Research opportunities in computational design

Seeking motivated students interested in engineering design, scientific computing, and machine learning to develop the next generation of computational approaches for design, and contribute to ongoing projects 

1) AI/ML for design: Creating datasets for engineering design 

2) Experimenting AI/ML-architectures for engineering design

3) Running FEA simulations for biomedical applications

4) Exploring quantum/AI/ML approaches for design optimization 

Research methods: The research will be computational, with opportunities for 3D Printing as applicable. 
Predominantly, it will involve programming on Python, reading research papers, and prototyping computational frameworks.

Disciplines: Students from Engineering (Mechanical, industrial, civil, biomedical) and Computer Science with interest/experience in computational research are strongly encouraged to apply.
 

 

Name of research group, project, or lab
Computational Design Research Lab
Why participate in this opportunity?

Exposure to cutting edge tools in computer-aided design, analysis, optimization, machine learning, high performance computing, 3D printing, and the opportunity to advance the field of engineering design!

This opportunity prepares the students with the skills to pursue a career in academic research/industry R&D. 

Logistics Information:
Field(s) of Study
Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Open to Honors Thesis Work
Student qualifications

Experience with Python is necessary.

Experience in one/more of the following areas is a plus: 
1. CAD (Solidworks/Onshape/Fusion360), 
2. Finite Element Analysis (Ansys/Abaqus/COMSOL), or other numerical methods
3. Programming (C++,MATLAB), 
4. Machine learning, data-science, data-extraction.
5. 3D printing (Polymer/metal).

Time commitment
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Credit for Research and Teaching
Unpaid - Volunteer
Number of openings
3
Techniques learned

The students can expect to further their proficiency in applied computational research.

Project start
Fall 2026 (starting Sep)
Contact Information:
Mentor
ssridhara@umass.edu
Assistant Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Saketh Sridhara
Email address of project director or principal investigator
ssridhara@umass.edu
3 sp. | 25 appl.
Time commitment
8-10 h/wk
Field(s) of Study
Computer Science (+3)
Biomedical EngineeringCivil EngineeringComputer ScienceMechanical & Industrial Engineering