Research Experience for Undergraduates

Some faculty members may hire undergraduate students to assist them on their research projects. Take some time to explore the faculty web pages to learn about school research activities, and contact faculty members in your area of interest to ask if a position is available.

Honors Research Program

Students in the University Honors Program may choose to enroll in a Mechanical Engineering Honors Research course, ME 3299, and work in a research laboratory to earn credits. These credits may be applied toward the Honors Program requirements and will count as a technical elective. As part of the course, the students will be involved in research programs of their choice in areas of emerging technologies. The research work will be directed by a Mechanical Engineering faculty member who serves as the research advisor for the course. The work typically involves collaborative efforts with graduate students and other researchers and provides significant independent problem-solving experience to supplement the classroom experience obtained from traditional coursework. Explore the website to learn about research labs and contact faculty members in areas of interest to ask about completing an Honors Research course in their lab.

It is expected that the students will enroll in the ME Honors Research courses during their Junior and Senior years, working on a focused research project, ideally for multiple semesters. There is also the possibility of continuing work during the summer months as an undergraduate research assistant. The research work is expected to culminate in a technical publication in a recognized scientific or engineering journal or conference proceeding. This research publication can form the basis for the Honors Thesis.

Current Opportunities Actively Seeking Undergraduate Student Researchers (Fall 2025)

Prof. Oleksiy Poludnenko – the details of this project can be found here  

• Computational modeling of novel aerospace propulsion systems
• Fluids I & II, some programming experience (Python or ideally C/C++)
• If interested email Prof. Poludnenko

Prof. Daniele Vivona –

• Automatic operation of electrochemical devices to learn and optimize physics.
  In this project you will first learn and operate an electrochemical cell (hands-on lab component). The focus will then shift to devising algorithms and developing interfaces. Mentorship opportunities from industrial partners available. Possibility to extend original work to develop physics-based models to interpret electrochemical data.
• Prerequisites: strong background in Matlab/Simulink.
  Preferred: prior exposure to lab work and EHS compliance, strong analytical skills, interest in pursuing a Ph.D.
  The selection process includes an interview where the student will be required to present original code and discuss it.
• If interested email Prof. Vivona

Prof. Daniele Vivona –

• Simulating solid-state ion conductors to develop design guidelines in the search for new chemistries
  (Only for juniors or seniors – minimum 2 (ideally 3) semesters of engagement – 1 position available).
  In this project you will first learn the basics of density functional theory or molecular dynamics. You will then learn how to use supercomputers to run calculations and extract diffusion properties of materials. Possibility to extend original work to develop physics-based descriptors to discover new chemistries and materials.
• Prerequisites: strong background in coding (Python preferred)
  Preferred: prior exposure to Unix or Linux, bash scripting, hands-on machine learning.
  The selection process includes an interview and a short take-home component.
• If interested email Prof. Vivona

Previous Opportunities Actively Seeking Undergraduate Student Researchers (Spring 2025/Fall 2024)

Prof. Hongyi Xu – the details of this project can be found here

• Prof. Xu is offering research opportunities for rising Senior students who are interested to pursuing a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Xu after earning their B.S. degree.
  Two research topics are available to choose from:
  1. Generative AI-assisted design of metamaterials and architectured materials for unprecedented mechanical properties (Figure 1).
  2. Generative AI-assisted digital manufacturing system: manufacturing process prediction and resilience (Figure 2).
• Major in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Material Science, Biomechanics, or closely related fields
• If you are interested in artificial intelligence-assisted design and digital manufacturing, please send your resume to Prof. Xu

Prof. Mihai Duduta –

• Looking for a student interested in Materials Science to help develop better dielectric coatings for high voltage wires to help with aircraft electrification.
• Junior level, some materials science experience or interest
• If interested email Prof. Duduta

Prof. Kyungjin Kim – the details of this project can be found here

• Computational analyses involving finite element and peridynamic theory-based modeling techniques
• Processing of nanomaterials, mechanical testing, and failure mode analyses
• Work with Prof. Kim’s research team potentially for a senior design project and the MS study within her group
• If interested, email a resume and motivation to Prof. Kim

Prof. Anna Tarakanova – the details of this project can be found here

• Multiple projects in computational mechanics and molecular simulation
• Programming/scripting experience preferred but not required, Sophomore/Junior/Senior
• If interested email a resume and brief cover letter Prof. Tarakanova

Prof. Baki Cetegen – the details of this project can be found here

• Gas turbine combustor heat transfer
• This announcement is for an Accelerated MS student position that is fully funded
• If interested email Prof. Cetegen

Prof. Julian Norato – the details of this project can be found here

• Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Computational Topology Optimization
• Junior / programming experience
• If interested email Prof. Norato

Prof. Chang Liu – the details of this project can be found here

• Potential projects for undergraduate research will be focused on computational and theoretical analysis of fluid dynamics. Some topics include:
  1. Drag reduction of flow over complex surface
  2. Convection in oceanography applications
  3. Optimal sensor and actuator placement in active flow control
  4. Data-driven prediction in climate motivated models
  5. Quantum algorithms for linear algebra and applications in hydrodynamics.
• The students responsibilities include problem formulation, programming, and data analysis. The student may earn credit for independent study or Mechanical Engineering Honors Research course. Application of summer research fellowship will also be encouraged and supported.
• Senior or junior students having a strong background in mathematics, physics, and computer programming (Python or MATLAB). Courses in fluid dynamics and prior research experience are desired.
• Interested students can apply this research opportunity by sending an email to Dr. Chang Liu with a copy of your CV and transcript. A paragraph describing the project you are interested in, your motivation and the preferred research duration will be appreciated.

Prof. Xinyu Zhao – the details of this project can be found here

• I am looking for an undergraduate assistant to couple the cantera software to a CFD package OpenFOAM. Please email Prof. Zhao for details and expected results. Suitable candidate would be compensated at $25 per hour for this research opportunity.
• Student should have good programming skills and knowledge/interest in combustion.

Prof. Wilson Chiu – the details of this project can be found here

• Two Opportunities: Next Generation Nuclear Reactors; Li-ion Batteries
• Junior level
• If interested email Prof. Chiu