structures by tailoring them to meet specific target properties. To achieve this, I employ machine learning techniques to develop computationally efficient frameworks for the inverse design and customization of material behavior. I further translate these complex designs into physical structures using additive manufacturing and validate their performance through experimental mechanical testing, thereby completing the full design-to-manufacturing cycle.
In addition to my research, I have served as a teaching assistant for courses such as Advanced CAD/CAM and Acoustics & Noise Control. Through conducting laboratory sessions, I discovered a strong interest in teaching and mentoring students, and I value the opportunity to contribute to their learning and development.
Moving forward, I aim to continue pursuing knowledge with the same commitment to rigor and ethical research that has guided me throughout my academic journey. I aspire to conduct impactful research that contributes meaningfully to the scientific community while also fostering an environment of learning and collaboration.
