Research opportunities in design optimization + ML

Seeking motivated students interested in engineering design and machine learning to develop the next generation of computational tools for design optimization. Students will create novel geometric and multi-material designs that showcase high performance and advanced functionality, by leveraging mechanical design and machine learning.

Approaches: Students will use computational frameworks in Python for the design, analysis, optimization of mechanical designs. Machine-learning and high-performance computing approaches to design will be employed through the projects.
 

Disciplines: Students from Engineering (Mechanical, industrial, civil) 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 create novel designs! This opportunity prepares the students with the skills to pursue a career in academic research/industry R&D. 

Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

Experience in one/more of the following areas is a plus, but not required: CAD (Solidworks), Analysis (Ansys/abaqus/comsol), Programming (Python/C++,MATLAB), Machine learning, 3D printing (Polymer/metal).

Time commitment
5-7 h/wk
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Independent Study or Research Assistant credit
Research - Volunteer
Number of openings
1
Project start
Spring 2026
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
1 sp. | 8 appl.
Hours
5-7 h/wk (+1)
5-7 h/wk8-10 h/wk
Project categories
Computer Science (+1)
Computer ScienceMechanical Engineering