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 2024)

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

Previous Opportunities Actively Seeking Undergraduate Student Researchers (Fall 2023)

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. Alexei Poludnenko - the details of this project can be found here

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

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

• Numerical modeling of Fluid-Structure Interaction system and Machine Learning
• Work with Prof. Xu for a senior design project and then continue this research for the MS study within his group
  
• If interested email Prof. Xu

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