Research

Mitsubishi Electric Case Study Highlights 51Ʒ��’s Growing Momentum in Industry Automation

lmadaus — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:42:52 +0000

Mitsubishi Electric Case Study Highlights 51Ʒ��’s Growing Momentum in Industry Automation

lmadaus Thu, 04/09/2026 - 13:42

51Ʒ��’s collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric Automation and Patti Engineering is gaining national attention, with a new case study highlighting the impact already visible in student outcomes and industry engagement.

That approach has been taking shape inside 51Ʒ��’s advanced robotic automation cell for several years. Last year, senior Scotty Grunwald ’26 worked directly with Mitsubishi PLCs, robotics, and HMIs as part of a fully integrated system.

“This was my first real attempt at a full automation system,” Grunwald said. “It was a lot harder than it looks on paper, but that’s what made it so valuable.”

His experience reflects the kind of system-level learning now highlighted in Mitsubishi Electric’s case study.

The case study frames the collaboration simply: bridging the skills gap in modern manufacturing through a smart, programmable, and flexible manufacturing cell that gives students real-world automation experience before entering the workforce.

Developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric Automation and Patti Engineering, the robotic cell integrates robotics, PLCs, machine vision, and system-level controls into a fully programmable platform. Students are not completing static lab exercises—they are programming, troubleshooting, and iterating on a complete system that mirrors the complexity of modern production environments.

For students like Grunwald, that experience translates directly to the job market. Direct familiarity with Mitsubishi PLCs, robotics, and HMIs provides exposure rarely available at the undergraduate level—and a clear point of differentiation when entering industry.

The case study reinforces a broader point: addressing the skills gap in advanced manufacturing requires more than access to equipment. It requires systems that evolve, challenge students to think independently, and connect theory directly to application.

That perspective is now extending beyond campus through industry conversations tied to IMTS, where the collaboration is positioned within broader discussions around workforce development, automation adoption, and the future of smart manufacturing.

Together, these elements—student experience, industry validation, and national visibility—point to a single outcome: a model that reflects current industry expectations and prepares students to contribute from day one.

Click here to read the full Mitsubishi Electric Automation case study.

51Ʒ�� Professor Advances Communication-Integrated Engineering with $25K EiF Grant

lmadaus — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:14:00 +0000

51Ʒ�� Professor Advances Communication-Integrated Engineering with $25K EiF Grant

Faculty & Staff

Grants

Research

lmadaus Mon, 03/23/2026 - 09:14

In Dr. Ping Ren’s engineering courses, a design isn’t complete until it can be explained, documented, and defended, because that’s how professional problem-solving really works.

Ren’s approach addresses a persistent challenge in engineering education: graduates may leave with strong technical skills but limited experience translating project requirements into engineering decisions. As Ren explained, “Engineers are expected not only to solve technical problems, but also to communicate clearly with teammates, clients, and non-technical stakeholders.”

“Communication skills are embedded directly into real-world, customer-driven engineering projects,” Ren said, “including problem definition, design documentation, and project presentation.” Students are asked not only to communicate clearly, but to use customer input to shape design choices, trade-offs, and technical decisions throughout a project’s lifecycle.

In Ren’s courses, engineering students are expected to:

Translate customer needs into engineering decisions
Document and justify their work
Present and review designs

With new support from the Engineering Information Foundation (EiF), including a $25,000 award, Ren is leading a curriculum initiative that weaves communication and professional skills into core manufacturing and design engineering courses.

“This funding allows us to redesign and better align learning activities across interdisciplinary design and manufacturing, manufacturing processes, and additive manufacturing,” Ren said. “It also supports hands-on project implementation by enabling the purchase of materials, tools, and equipment needed for students to build, test, and iterate on their designs.”

The result is an engineering learning environment where communication is part of technical work from the outset, reflecting how professional engineering is practiced and preparing students for the realities of collaborative, industry-driven design.

The Engineering Information Foundation (EiF) makes grants to support initiatives that enhance communication skills and increase the number of women in engineering.

For more information, please contact Emily Sanders, Executive Director, at ejsanders2@outlook.com.

51Ʒ�� Joins Statewide Consortium to Strengthen National Security Research

lmadaus — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:15:02 +0000

51Ʒ�� Joins Statewide Consortium to Strengthen National Security Research

Computer Science

President

Research

lmadaus Mon, 10/20/2025 - 11:15

51Ʒ�� has partnered with Michigan’s leading universities to launch an initiative aimed at advancing U.S. national security through cutting-edge research, technology development, and workforce training.

This Consortium, ratified under an agreement with state and federal partners, will deliver mission-essential research in autonomy, energy resilience, advanced manufacturing, cyber-secure operations, and warfighter performance. In addition to research, it will serve as a pipeline of technical talent for the federal workforce—preparing students and faculty to address the nation’s most pressing defense challenges.

“This Consortium is a bold step toward positioning Michigan universities for University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designation,” said John T. Gutierrez, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Executive Director of the Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “UARC status would bring stable, long-term federal investment, expanded research opportunities, and high-paying technical jobs to the state.”

By aligning Michigan universities around a shared mission, the Consortium establishes the collaborative foundation necessary to pursue UARC designation, positioning the state among a select group of institutions nationally recognized by the Department of Defense for sensitive, high-priority research.

At 51Ʒ��, that work is already underway. The university brings one of the nation’s strongest employer networks to the Consortium, with more than 570 Co-op partners worldwide, including aerospace and defense leaders such as General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon.

“51Ʒ��’s model uniquely prepares students to contribute to national security research by immersing them in both rigorous academic study and extended, hands-on professional experience,” said Dr. Scott Grasman, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Unlike traditional programs where experiential learning is often limited to short-term internships, 51Ʒ�� students spend nearly half of their undergraduate career embedded in industry settings. This model produces graduates who are not only technically proficient but also adept at problem-solving in complex, high-stakes environments, skills directly transferable to the demands of national security research.”

That pipeline is reinforced through the Michigander Scholars program, a statewide MEDC initiative in which 51Ʒ�� plays a leading role. With its largest cohort to date, the program not only incentivizes graduates to remain in Michigan but also now includes Aerospace and Defense companies as partners, providing direct pathways into sectors aligned with the Consortium’s mission. To date, more than 150 51Ʒ�� students and alumni have been named Scholars, strengthening both Michigan’s defense economy and the nation’s security workforce.

“Retaining Michigan-trained engineering talent in the state is critical for both the Consortium and national security because it ensures that the investments made in education, training, and applied research continue to strengthen local innovation ecosystems,” said Grasman. “Michigan is already a hub for mobility, manufacturing, energy technologies, and defense industry partnerships; keeping highly skilled graduates in the region amplifies this advantage by building a concentrated talent base with specialized expertise.”

Together, these connections, academic rigor, industry collaboration, and state-backed workforce development position 51Ʒ�� to expand defense-related research opportunities, accelerate the transition of innovations from lab to field, and prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists to serve the nation’s most pressing security needs.

To learn more about the Consortium, visit cmurc.com/cens.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

51Ʒ�� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

rnorris — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:43:30 +0000

51Ʒ�� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

Campus

Grants

Research

rnorris Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:43

51Ʒ��’s Archives, housed at GM’s historic Durant-Dort Factory One, recently hosted Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an automotive historian whose research challenges traditional narratives surrounding transportation in the Americas.

Dr. Eaglin, Associate Professor of History at The Ohio State University and the inaugural recipient of the Society of Automotive Historians Travel-to-Collections Grant, completed her research visit this spring. Her project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, explores the powerful role cars, buses, and trucks have played in shaping communities, economies, and identities across North, South, and Central America.

“Sometimes the best discoveries come when you’re not looking for them,” Dr. Eaglin said during her presentation after concluding her research. “I came to Flint with a plan, but what I found at 51Ʒ��’s Archives expanded my project in ways I couldn’t have imagined. This is research that matters — and the team here made it possible.”

Dr. Eaglin’s research leveraged key collections, including GM World, Auto International, and materials from automotive emissions experts, to examine how transportation infrastructure and environmental factors converge in ways that still shape lives today.

“51Ʒ��’s Archives are more than a collection of documents,” said Dawn Winans, Interim Director of the Library Special Collections. “They’re proof of engaged research and innovative ideas, just like our students and faculty. By opening our archives to scholars like Dr. Eaglin, we’re reinforcing our role as a catalyst for groundbreaking research that drives the field forward.”

Located in Factory One, a National Historic Landmark recognized as the birthplace of General Motors, 51Ʒ��’s Archives house extensive resources on automotive innovation, industry history, and the evolution of transportation. These collections give researchers firsthand access to materials that haven’t been digitized, providing a critical bridge between history and innovation.

“Auto history is more than cars,” Dr. Eaglin noted. “It’s about how people live, how they move, and how they build communities. 51Ʒ��’s Archives make that story come alive.”

As 51Ʒ�� continues to champion hands-on research and real-world impact, opening its Archives to scholars from around the world is yet another way the University supports connections that drive innovation into the future.

Learn more about 51Ʒ��’s Archives and research opportunities at https://libguides.kettering.edu/library.

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How 51Ʒ�� is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

rnorris — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:07:17 +0000

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How 51Ʒ�� is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

rnorris Thu, 06/19/2025 - 10:07

51Ʒ�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan joined Glenn Stevens Jr. of MichAuto during Detroit PBS’s coverage of the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by award-winning journalist Zoe Clark on “One Detroit.” Their discussion centered on the future of automotive engineering, talent development, and Michigan’s evolving workforce.

Dr. McMahan emphasized the importance of thinking ahead: “We’re actually preparing students for careers that don’t even exist yet because the industry is evolving so quickly,” he said. 51Ʒ��’s distinctive Co-op model — where students split their time between rigorous academics and real-world work placements — equips them with the adaptability and habits of mind needed to thrive in tomorrow’s industries.

Glenn Stevens highlighted that while Michigan has “pockets of excellence” in aligning workforce and talent, “we need to do a better job with career path planning.” Dr. McMahan underscored the need to treat talent like a supply chain, noting that, “A lot of the people in this conference, they know their supply chains… they know where every nut and bolt is, what truck it’s on, and when it will land. But if you ask them what the most critical part of their operation is, they will almost universally say it’s people, but it’s the one thing they don’t treat as a supply chain.”

Stevens agreed, adding that Michigan is at an inflection point. “Assuming we do that, treating talent development like a supply chain, investing in communities where people want to live, building strong infrastructure, including digital and schools, and generating new innovation and tech talent like 51Ʒ�� does, that’s Michigan’s future.”

Click here to watch the full interview to learn how 51Ʒ�� leads the way in building the next generation of Michigan’s innovators.

51Ʒ�� Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

rnorris — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:06:19 +0000

51Ʒ�� Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

Campus

Faculty & Staff

Research

rnorris Thu, 06/12/2025 - 09:06

51Ʒ�� today announced a set of catalytic changes to the university stemming from a multi-year assessment and growth plan—an ambitious, collaborative effort that strengthens 51Ʒ��’s leadership at the intersection of education and industry. Effective June 23, 2025, the University will launch an enhanced College of Engineering and Computer Science, a new School of Foundational Studies, and an expanded Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

“51Ʒ�� is unique in higher education because we were founded to deliver mastery and career-relevant skills as an outcome, not simply a classroom-based education,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of 51Ʒ��. “The strategic steps we are announcing build on our foundation and unmatched heritage in experiential learning as well as our broad collaboration with industry. They position us to continue to innovate in what we do and to graduate students who are among the best prepared in the nation for a 21st century economy.”

This comprehensive realignment within Academic Affairs reflects the deliberate, rigorous process that began with the President’s Task Force on program Realignment and Reinvention in 2021. That Task Force, informed by quantitative and qualitative analyses—including national trends in STEM, workforce projections, and extensive faculty and staff input—charted a course to enhance 51Ʒ��’s academic structure to align its distinctive cooperative education model and the needs of a dynamic workforce.

Key enhancements include:

● The College of Engineering will be renamed the College of Engineering and Computer Science, reflecting 51Ʒ��’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and its strategic alignment with industry. By integrating the Department of Computer Science into the College of Engineering, the University will ensure that computing disciplines are fully embedded within engineering education—advancing graduates’ abilities to deliver integrated hardware and software solutions across the interconnected domains of mobility, manufacturing, and advanced product design.

● The Department of Chemical Engineering will be expanded to become the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, underscoring the University’s recognition of the critical role that materials science plays in addressing contemporary engineering challenges. This expansion strategically positions 51Ʒ�� at the forefront of national efforts in semiconductor technologies, hydrogen, and battery and energy storage, and it will house the University’s pioneering accelerated program in semiconductor materials and devices—the first of its kind in the nation—further distinguishing the University’s offerings in areas critical to national competitiveness and technological advancement.

● The School of Foundational Studies, provides the essential foundational instruction in the liberal arts, mathematics, and the sciences that is requisite for success in all University degree programs. The School will oversee the development of a University-wide Core Curriculum designed to be a common gateway for students into the University’s rigorous academic programs. The School of Foundational Studies serves as a hub for innovative faculty, with expertise from multiple disciplines, to develop a more holistic learning and professional development experience for students.

“These changes are not just organizational; they are generative,” President McMahan noted. “They position 51Ʒ�� to be more agile and innovative, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and providing students with a transformative educational experience that mirrors the demands of today’s—and tomorrow’s—industries.”

Founded in 1919, 51Ʒ�� is a nationally recognized leader in STEM education. From its earliest days, 51Ʒ�� has distinguished itself through its unique cooperative education model, seamlessly integrating rigorous academic study with paid, professional experience. This philosophy of education prioritizes mastery as the ultimate outcome, ensuring that every student graduates with both academic depth and real-world experience. 51Ʒ��’s approach prepares graduates not only to meet the challenges of today’s industries but to shape them.

These changes echo 51Ʒ��’s other recent strategic investments in student success with the creation of its new Student Experience Collaborative. This team, led by a Chief Student Experience Officer, ensures every student benefits from a holistic approach to academic advising, Co-op and career design, and a vibrant campus life—all essential to producing leaders prepared to shape the future.

“Since our founding, 51Ʒ�� has stood at the crossroads of industry and innovation,” McMahan emphasized. “Our unique cooperative education model doesn’t just educate—it empowers our students to enter the workforce with confidence, experience, problem-solving skills, and the adaptability that employers demand. With these enhancements to our academic structure, 51Ʒ�� continues to deliver on our promise of mastery,
leadership, and real-world impact.”

College of Engineering and Computer Science

51Ʒ��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:00:26 +0000

51Ʒ��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:00

$40,000 award expands testing and research capabilities for next-gen mobility engineers

51Ʒ�� has expanded the capabilities of its Intelligent Transportation Lab (ITL) thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation. The funding supported upgrades to the lab’s equipment and space, ensuring students and faculty have access to advanced tools for real-world vehicle testing, research, and innovation.

The ITL, connected to 51Ʒ��’s Mechanical Engineering program, gives students hands-on experience with the technologies used in today’s evolving mobility industry. It supports work in vehicle dynamics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ride quality analysis, and subsystem validation.

Recent ITL enhancements include professional-grade equipment such as a multi-channel data acquisition system, advanced sensors, and Controller Area Network (CAN) interface hardware. The improvements will support collaborative research and student projects, including developing 51Ʒ��’s Formula SAE Electric race car and vibration testing for industry partners like Yokohama Tire.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Margaret Dunning Foundation for supporting the ITL,” said Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at 51Ʒ��. “This gift has enabled us to transform an already high-impact lab into a next-level learning and research environment, training students in the skills that industry demands and innovation requires.”

The ITL is key to 51Ʒ��’s commitment to giving students early, hands-on opportunities to solve complex problems using today’s industry-standard technology. By integrating real data, real vehicles, and real testing scenarios into coursework and Co-op experiences, the lab equips students to lead in Michigan’s mobility sector and beyond.

About the Margaret Dunning Foundation

The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning in 1997. She was born in 1910 in Redford Township, Michigan, and moved with her mother to Plymouth in the 1920s. During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and classic car enthusiast, often participating in the Woodward Dream Cruise in her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster. Ms. Dunning passed away in 2015 at the age of 104. Her estate provided additional funding for the Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests and preserve her legacy. Learn more at www.margaretdunningfdn.org.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

51Ʒ�� Students Develop AI-Powered Sun-Blocking Tech to Improve School Bus Safety

rnorris — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:56:35 +0000

51Ʒ�� Students Develop AI-Powered Sun-Blocking Tech to Improve School Bus Safety

Mobility Research Center

Computer Science

Research

rnorris Mon, 04/07/2025 - 13:56

Sun glare is a major hazard for drivers, often causing temporary blindness that leads to accidents. Two 51Ʒ�� Computer Science students, Omar Ibnouf ’27, a graduate of Delta International School in Saudi Arabia, and Jiten Ponnam ’27, a graduate of Athens High School in Athens, Michigan, have spent months developing an innovative solution: a pixel-blocking system that dynamically shades the sun while keeping the driver’s view clear.

Their AI-driven display technology, currently being tested on a school bus in partnership with International Motors LLC, uses real-time sun and eye detection to determine precisely where glare hits a driver’s eyes. The system then selectively darkens pixels on a transparent LCD screen, blocking only the sun while maintaining complete visibility of the road ahead.

From Concept to Working Prototype

“We wanted to reduce distractions and make driving safer,” Ibnouf said. “Our system detects the sun’s position, finds where it hits the driver’s eyes, and blocks only that specific glare — helping reduce accidents caused by temporary blindness.”

The current prototype consists of:

An outward-facing camera that detects the sun’s position
An inward-facing camera that tracks the driver’s eyes
AI-powered software that calculates 3D coordinates to align the shading
An LCD screen that dynamically adjusts pixels to block the sun

Ponnam explained the technical challenge behind making the system work. “The hardest part wasn’t just writing the Python code — it was getting all the components to communicate with each other in real-time,” he said.

Mehrdad Zadeh, Ph.d., Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, advised the students on the project. “Students gain real-world problem-solving skills, apply STEM knowledge, and work with emerging technologies like AI when tackling projects like this,” Zadeh said. “The project enhances teamwork and communication while fostering innovation and critical thinking. Students also gain ethical awareness and exposure to future tech careers, making learning more engaging and purposeful.”

Next Steps: Smarter, Slimmer, and Scalable

The system is currently being tested with a large LCD screen mounted on the exterior of a school bus windshield. However, the students are working toward a thinner, more transparent version that would be integrated directly into vehicle windshields.

“In the future, this could be in all cars,” Ponnam said. “We’re looking at flexible, transparent LED screens to make it lighter, easier to install, and more cost-effective for manufacturers.”

The students are also aware of potential legal challenges, such as window tinting laws. However, they are working with International Motors’ legal team to ensure compliance while maintaining visibility.

A Future of Safer Roads

While the current focus is on reducing sun glare for school bus drivers, the technology has broader applications. The team envisions integrating heads-up displays, pedestrian detection alerts, and adaptive shading for different lighting conditions.

At 51Ʒ��, students don’t just study technology — they build real-world solutions. Whether through Co-op experiences or hands-on research, they create the curve instead of following it.

51Ʒ�� and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

rnorris — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:58:05 +0000

51Ʒ�� and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

rnorris Thu, 03/20/2025 - 09:58

51Ʒ��’s Archives, in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), has awarded its first-ever Travel-to-Collections Grant to Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an Associate Professor at the Ohio State University. This competitive grant, funded by SAH, supports scholars conducting in-depth research using 51Ʒ��’s extensive archives on automotive history.

Dr. Eaglin’s project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, received top marks from the selection committee. Her research explores how automotive dependence — particularly through cars, buses, and trucks — has shaped a uniquely American identity across North, South, and Central America from the 1950s to the present. The 51Ʒ�� Archives, home to significant collections on automotive innovation and industry history, will provide valuable primary sources for her work.

“We are thrilled to support Dr. Eaglin’s research and to see 51Ʒ��’s archives contribute to groundbreaking scholarship in automotive history,” said Dina Mein, Ph.D., University Librarian at 51Ʒ��. “By offering this grant, we are not only aiding researchers but also strengthening 51Ʒ��’s role as a hub for innovation and historical study.”

The 51Ʒ�� Archives are housed at GM’s Durant-Dort Factory One, a National Historic Landmark widely recognized as the birthplace of General Motors. The factory, originally home to the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, played a pivotal role in the early automotive industry. Today, it stands as a center for historical preservation and research, making it an ideal location for scholars studying the evolution of transportation and industry.

51Ʒ��’s Archives contain three major collections focusing on the history of 51Ʒ��, the City of Flint, and American automotive history, including rare documents from General Motors and other key industry players. The grant is designed to assist researchers who may not have the resources to travel to Flint to explore these unique materials in person.

The Travel-to-Collections Grant is made possible through 51Ʒ��’s partnership with SAH, an international organization of automotive historians that includes university faculty, museum curators, and dedicated enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores 51Ʒ��’s commitment to advancing automotive research and fostering connections with scholars worldwide.

As part of the grant, Dr. Eaglin will visit the archive in Factory One in June 2025 to conduct her research. She will present her findings in a special lecture open to students, faculty, and the broader automotive history community.

“The work of researchers like Dr. Eaglin brings our historical materials to life,” Mein added. “When scholars write books and articles based on our collections, it highlights the importance of preserving and studying automotive history.”

For more information about 51Ʒ��’s Archives and research opportunities, visit www.kettering.edu/library.

51Ʒ�� Professor Secures $50,000 NSF Grant to Advance Industry Partnerships

rnorris — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:48:24 +0000

51Ʒ�� Professor Secures $50,000 NSF Grant to Advance Industry Partnerships

Grants

Mechanical Engineering

Research

rnorris Mon, 01/13/2025 - 09:48

Dr. Javad Baqersad also earns prestigious SEM award for his career contributions to structural dynamics

At 51Ʒ��, innovation drives achievement. Dr. Javad Baqersad, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, exemplifies this ethos through two recent accomplishments: securing a $50,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to explore the commercialization of cutting-edge vibration measurement technology and receiving a top honor from the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for his contributions to the field.

Dr. Baqersad’s NSF I-Corps grant — Translation Potential of an Optical Vibration Measurement Technology for System Monitoring and Digital Twin Development — focuses on bridging academic innovation with industry needs. This one-year project will evaluate market demand for advanced vibration measurement tools with applications such as detecting misalignment or wear in industrial machinery, monitoring the structural health of bridges and aircraft, and optimizing the performance of wind turbines. These innovations address challenges in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, such as improving vehicle noise and vibration performance, ensuring the reliability of jet engines, and predicting equipment failures to reduce downtime.

This NSF new grant builds upon a previous NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant of more than $577,000, which Dr. Baqersad secured in 2023 to acquire a 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (3DSLDV). The instrument uses coherent light to measure the velocity of vibrating objects, enabling high-fidelity analysis of vibrations in high-temperature, lightweight, and rotating structures.

“Our goal is to connect academic research with real-world challenges,” Dr. Baqersad said. “This grant allows us to engage directly with industry experts, identify their needs, and tailor our technology to address those challenges.”

Through the NSF program, Dr. Baqersad and his team interviewed more than 70 thought leaders at companies like Ford, GM, and Consumers Energy to assess market demand. Insights from these conversations will shape future initiatives, such as NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications, and may pave the way for establishing an Industry-University Research Center at 51Ʒ��.

Dr. Baqersad’s research does more than push boundaries; it prepares the next generation of innovators. Graduate student Arjun Gupta is integral to the project, connecting with industry professionals and bringing their needs into focus. “This experience is invaluable for students,” Dr. Baqersad said. “It prepares them to tackle industry challenges with confidence and expertise.”

Recognition from SEM further solidifies Dr. Baqersad’s place among the leaders in structural dynamics research. At the 2025 SEM International Modal Analysis Conference, he will be honored for his “outstanding research accomplishments in experimental structural dynamics.” It is one of only three awards SEM presents each year.

“It’s an honor to see my work recognized by such a respected organization,” Dr. Baqersad said.

Dr. Baqersad's work has a tangible impact, from noise reduction in vehicles and seismic protection in buildings to potentially detecting skin cancer. With more than 100 publications, a patent, and a dedication to mentorship, his contributions embody 51Ʒ��’s mission to produce accomplished leaders who influence global industries.

Looking ahead, Dr. Baqersad envisions creating new research centers at 51Ʒ��, strengthening partnerships, and giving students unmatched opportunities to lead and innovate. “We aim to create opportunities for students and industry partners to collaborate on projects that address practical challenges, deliver tangible results, and directly contribute to advancements in industries,” he said.

At 51Ʒ��, where excellence is built into every project, Dr. Baqersad’s achievements showcase the power of relentless innovation and real-world application.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Mechanical Engineering