Weilun Qiu Defends Dissertation on Modeling Inelastic Material Behavior News / September 30, 2026 Weilun Qiu developed computational frameworks that combine statistical physics and machine learning to better understand how materials behave beyond their elastic limits, bridging the gap between microscopic interactions and complex macroscopic behavior. Read More
Shyam Sankaran Defends Dissertation on Neural Operators for Modeling Physical Systems News / September 16, 2026 Shyam Sankaran’s doctoral research develops more efficient neural operators that can rapidly model and predict the behavior of physical systems, advancing scalable computational tools for digital twins. Read More
Saheli Patel Defends Dissertation on Modeling and Controlling Flow in Compliant Structures News / August 27, 2026 Saheli Patel developed experimentally validated models to better understand and control fluid flow in compliant structures. Her research spans soft actuators, architected materials and valveless pumps while reflecting a Ph.D. journey that taught her to approach unfamiliar problems with confidence and independence. Read More
Francis Sowande Defends Dissertation on Physics- and Data-Informed Modeling of Infant Postural Control News / August 5, 2026 Francis Sowande developed physics- and data-informed models to improve how clinicians assess infant postural control, advancing more objective and accessible tools for the early detection of neuromotor impairments. Read More
Julia Radzio Defends Dissertation on Microfluidic Platforms for High-Throughput Biomolecular Screening News / July 28, 2026 Julia Radzio developed microfluidic technologies that improve high-throughput biomolecular screening, combining fluid dynamics and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance research tools for biotechnology and medicine. Read More
Vivek Sharma Defends Dissertation on the Multiscale Mechanical Regulation of Tumor Progression News / July 21, 2026 Sharma explored how mechanical forces influence cancer progression across multiple biological scales, combining mechanics, computational modeling, cancer biology and artificial intelligence to better understand disease. Read More
Dongsheng Chen Defends Dissertation on Jet-Propelled Soft Robotics News / July 20, 2026 Beginning his Ph.D. during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chen developed new motion control strategies for jet-propelled soft robots, advancing underwater robotics while discovering the value of pursuing research driven by passion. Read More
Mateusz Jaszczuk Defends Master’s Thesis on Real-Time Adaptive Control in Robotics News / April 28, 2026 Mateusz Jaszczuk's work advances how torque-controlled robots safely and effectively interact with humans in dynamic, uncertain environments. Read More
Spencer Folk Defends Dissertation on Real Time Local Wind Inference for Robust Autonomous Navigation News / January 5, 2026 Folk defended his doctoral dissertation, “Real Time Local Wind Inference for Robust Autonomous Navigation,” completed under the guidance of Vijay Kumar, Nemirovsky Family Dean and Professor, and Mark Yim, Asa Whitney Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Read More
Li Yuan Defends Dissertation on Self-Assembly of 2D Materials News / December 1, 2025 Li Yuan has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM), marking the culmination of a journey that carried him from uncertainty during the COVID era to a deep, confident understanding of the mechanics and physics of ultrathin materials. His dissertation, “Exploring Self-Assembly of 2D Materials:... Read More
