Tag: Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

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.

My journey at Michigan Tech started in 2012 when I earned a B.S. degree in Physics. In 2022, I started my PhD in Mechanical Engineering to apply my previous learning in Physics and Mechanical Engineering (M.S.).

My PhD research focuses on improving vehicle energy efficiency through Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) technologies. The more knowledge the vehicle has about its environment and route, the better it can optimize its energy usage. For plug-in Hybrids, the decision of when to use the battery or fuel for propulsion can be optimized if the vehicle knows whether it will be entering or leaving a city. For Electric Vehicles, the decision on what route should be taken is informed by the true vehicle properties (passengers/cargo, external luggage) and available charging infrastructure. Through these technologies and others, our team achieved the 30% energy-saving goal in the NEXTCAR II project.

My PhD research has sent me on numerous trips for testing all around Michigan, along with trips for conferences across the country to discuss the project I am involved in. I have had the opportunity to work with partners at automotive companies and members of the Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC).
As I finish my PhD, I am grateful to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and the Dean for the opportunity that this fellowship provides. My sincere thanks to my co-advisors, Dr. Bo Chen and Dr. Jeffrey Naber, whose support and guidance have been invaluable. I look forward to applying all that I have learned at Michigan Tech in my future career in automotive research.

“It feels pretty surreal to have my time at MTU coming to an end. I started here as an undergrad in 2017, never thinking I would pursue grad school, let alone a PhD, and yet, here I am. Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with the Keweenaw and discovered a deep passion for research and learning. Leaving this place won’t be easy, but I’m sure it will not be goodbye forever.

Throughout my undergraduate and graduate research career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects under the mentorship of Dr. Trisha Sain. My work has included studies on 3D-printed materials, polymer composites, thermoplastics, and epoxy resins. Most recently, my focus has been on understanding the hydrolytic and oxidative aging of a recyclable epoxy known as a vitrimer. This research not only advances sustainable material development but also reflects my broader goal of using science to make a meaningful, positive impact.

I’m incredibly grateful to receive this fellowship and for all the support I’ve had along the way, from faculty mentors to lab mates and friends. This recognition reinforces my motivation to continue contributing to the field and makes it possible for me to complete the final stages of my PhD. Thank you for this opportunity.”

I am deeply honored to receive the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship and would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for this recognition. I am especially thankful to my advisors, Dr. Darrel Robinette, and Dr. Jeff Naber, for their guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support throughout my Ph.D. journey. I also appreciate the support of the Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Department and APS Labs, whose resources and collaborative environment have played a vital role in my research development.

My Ph.D. journey at Michigan Technological University began in Fall 2021 in the Department of Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics, where I have focused on advancing intelligent and energy-efficient connected and automated vehicle (CAV) systems. It was a wonderful experience to be part of the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E NEXTCAR II project, targeting 30% energy savings for PHEV light-duty connected and automated vehicles. My research integrates advanced perception, real-time vehicle modeling, and control strategies to improve the performance and sustainability of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs/PHEVs) in dynamic driving environments.

A major focus of my work has been the development of dynamic mass and road load learning algorithms for EV and PHEV platforms, achieving estimation accuracy within 3%. I have also implemented automated vehicle following strategies that leverage advanced perception systems, resulting in energy savings of up to 15%. Additionally, my work on optimizing vehicle approach and departure strategies at signalized intersections has demonstrated energy savings of up to 35% per signal, contributing significantly to energy-efficient urban mobility.

As I enter the final phase of my doctoral studies, I look forward to completing my research and pursuing a career at the intersection of intelligent transportation, energy systems, and autonomy—where I aim to contribute to sustainable and transformative solutions in mobility.

From an early age, I was interested in automobiles and machines. So, when the time came to decide on which path to choose for my undergrad degree, I chose Mechanical Engineering without any doubt. That eventually led me to Michigan Tech to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. At Michigan Tech, I got the opportunity to work with Dr. Darrell Robinette on Connected Vehicle research as part of the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E NEXTCAR project. This project opened a whole new world of opportunities into the possibilities and the impact vehicle connectivity and automation could have on our daily lives. So, with some inspiration from Dr. Robinette and Dr. Jeffrey Naber, as my co-advisors, I decided to pursue a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on leveraging vehicle connectivity and automation to improve energy efficiency of passenger vehicles.

On my PhD journey, I got the opportunity to work on the Department of Energy’s “Energy Optimization of Light and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Cohorts of Mixed Connectivity, Automation and Propulsion System Capabilities via Meshed V2V-V2I and Expanded Data Sharing” where we demonstrated on-track, the energy savings potential of multi-vehicle cohorts using connectivity and automation. I was also lucky to be part of the Department of Energy’s “Connected and Automated Vehicle Model Validation” project and the General Motors sponsored SAE AutoDrive Challenge II. Along with this, I also got the opportunity to spend six months as a Research Intern at General Motors’ Software Defined Vehicle Research Laboratory, where I worked on implementing perception systems and multi-object tracking algorithms for a simulation environment.

For my PhD research, I investigated the energy saving potential of various vehicle cohort combinations that could have while driving on a limited access highway, leveraging connectivity to optimize powertrain operation on various hybrid electric vehicles and train a neural network to use connected vehicle information to chart a course through an urban driving environment.

I want to use this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude towards Graduate School, dean and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for awarding me the Finishing Fellowship for the Summer of 2025. This fellowship will greatly help me complete my doctoral research and extend my professional career. Along with that, I would like to thank the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E and Vehicle Technologies Office for providing support throughout my PhD along with General Motors and the Society of Automotive Engineers. I am also deeply grateful to my co-advisors, Dr. Darrell Robinette and Dr. Jeffrey Naber for their support and guidance throughout the years at Michigan Tech.

My Ph.D. journey at Michigan Technological University began in Fall 2021 in the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, where I have focused on developing complex constitutive and phase-field failure models to gain a deeper understanding of fracture behaviors and improve material performance under diverse loading conditions. My research also explores the development of multiscale and Multiphysics models, contributing to the design of resilient materials for critical structural and industrial applications. Working at the intersection of advanced material modeling and computational mechanics has been both intellectually inspiring and transformative, shaping my approach to tackling some of the most challenging problems in engineering.
The primary objective of my research is to develop computationally efficient models that accurately capture complex fracture phenomena in fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs). By incorporating advanced constitutive modeling and phase-field fracture techniques, I investigate crack interactions in FRPCs under the influence of various environmental and loading conditions. My work aims to improve the predictive capabilities of models used in the design and optimization of high-performance materials.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for awarding me the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship. This recognition is both an honor and a motivation as I approach the final stages of my Ph.D. I am deeply grateful to my advisor, Dr. Trisha Sain, whose guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support have been crucial throughout my doctoral journey. Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping me into an independent researcher and has helped me navigate the complexities of my work. I also want to acknowledge the department of Mechanical Engineering for its support during my PhD studies.
As I enter the final phase of my PhD, I look forward to completing my research and advancing my career in the field of computational mechanics and material science, where I hope to make meaningful contributions to solving critical challenges.

Originally from Maine, my fascination with the automotive industry led me to explore schools in the Midwest. Michigan Tech stood out due to its automotive focus and the abundance of outdoor activities in the local area. After graduating from the University of Maine in 2020, I was fortunate to join a Department of Energy-funded project at Michigan Tech to pursue a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.

At the Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC), my research has centered on the modeling, simulation, and analysis of a heavy-duty off-road material handler, with a project goal to reduce fuel consumption by 20%. I developed a high-fidelity model of the propulsion and hydraulic systems, analyzed fuel-saving options, and identified electrified powertrain configurations that maximize fuel efficiency while maintaining performance. Additionally, my research has investigated advanced control methods to achieve further fuel savings, including artificial intelligence and optimization techniques.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my research has been witnessing the significant impact of these fuel-saving technologies on the heavy-duty off-road industry. This sector, often overshadowed by light-duty vehicle research, offers opportunities for substantial carbon dioxide reductions through relatively minor changes. Our team is currently nearing completion of a machine build for a plug-in series hybrid expected to achieve about 40% fuel savings compared to the baseline machine, showcasing the profound potential of this work in reducing emissions.

I am deeply grateful to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and the dean for selecting me as a fellowship recipient. My sincere thanks also go to my co-advisors, Dr. Darrell Robinette and Dr. Jeremy Worm, whose unwavering support and guidance over the last four years have been invaluable. This achievement would not have been possible without their mentorship.