Research
Research Areas
Our research labs are where classroom theory meets real-world discovery. From studying complex fluid dynamics to designing autonomous systems and sustainable technologies, these labs give students hands-on experience while advancing knowledge that shapes industries and improves lives.
To learn more about the expertise driving these labs, visit our Faculty Directory for individual profiles highlighting each faculty member鈥檚 research areas and achievements.
Bio-Inspired Aerodynamics Lab
Dr. Tiomkin
The Bio-Inspired Aerodynamics Lab studies the physics of biological fliers. The lab
derives mathematical models to explore the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic benefits of
biological fliers, with the goal of applying this knowledge to the design of future
air vehicles.
Dr. Murphy
The Murphy Lab explores fluid mechanics in the context of biology, ecology, and the
environment. Recent interests include the hydrodynamics of animal swimming and sensing
and the dispersion of oil spills. The lab often uses experimental tools such as high-speed
imaging, particle image velocimetry, and holography.
Dr. Mao
Research interests span the areas of biofluid mechanics, microfluidics, and cardiovascular
biomechanics. The lab focuses on the development and application of computational
methods addressing complex fluid鈥搒tructure interaction (FSI) problems in biomedical
engineering, such as cardiovascular biomechanics, biological flows, cell manipulation
in microfluidics, and hemodynamics.
Dr. N. Gallant
The Cellular Mechanotransduction and Biomaterials Laboratory investigates the mechanical
and biochemical interactions between cells and their microenvironment to control cell
behavior. The lab develops biomaterial engineering strategies鈥攊ncluding surface micropatterning,
nanofibrous texturing, and combinatorial analyses of mechanical and biochemical signals鈥攖o
manipulate cell鈥搈atrix adhesions and control tissue formation.
Dr. Dubey, Dr. Alqasemi, Dr. Carey, and Dr. Reed
The Center for Assistive, Rehabilitation and Robotics Technologies integrates research,
education, and service for the advancement of assistive and rehabilitation robotics
technologies. Researchers from multiple USF colleges鈥攊ncluding Engineering, Physical
Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, the Arts, and Behavioral and Community Sciences鈥攃ollaborate
on a wide range of projects.
Dr. Autar Kaw
The lab uses computational methods to deepen our understanding of complex systems.
We enhance engineering education by developing and integrating open educational resources,
leveraging digital tools, and implementing flipped classroom approaches to make undergraduate
engineering courses more accessible. In our composites research, we design and validate
models to predict the mechanical behavior of these advanced materials. Additionally,
we apply predictive analytics to course data from adaptive learning platforms, allowing
us to identify students who may be at risk and offer targeted support to improve their
academic outcomes.
Dr. Halder
The Halder Lab focuses on bioinspired soft systems, studying the mathematics of complex
dynamical systems in biology鈥攔anging from the collective behavior of avian flocks
to the movement of marine invertebrates鈥攁nd their applications in robotics. The lab
examines the interplay between continuum mechanics, sensing, neuronal dynamics, and
biological control strategies. Research also applies insights from biological systems
to soft robotics, addressing fundamental questions in optimality and sensorimotor
control.
Dr. T. Yucelen
The Laboratory for Autonomy, Control, Information, and Systems (LACIS) focuses on
developing novel control, information, and decision-making architectures to advance
next-generation autonomous vehicles and robotic swarms capable of performing a broad
range of civilian and military operations.
Dr. Samanta
The Laser-Aided Materials, Manufacturing, and Processing (LAM虏P) Laboratory focuses
on advancing the science and engineering of materials through laser-based fabrication
and processing. Research emphasizes the design and development of functional multiscale
materials integrating properties across micron, submicron, and nanoscale levels. The
LAM虏P Lab specializes in fabricating environmentally friendly multifunctional material
systems with tailored surface and bulk properties such as superhydrophobicity, superhydrophilicity,
superamphiphobicity, corrosion resistance, self-healing, and stimuli-responsiveness.
Dr. Ali Ashraf
The MNMC Laboratory focuses on the fabrication, functionalization, and formation of
nanomaterials and nanocomposites for various applications. The lab develops two-dimensional
nanomaterials through shear exfoliation, chemical vapor deposition, and laser processing,
and integrates them into multifunctional composite systems for sensing, separation,
and energy applications.
Dr. M. Wang
The Materials and Mechanics Lab conducts research at the interface of materials science
and mechanical engineering. The lab explores the processing鈥搒tructure鈥損roperty relationship
in materials using experiments, theory, and simulations, with a focus on new processing
strategies for energy-efficient alloys and coatings, and understanding the mechanical,
tribological, and corrosion properties of multifunctional materials.
Dr. A. Volinsky
The Nanomechanical Testing Laboratory investigates thin film processing, mechanical
properties, and characterization. Research topics include adhesion and fracture of
thin films, nanoindentation, pattern formation, irradiated material properties, and
X-ray diffraction.
Dr. A. Kumar
The Nanotechnology Research and Education Center (NREC) is a university-wide user
fabrication and metrology center providing state-of-the-art equipment, professional
support personnel, and infrastructure to enable multidisciplinary research.
Dr. K. Reed
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Electromechanical Design Lab (REEDlab) enables
effective rehabilitation by augmenting human dynamics to positively influence cognitive
perception of motion. Research areas include gait patterns, upper-limb rehabilitation,
and the use of haptics to convey information to individuals.
Dr. Sargolzaei
The Resilient, Autonomous, Networked Control Systems (RANCS) Lab develops, tests,
and verifies control and communication systems for connected and autonomous vehicles,
including ground and aerial platforms. Research emphasizes safety, security, and efficiency
of autonomous systems under uncertainties, cyber-physical threats, and communication
constraints, integrating theoretical control design with hardware-in-the-loop simulation
and real-world experimentation.
Robotics and Virtual/Augmented Reality laboratory
Dr. Redwan Alqasemi
The Robotics and Virtual/Augmented Reality laboratory carries research related to
assistive and rehabilitation robotics for persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities
to help in their daily living activities. The lab also conducts research in using
virtual and augmented reality for assessment and training in three fields: roadside
construction workers' safety, railroad workers training, and vocational rehabilitation
for persons with cognitive disabilities.
Dr. Nancy Diaz-Elsayed
The Smart and Sustainable Systems Laboratory cultivates a dynamic research environment
that fosters the development of smart manufacturing systems and green manufacturing
solutions. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the lab prepares engineers
to address global challenges through cutting-edge research, collaborative partnerships,
and revolutionary engineering practices that optimize processes while supporting an
eco-conscious world.
Dr. Vasel-Be-Hagh
The Thermofluids Discovery Lab advances research in fluid mechanics and thermal transport
processes using both computational and experimental analyses. The lab鈥檚 work focuses
on energy and aerospace applications, aiming to create efficient and cost-effective
systems through a deeper understanding of thermal fluid sciences. By integrating advanced
diagnostics, high-fidelity simulations, and data-driven modeling, the team explores
next-generation cooling, propulsion, and energy conversion technologies that address
real-world engineering challenges.
Vibrations and Dynamic Systems Lab
Dr. D. Hess
The Vibrations and Dynamic Systems Lab conducts research on vibration and dynamics
measurement, modeling, and analysis. Key areas include dynamic friction, controls,
microcontrollers, sensors, fasteners and bolted joints, vibration diagnostics of solar
cells, orthopedic fixations, and accelerated aging dynamics of instruments.