Research opportunities in design optimization: multiple openings

Seeking motivated students interested in engineering design 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. Projects have a variety of application areas: soft robots, civil structures, biomedical devices, additive manufacturing. 

Approaches: Students will use computational frameworks in Python and MATLAB for the design, analysis, optimization and leverage 3D printing to realize these novel designs. Machine-learning and high-performance computing approaches to design will also be explored through the projects.



 

 

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
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Industrial Engineering
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). 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
3
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
3 sp. | 0 appl.
Hours
5-7 h/wk (+1)
5-7 h/wk8-10 h/wk
Project categories
Industrial Engineering (+3)
Civil EngineeringComputer ScienceIndustrial EngineeringMechanical Engineering