Browse Mechanical Engineering 2024 Research Projects
The LURA and NSERC USRA Summer 2024 Research Program competition is now closed. Applicants will be notified of results by April 1, 2024.
Professor: Alex Czekanski
Contact Info: alex.czekanski@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: http://www.idea-lab.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: The main responsibility includes supporting the development of the robotic bio printer at the IDEA-LAB at York University. The robotic arm is equipped with a filament extrusion and a visual tracking module. Everyday tasks will include: assisting in upgrading the current hardware and electrical design of the printing system, developing electrical enclosures and 3D printed modules for the robotic arm, and developing strategies to validate the accuracy of the robotic visual tracking system and printing performance. This project has various needs and can be tailored to fit expertise of the selected candidates. Labview and 3D printing experience will come in handy.
Duties and Responsibilities: Supporting the development of the robotic bio printer at the IDEA-LAB at York University.
Desired Technical Skills: Mechatronics, and material characterization.
Desired Course(s): Courses related to mechanical, mechatronics, and solid mechanics.
Other Desired Qualifications: Skills related to mechanical, mechatronics, and solid mechanics.
Contact Info: alex.czekanski@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: http://www.idea-lab.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: The main responsibility includes supporting the development of the robotic bio printer at the IDEA-LAB at York University. The robotic arm is equipped with a filament extrusion and a visual tracking module. Everyday tasks will include: assisting in upgrading the current hardware and electrical design of the printing system, developing electrical enclosures and 3D printed modules for the robotic arm, and developing strategies to validate the accuracy of the robotic visual tracking system and printing performance. This project has various needs and can be tailored to fit expertise of the selected candidates. Labview and 3D printing experience will come in handy.
Duties and Responsibilities: Supporting the development of the robotic bio printer at the IDEA-LAB at York University.
Desired Technical Skills: Mechatronics, and material characterization.
Desired Course(s): Courses related to mechanical, mechatronics, and solid mechanics.
Other Desired Qualifications: Skills related to mechanical, mechatronics, and solid mechanics.
Professor: Alex Czekanski
Contact Info: alex.czekanski@lassonde,yorku.ca
Lab Website: www.idea-lab.ca
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This research aims to assist the development of artificial blood vessels by producing a thermo-responsible 4D printed bio-hydrogel. The most recent advances we made involve the development of a printer volume reducer device to avoid material waste, and the definition of printing parameters such as printing temperature, exposure time, and ultraviolet light intensity. This research will adapt an additive manufacturing process and define parameters to achieve the desired hydrogel properties as well as designing a 4D geometry that responds in a manipulatable way to a given thermal stimulus.
Duties and Responsibilities: Assist in additive manufacturing process and define parameters to achieve the desired hydrogel proprieties, and design a 4D geometry that responds in a manipulatable way to a given thermal stimulus.
Desired Technical Skills: Material science and engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical engineering courses and LE/MECH 3502 3.00 – Solid Mechanics and Materials Laboratory.
Other Desired Qualifications: Material science and engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Contact Info: alex.czekanski@lassonde,yorku.ca
Lab Website: www.idea-lab.ca
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This research aims to assist the development of artificial blood vessels by producing a thermo-responsible 4D printed bio-hydrogel. The most recent advances we made involve the development of a printer volume reducer device to avoid material waste, and the definition of printing parameters such as printing temperature, exposure time, and ultraviolet light intensity. This research will adapt an additive manufacturing process and define parameters to achieve the desired hydrogel properties as well as designing a 4D geometry that responds in a manipulatable way to a given thermal stimulus.
Duties and Responsibilities: Assist in additive manufacturing process and define parameters to achieve the desired hydrogel proprieties, and design a 4D geometry that responds in a manipulatable way to a given thermal stimulus.
Desired Technical Skills: Material science and engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical engineering courses and LE/MECH 3502 3.00 – Solid Mechanics and Materials Laboratory.
Other Desired Qualifications: Material science and engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Professor: Pouya Rezai
Contact Info: prezai@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://acute.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: The Advanced Center for Microfluidics Technology and Engineering (ACµTE) is seeking highly motivated and hardworking students for multiple research positions that are driven and supported by the industry (e.g., Sixth Wave Inc., BluMetric Inc., ReCycLi Co) and the Government (e.g., Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, Environment Canada). We investigate multi-phase fluids in micro-scale environments at the fundamental level. We then apply the gained knowledge to innovate sensors and apply them to detect pollutants like microplastics and heavy metals, and pathogens like bacteria and viruses in various fluids, from air to water to food. These are called Point-of-Need technologies to enable rapid, low-cost, and sensitive detection and surveillance of the environment for health and safety applications.
Positions: Available positions include the following, but students are more than welcome to bring and nurture their own ideas that are aligned with the general research directions above.
– Developing portable air collection and virus enrichment and detection systems for deployment to public places for air sampling and monitoring.
– Developing high throughput liquid collection, bacterial enrichment, and detection micro-devices for microbial monitoring of environment and food, e.g., lake water, beer, milk.
– Development of collagen-based cell co-culture scaffolds with micro-arteries that mimic human tissues for disease studies and high throughput drug screening.
Duties and Responsibilities: Students are expected to work in the lab during the day and under the mentorship of senior graduate students and postdocs. They will fabricate microfluidic devices, test them with pumps, microscopes and electrochemical sensors, image devices using SEM/AFM, present weekly to PI, and write conference and journal papers.
Desired Technical Skills: Fluid mechanics and basic biology and chemistry knowledge is an asset.
Desired Course(s): LE/MECH 2202 3.00 – Heat and Flow Engineering Principles course is an asset.
Other Desired Qualifications: Hard-working, passionate about research, and good communication skills.
Contact Info: prezai@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://acute.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: The Advanced Center for Microfluidics Technology and Engineering (ACµTE) is seeking highly motivated and hardworking students for multiple research positions that are driven and supported by the industry (e.g., Sixth Wave Inc., BluMetric Inc., ReCycLi Co) and the Government (e.g., Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, Environment Canada). We investigate multi-phase fluids in micro-scale environments at the fundamental level. We then apply the gained knowledge to innovate sensors and apply them to detect pollutants like microplastics and heavy metals, and pathogens like bacteria and viruses in various fluids, from air to water to food. These are called Point-of-Need technologies to enable rapid, low-cost, and sensitive detection and surveillance of the environment for health and safety applications.
Positions: Available positions include the following, but students are more than welcome to bring and nurture their own ideas that are aligned with the general research directions above.
– Developing portable air collection and virus enrichment and detection systems for deployment to public places for air sampling and monitoring.
– Developing high throughput liquid collection, bacterial enrichment, and detection micro-devices for microbial monitoring of environment and food, e.g., lake water, beer, milk.
– Development of collagen-based cell co-culture scaffolds with micro-arteries that mimic human tissues for disease studies and high throughput drug screening.
Duties and Responsibilities: Students are expected to work in the lab during the day and under the mentorship of senior graduate students and postdocs. They will fabricate microfluidic devices, test them with pumps, microscopes and electrochemical sensors, image devices using SEM/AFM, present weekly to PI, and write conference and journal papers.
Desired Technical Skills: Fluid mechanics and basic biology and chemistry knowledge is an asset.
Desired Course(s): LE/MECH 2202 3.00 – Heat and Flow Engineering Principles course is an asset.
Other Desired Qualifications: Hard-working, passionate about research, and good communication skills.
Professor: Roger Kempers
Contact Info: kempers@yorku.ca
Lab Website: www.tf-lab.ca
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Additive manufacturing (AM) affords the ability to create complex and geometrical structures which can be optimized to increase heat transfer performance in a variety of two-phase heat transfer scenarios. One popular two-phase heat transport loop which can benefit is the looped thermosyphon in which boiling occurs at high heat fluxes it the evaporator.
This project addresses the experimental characterization of two-phase heat transfer for AM evaporator devices including pool boiling and flow boiling. The experimental results will be used to develop an improved understanding of two-phase heat transfer dynamics, develop predictive models to design and enhance two-phase looped thermosyphons devices for specific industrial applications.
The experimental research program builds upon existing experimental apparatuses used for fundamental two-phase heat transfer research and extends into specific device-level applications such as thermosyphons or other industrial application-based test setups.
Students will develop CAD models, perform engineering design calculations and simulations, fabricate and assemble hardware and instrumentation. They will communicate their findings orally during weekly meetings and will author a final paper which for submission to a conference or a journal at the end of their project.
Duties and Responsibilities: Hands-on experimental fabrication and testing, data acquisition and instrumentation setup, CAD and simulations, data collection and analysis, and technical writing.
Desired Technical Skills: Good working knowledge of mechanical engineering and hands-on ability, ability to fabricate and test components, experimental data collection and analysis, and SolidWorks and MATLAB experience.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical engineering students.
Other Desired Qualifications: Good verbal, written and presentation communication skills, and the ability to self-motivate and work well with limited direction.
Contact Info: kempers@yorku.ca
Lab Website: www.tf-lab.ca
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Additive manufacturing (AM) affords the ability to create complex and geometrical structures which can be optimized to increase heat transfer performance in a variety of two-phase heat transfer scenarios. One popular two-phase heat transport loop which can benefit is the looped thermosyphon in which boiling occurs at high heat fluxes it the evaporator.
This project addresses the experimental characterization of two-phase heat transfer for AM evaporator devices including pool boiling and flow boiling. The experimental results will be used to develop an improved understanding of two-phase heat transfer dynamics, develop predictive models to design and enhance two-phase looped thermosyphons devices for specific industrial applications.
The experimental research program builds upon existing experimental apparatuses used for fundamental two-phase heat transfer research and extends into specific device-level applications such as thermosyphons or other industrial application-based test setups.
Students will develop CAD models, perform engineering design calculations and simulations, fabricate and assemble hardware and instrumentation. They will communicate their findings orally during weekly meetings and will author a final paper which for submission to a conference or a journal at the end of their project.
Duties and Responsibilities: Hands-on experimental fabrication and testing, data acquisition and instrumentation setup, CAD and simulations, data collection and analysis, and technical writing.
Desired Technical Skills: Good working knowledge of mechanical engineering and hands-on ability, ability to fabricate and test components, experimental data collection and analysis, and SolidWorks and MATLAB experience.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical engineering students.
Other Desired Qualifications: Good verbal, written and presentation communication skills, and the ability to self-motivate and work well with limited direction.
Professor: Andrew Maxwell
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Adapting the SARIT micro-mobility vehicles for different use cases to be used on campus and/or other project partners facilities. Some of the changes include, heating/cooling of the vehicle and the trailer, creating custom trailer for different needs, and custom backpack on the car.
Duties and Responsibilities: The position is work related to manufacturing and mechanical work. Such as, the students will have to create CAD models of different aspects that will be manufactured and added to the vehicles. They will also have to do all the additions on the vehicle as well with the help of graduate students with experience with the vehicle.
Desired Technical Skills: It would be desired if they are familiar with power tools, and CAD software.
Desired Course(s): All student are welcome, but mechanical engineers are preferred for the position due to their core courses.
Other Desired Qualifications: As the students would be working with vehicles, familiarity of parts in vehicles and why they are important is a good knowledge to have.
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Adapting the SARIT micro-mobility vehicles for different use cases to be used on campus and/or other project partners facilities. Some of the changes include, heating/cooling of the vehicle and the trailer, creating custom trailer for different needs, and custom backpack on the car.
Duties and Responsibilities: The position is work related to manufacturing and mechanical work. Such as, the students will have to create CAD models of different aspects that will be manufactured and added to the vehicles. They will also have to do all the additions on the vehicle as well with the help of graduate students with experience with the vehicle.
Desired Technical Skills: It would be desired if they are familiar with power tools, and CAD software.
Desired Course(s): All student are welcome, but mechanical engineers are preferred for the position due to their core courses.
Other Desired Qualifications: As the students would be working with vehicles, familiarity of parts in vehicles and why they are important is a good knowledge to have.
Professor: Andrew Maxwell
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Mobility vehicles are used world wide by people that need assistance in getting around. Their current vehicles are not meant for wet and harsh weather, making them difficult to use in a country such as Canada. Our goal is to adjust the SARIT micro-mobility vehicles to a mobility vehicle that can be used all year round.
Duties and Responsibilities: Assisting with the planning and implementation of changes to SARIT vehicles to create a standardized mobility vehicle. Data collection of possible needs of customers. This project includes designing parts/changes that are needed for mobility users to comfortably operate vehicle. Implementing said changes. Test the products.
Desired Technical Skills: It would be great to have students familiar with research skills, design thinking and CAD modelling.
Desired Course(s): N/A.
Other Desired Qualifications: Independent working and research.
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Mobility vehicles are used world wide by people that need assistance in getting around. Their current vehicles are not meant for wet and harsh weather, making them difficult to use in a country such as Canada. Our goal is to adjust the SARIT micro-mobility vehicles to a mobility vehicle that can be used all year round.
Duties and Responsibilities: Assisting with the planning and implementation of changes to SARIT vehicles to create a standardized mobility vehicle. Data collection of possible needs of customers. This project includes designing parts/changes that are needed for mobility users to comfortably operate vehicle. Implementing said changes. Test the products.
Desired Technical Skills: It would be great to have students familiar with research skills, design thinking and CAD modelling.
Desired Course(s): N/A.
Other Desired Qualifications: Independent working and research.
Professor: Andrew Maxwell
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: As the SARIT use cases extend and more facilities receive the vehicles, we will need constant maintenance on the vehicles. We will also need someone familiar with the vehicles to facilitate test drives for users.
Duties and Responsibilities: Do monthly vehicle checks. Ensure all vehicles are charged. Ensure all vehicles are clean for events and test drives. Prep vehicles with necessary additions for any upcoming events (example is adding the strip lights on vehicles) If time allows also be the point maintenance for partnerships.
Desired Technical Skills: Light mechanic work is desired. As well as problem solving and design thinking skills.
Desired Course(s): N/A.
Other Desired Qualifications: Following instructions and good communication.
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: As the SARIT use cases extend and more facilities receive the vehicles, we will need constant maintenance on the vehicles. We will also need someone familiar with the vehicles to facilitate test drives for users.
Duties and Responsibilities: Do monthly vehicle checks. Ensure all vehicles are charged. Ensure all vehicles are clean for events and test drives. Prep vehicles with necessary additions for any upcoming events (example is adding the strip lights on vehicles) If time allows also be the point maintenance for partnerships.
Desired Technical Skills: Light mechanic work is desired. As well as problem solving and design thinking skills.
Desired Course(s): N/A.
Other Desired Qualifications: Following instructions and good communication.
Professor: Andrew Maxwell
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: For the upcoming launch of fleets on campus, we need to make sure that the vehicles are safe towards the community. For this reason, we are proposing pedestrian detection technologies to detect, warn the users and prevent possible crashes and accidents. This also means the vehicles need the ability to be tracked so the fleet owners can easily find the vehicles.
Duties and Responsibilities: Compute possible app for telemetry/tracking of vehicles. Boundary creation where there will be an alert made to fleet operator. Possible include motor control for vehicle shut down when out of boundary. Pedestrian detection technology for pedestrian and object detection. Parking detection (for fleet use).
Desired Technical Skills: Basic coding knowledge, some knowledge of hardware and electrical work. Problem solving skills and design thinking skills.
Desired Course(s): Disciplines such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering are desired due to their core courses.
Other Desired Qualifications: It is important that the students can work in a team setting.
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: For the upcoming launch of fleets on campus, we need to make sure that the vehicles are safe towards the community. For this reason, we are proposing pedestrian detection technologies to detect, warn the users and prevent possible crashes and accidents. This also means the vehicles need the ability to be tracked so the fleet owners can easily find the vehicles.
Duties and Responsibilities: Compute possible app for telemetry/tracking of vehicles. Boundary creation where there will be an alert made to fleet operator. Possible include motor control for vehicle shut down when out of boundary. Pedestrian detection technology for pedestrian and object detection. Parking detection (for fleet use).
Desired Technical Skills: Basic coding knowledge, some knowledge of hardware and electrical work. Problem solving skills and design thinking skills.
Desired Course(s): Disciplines such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering are desired due to their core courses.
Other Desired Qualifications: It is important that the students can work in a team setting.
Professor: Andrew Maxwell
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: With the expansion of the SARIT vehicles to different parts of the campus, as well as different communities it will be harder to track the vehicles. There is a need to create a way to track company use of the vehicles and ride share applications.
Duties and Responsibilities: Create an application (or combine) to create a way where the application corresponds to the SARIT vehicles. Easy to use for consumers and operators. Has multiple features. Can be embedded in York University operation applications such as YU card use.
Desired Technical Skills: Basic coding knowledge desired.
Desired Course(s): N/A.
Other Desired Qualifications: Any app or website work would be a good addition as there will be aspects that might use those skills.
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: With the expansion of the SARIT vehicles to different parts of the campus, as well as different communities it will be harder to track the vehicles. There is a need to create a way to track company use of the vehicles and ride share applications.
Duties and Responsibilities: Create an application (or combine) to create a way where the application corresponds to the SARIT vehicles. Easy to use for consumers and operators. Has multiple features. Can be embedded in York University operation applications such as YU card use.
Desired Technical Skills: Basic coding knowledge desired.
Desired Course(s): N/A.
Other Desired Qualifications: Any app or website work would be a good addition as there will be aspects that might use those skills.
Professor: Andrew Maxwell
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Lab equipment can be expensive and hard to come by. It is fortunate that at York University, we have a lot of equipment that we can use for research internally. However, we would like to leverage our equipment to create industry partnerships while receiving a return for the equipment investment.
Duties and Responsibilities: Research on restrictions on lab equipment rental. Research on insurance for this type of rental. Collection of information on all the equipment at York University. Creation of database for interested staff.
Desired Technical Skills: Good communicator as the task require a lot of communication internally of the university and externally.
Desired Course(s): N/A.
Other Desired Qualifications: Independent work. The student needs to be able to conduct independent research that they can then present to their project manager.
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/andrew-maxwell
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Lab equipment can be expensive and hard to come by. It is fortunate that at York University, we have a lot of equipment that we can use for research internally. However, we would like to leverage our equipment to create industry partnerships while receiving a return for the equipment investment.
Duties and Responsibilities: Research on restrictions on lab equipment rental. Research on insurance for this type of rental. Collection of information on all the equipment at York University. Creation of database for interested staff.
Desired Technical Skills: Good communicator as the task require a lot of communication internally of the university and externally.
Desired Course(s): N/A.
Other Desired Qualifications: Independent work. The student needs to be able to conduct independent research that they can then present to their project manager.
Professor: George Zhu
Contact Info: gzhu@yorku.ca
Lab Website: www.yorku.ca/gzhu
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: The project is to design and build two air-bearing satellite simulators for microgravity testing. This will allow us to test control algorithms for satellite rendezvous and formation flight as well as satellite attitude control in microgravity on Earth. This research aims to provide tools for active space debris removal using space robotics. The proposed work includes (i) designing the structure and components layout within the structure in 3D CAD, (ii) machining parts by out-sourcing to external machine shops and 3D printers in the lab, (iii) assembling the structural and mechanical parts to form the simulators, (iii) designing and connecting pneumatic systems for air-bearing, (iv) connecting to an onboard computer for system control using MATLAB. The deliverables will be two working air-bearing satellite simulators. The research aligns with Lassonde’s themes of “Leading in Creating Solutions for a Just and Sustainable World” and “Empowering our People with Perspectives, Tools, and Knowledge.” From a global lens, the research supports UN SDG #4, 8, 9, 11.
Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Develop a design requirement document. 2. Design the structure and components layout of the satellite simulator of satellite in 3D CAD. 3. Purchase required components and outsource external machine shops to make metal parts. 4. Make non-metal parts with 3D printers in the lab. 5. Assemble the simulator hardware and integrate mechanical, pneumatic, and electronic instruments. 6. Functional testing after assembly. 6. Write a report to summarize the development.
Desired Technical Skills: 1. Fluent with 3D CAD software. 2. Digital electronics device and electric instrumentation skills. 3. Hardware skills to install sensors, connect sensors to a computer. 3. Computer programming in MATLAB. 4. Hands-on skills. 5. Writing a good report.
Desired Course(s): Any students in Mechanical Engineering, Space Engineering, and Electrical/Computer Engineering.
Other Desired Qualifications: Third or fourth-year students are preferred.
Contact Info: gzhu@yorku.ca
Lab Website: www.yorku.ca/gzhu
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: The project is to design and build two air-bearing satellite simulators for microgravity testing. This will allow us to test control algorithms for satellite rendezvous and formation flight as well as satellite attitude control in microgravity on Earth. This research aims to provide tools for active space debris removal using space robotics. The proposed work includes (i) designing the structure and components layout within the structure in 3D CAD, (ii) machining parts by out-sourcing to external machine shops and 3D printers in the lab, (iii) assembling the structural and mechanical parts to form the simulators, (iii) designing and connecting pneumatic systems for air-bearing, (iv) connecting to an onboard computer for system control using MATLAB. The deliverables will be two working air-bearing satellite simulators. The research aligns with Lassonde’s themes of “Leading in Creating Solutions for a Just and Sustainable World” and “Empowering our People with Perspectives, Tools, and Knowledge.” From a global lens, the research supports UN SDG #4, 8, 9, 11.
Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Develop a design requirement document. 2. Design the structure and components layout of the satellite simulator of satellite in 3D CAD. 3. Purchase required components and outsource external machine shops to make metal parts. 4. Make non-metal parts with 3D printers in the lab. 5. Assemble the simulator hardware and integrate mechanical, pneumatic, and electronic instruments. 6. Functional testing after assembly. 6. Write a report to summarize the development.
Desired Technical Skills: 1. Fluent with 3D CAD software. 2. Digital electronics device and electric instrumentation skills. 3. Hardware skills to install sensors, connect sensors to a computer. 3. Computer programming in MATLAB. 4. Hands-on skills. 5. Writing a good report.
Desired Course(s): Any students in Mechanical Engineering, Space Engineering, and Electrical/Computer Engineering.
Other Desired Qualifications: Third or fourth-year students are preferred.
Professor: George Zhu
Contact Info: gzhu@yorku.ca
Lab Website: www.yorku.ca/gzhu
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This research is to develop a ground testing system for space swarm robotics technology for space debris removal. Utilizing multiple simple and cost-effective robots, swarm robotics has the potential to outperform a single sophisticated and expensive robot by leveraging the collective behavior of these swarm robotics, emerging from decentralized and local interactions with themselves and their environment. This technology is resilient to individual robot failures and scalable and adaptable to dynamic environments, offering an effective solution for space debris removal. The proposed research will include the development of a central system for communicating and controlling 8 unmanned ground robotic vehicles. Each vehicle includes Wi-Fi system, camera and computer vision, collision avoidance, and on-board microprocessor. The finished system shall be able to conduct swarm robotics testing with or without control. The research aligns with Lassonde’s themes of “Leading in Creating Solutions for a Just and Sustainable World” and “Empowering our People with Perspectives, Tools, and Knowledge.” From a global lens, the research supports UN SDG #8, 9, 10, 11.
Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Develop a design requirement document. 2. Assemble commercial robotic ground vehicles. 3. Develop a central control system to communicate with multiple vehicles using Wi-Fi simultaneously. 4. Develop communication capability among vehicles. 5. Test and write a report to summarize the developments
Desired Technical Skills: 1. Digital electronics device and electric instrumentation skills. 2. Hardware skills to install sensors, Wi-Fi communication skills. 3. Computer programming in MATLAB. 4. Hands-on skills. 5. Writing a good report.
Desired Course(s): Any students in Mechanical Engineering, Space Engineering, and Electrical/Computer Engineering students.
Other Desired Qualifications: Third or fourth year students are preferred.
Contact Info: gzhu@yorku.ca
Lab Website: www.yorku.ca/gzhu
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This research is to develop a ground testing system for space swarm robotics technology for space debris removal. Utilizing multiple simple and cost-effective robots, swarm robotics has the potential to outperform a single sophisticated and expensive robot by leveraging the collective behavior of these swarm robotics, emerging from decentralized and local interactions with themselves and their environment. This technology is resilient to individual robot failures and scalable and adaptable to dynamic environments, offering an effective solution for space debris removal. The proposed research will include the development of a central system for communicating and controlling 8 unmanned ground robotic vehicles. Each vehicle includes Wi-Fi system, camera and computer vision, collision avoidance, and on-board microprocessor. The finished system shall be able to conduct swarm robotics testing with or without control. The research aligns with Lassonde’s themes of “Leading in Creating Solutions for a Just and Sustainable World” and “Empowering our People with Perspectives, Tools, and Knowledge.” From a global lens, the research supports UN SDG #8, 9, 10, 11.
Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Develop a design requirement document. 2. Assemble commercial robotic ground vehicles. 3. Develop a central control system to communicate with multiple vehicles using Wi-Fi simultaneously. 4. Develop communication capability among vehicles. 5. Test and write a report to summarize the developments
Desired Technical Skills: 1. Digital electronics device and electric instrumentation skills. 2. Hardware skills to install sensors, Wi-Fi communication skills. 3. Computer programming in MATLAB. 4. Hands-on skills. 5. Writing a good report.
Desired Course(s): Any students in Mechanical Engineering, Space Engineering, and Electrical/Computer Engineering students.
Other Desired Qualifications: Third or fourth year students are preferred.
Professor: Solomon Boakye-Yiadom
Contact Info: sboakyey@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pspp-of-materials.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: The primary objective of this project is to explore the processing techniques and characterize the structural and property aspects of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) and Alumina Nanocomposites. This study aims to understand the synergistic effects of combining multiple metallic elements in HEAs and the reinforcement of alumina in the matrix to create materials with superior properties for advanced engineering applications. High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are an innovative class of metallic materials that consist of five or more elements in near-equiatomic proportions, resulting in high configurational entropy and potentially exhibiting remarkable mechanical, thermal, and corrosion resistance properties. Alumina nanocomposites, on the other hand, are known for their high strength, stiffness, and thermal stability. The combination of these materials could lead to the development of advanced composites with unique properties.
Duties and Responsibilities: Literature Review: Conduct comprehensive literature surveys to understand the current state of research in the field of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) and alumina nanocomposites.
Analyze previous studies to identify gaps in knowledge and potential areas for investigation.
Experimental Planning and Design: Assist in designing experiments for the synthesis and processing of HEAs and alumina nanocomposites. Develop protocols and procedures for various synthesis methods like arc melting, powder metallurgy, sol-gel processing, etc.
Material Synthesis and Processing: Participate in the actual synthesis of HEAs and the development of alumina nanocomposites using various techniques: Ensure adherence to safety protocols and proper handling of materials and equipment.
Characterization and Testing: Perform various characterization techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and others to analyze the microstructure of the materials. Conduct property testing, including mechanical, thermal, and corrosion resistance tests.
Data Analysis: Analyze experimental data to understand the relationship between processing parameters and the properties of the materials.
Utilize statistical and computational tools for data interpretation.
Reporting and Documentation: Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings to the research team and at academic conferences.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with other team members, including senior researchers and faculty, to ensure the smooth progress of the project.
Participate in regular team meetings to discuss progress and plan future work.
Desired Technical Skills: Material Science Knowledge, Advanced Manufacturing and Synthesis Techniques, Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization, Thermal and Chemical Analysis, Data Analysis and Statistical Skills, Computer Skills: Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software for material design and simulation. Basic programming skills for data analysis and automation of experimental processes, Laboratory Safety
Desired Course(s): Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a similar discipline.
Other Desired Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess an outstanding academic record, demonstrate a profound interest in materials science and metallurgy, and, ideally, have prior experience with laboratory instrumentation and software applications.
Contact Info: sboakyey@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pspp-of-materials.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: The primary objective of this project is to explore the processing techniques and characterize the structural and property aspects of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) and Alumina Nanocomposites. This study aims to understand the synergistic effects of combining multiple metallic elements in HEAs and the reinforcement of alumina in the matrix to create materials with superior properties for advanced engineering applications. High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are an innovative class of metallic materials that consist of five or more elements in near-equiatomic proportions, resulting in high configurational entropy and potentially exhibiting remarkable mechanical, thermal, and corrosion resistance properties. Alumina nanocomposites, on the other hand, are known for their high strength, stiffness, and thermal stability. The combination of these materials could lead to the development of advanced composites with unique properties.
Duties and Responsibilities: Literature Review: Conduct comprehensive literature surveys to understand the current state of research in the field of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) and alumina nanocomposites.
Analyze previous studies to identify gaps in knowledge and potential areas for investigation.
Experimental Planning and Design: Assist in designing experiments for the synthesis and processing of HEAs and alumina nanocomposites. Develop protocols and procedures for various synthesis methods like arc melting, powder metallurgy, sol-gel processing, etc.
Material Synthesis and Processing: Participate in the actual synthesis of HEAs and the development of alumina nanocomposites using various techniques: Ensure adherence to safety protocols and proper handling of materials and equipment.
Characterization and Testing: Perform various characterization techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and others to analyze the microstructure of the materials. Conduct property testing, including mechanical, thermal, and corrosion resistance tests.
Data Analysis: Analyze experimental data to understand the relationship between processing parameters and the properties of the materials.
Utilize statistical and computational tools for data interpretation.
Reporting and Documentation: Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings to the research team and at academic conferences.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with other team members, including senior researchers and faculty, to ensure the smooth progress of the project.
Participate in regular team meetings to discuss progress and plan future work.
Desired Technical Skills: Material Science Knowledge, Advanced Manufacturing and Synthesis Techniques, Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization, Thermal and Chemical Analysis, Data Analysis and Statistical Skills, Computer Skills: Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software for material design and simulation. Basic programming skills for data analysis and automation of experimental processes, Laboratory Safety
Desired Course(s): Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a similar discipline.
Other Desired Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess an outstanding academic record, demonstrate a profound interest in materials science and metallurgy, and, ideally, have prior experience with laboratory instrumentation and software applications.
Professor: Solomon Boakye-Yiadom
Contact Info: sboakyey@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pspp-of-materials.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: The primary goal of this project is to optimize the formulation and prediction of high entropy alloys (HEAs) by leveraging the capabilities of Computational Alloy Phase Diagram (CALPHAD) modeling. This initiative seeks to advance the understanding and development of HEAs, known for their exceptional mechanical and thermal properties, using sophisticated computational tools for accurate compositional and property prediction. High Entropy Alloys, characterized by their multi-component nature with five or more principal elements in near-equiatomic ratios, exhibit remarkable properties like enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. The CALPHAD method, an advanced computational approach, is instrumental in predicting the phase behavior and properties of complex alloy systems, making it an invaluable tool in the exploration of the vast compositional landscape of HEAs.
Duties and Responsibilities: Literature Review and Research: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on high entropy alloys (HEAs) and CALPHAD modeling. Stay updated with the latest developments in the field to inform the project’s approach and methodology.
CALPHAD Modeling: Utilize CALPHAD software to perform computational modeling and simulations of HEA systems. Analyze various alloy compositions and their thermodynamic behaviors using the CALPHAD method.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data from CALPHAD simulations to identify potential HEA compositions for synthesis. Interpret simulation results to predict phase diagrams, stability, and other relevant properties.
Experimental Work: Assist in the synthesis and characterization of HEAs based on CALPHAD predictions. Operate laboratory equipment for alloy preparation and characterization, such as furnaces, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, etc.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activities, findings, and analyses. Prepare reports and presentations to share results with the research team and at academic conferences.
Collaboration and Communication: Work collaboratively with other team members, including faculty advisors and fellow researchers. Participate in regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies.
Desired Technical Skills: Foundation in Materials Science and Engineering. Analytical and Data Analysis Abilities. Knowledge and experience in using CALPHAD software for computational modeling of alloys will be a plus. Ability to interpret phase diagrams and thermodynamic data will also be a plus.
Desired Course(s): Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science and Engineering, Software Engineering
Other Desired Qualifications: Ability to conduct thorough literature reviews and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. Competence in identifying and solving research problems effectively.
Contact Info: sboakyey@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pspp-of-materials.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: The primary goal of this project is to optimize the formulation and prediction of high entropy alloys (HEAs) by leveraging the capabilities of Computational Alloy Phase Diagram (CALPHAD) modeling. This initiative seeks to advance the understanding and development of HEAs, known for their exceptional mechanical and thermal properties, using sophisticated computational tools for accurate compositional and property prediction. High Entropy Alloys, characterized by their multi-component nature with five or more principal elements in near-equiatomic ratios, exhibit remarkable properties like enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. The CALPHAD method, an advanced computational approach, is instrumental in predicting the phase behavior and properties of complex alloy systems, making it an invaluable tool in the exploration of the vast compositional landscape of HEAs.
Duties and Responsibilities: Literature Review and Research: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on high entropy alloys (HEAs) and CALPHAD modeling. Stay updated with the latest developments in the field to inform the project’s approach and methodology.
CALPHAD Modeling: Utilize CALPHAD software to perform computational modeling and simulations of HEA systems. Analyze various alloy compositions and their thermodynamic behaviors using the CALPHAD method.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data from CALPHAD simulations to identify potential HEA compositions for synthesis. Interpret simulation results to predict phase diagrams, stability, and other relevant properties.
Experimental Work: Assist in the synthesis and characterization of HEAs based on CALPHAD predictions. Operate laboratory equipment for alloy preparation and characterization, such as furnaces, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, etc.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activities, findings, and analyses. Prepare reports and presentations to share results with the research team and at academic conferences.
Collaboration and Communication: Work collaboratively with other team members, including faculty advisors and fellow researchers. Participate in regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies.
Desired Technical Skills: Foundation in Materials Science and Engineering. Analytical and Data Analysis Abilities. Knowledge and experience in using CALPHAD software for computational modeling of alloys will be a plus. Ability to interpret phase diagrams and thermodynamic data will also be a plus.
Desired Course(s): Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science and Engineering, Software Engineering
Other Desired Qualifications: Ability to conduct thorough literature reviews and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. Competence in identifying and solving research problems effectively.
Professor: Solomon Boakye-Yiadom
Contact Info: sboakyey@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pspp-of-materials.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: This research program aims to advance the development of Complex Concentrated Alloys (CCAs) by integrating additive manufacturing with machine learning. CCAs, composed of multiple elements in nearly equal proportions, exhibit outstanding thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. However, their development faces challenges due to their compositional complexity and limited datasets for machine learning.
The project will focus on applying machine learning algorithms to CCAs, considering real-world physics constraints. Utilizing Selective Laser Melting (SLM) processes, combined with high-speed video and thermal imaging, we’ll explore the interplay between alloy composition, structure, and performance. This approach will accelerate the rapid design and formulation of new CCAs.
AI/ML algorithms, informed by data from traditional metallic alloys, will predict novel elemental combinations. These will be further refined using materials informatics and supervised learning. The impact of various processing parameters on the structure, chemical composition, and stability of CCAs will be examined through metal additive manufacturing.
The ultimate goal is to optimize the properties of these processed CCAs for specific applications, enhancing the quality of manufacturing processes and products. This innovative fusion of traditional manufacturing knowledge with cutting-edge machine learning techniques holds the potential to revolutionize materials science, particularly in industries requiring materials with superior properties.
Duties and Responsibilities: Literature Review: Conduct thorough research on existing literature related to CCAs, additive manufacturing, and machine learning applications in materials science.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data from traditional metallic alloys to inform the development of machine learning algorithms. Process and interpret data obtained from additive manufacturing processes, such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
Machine Learning Algorithm Development: Assist in the development and application of AI/ML algorithms for predicting novel CCA compositions. Work on refining these algorithms through materials informatics and supervised learning techniques.
Experimental Work: Participate in additive manufacturing processes, monitoring parameters using high-speed video and thermal imaging. Analyze the effects of these parameters on the composition, structure, and stability of CCAs.
Performance Testing and Optimization: Conduct tests to assess the performance of developed CCAs.
Optimize the properties of these alloys for specific applications using machine learning insights.
Documentation and Reporting: Keep detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings to the research team and at academic forums.
Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with team members, including faculty and other researchers, in a multidisciplinary environment. Participate in meetings and discussions to contribute ideas and receive feedback.
Desired Technical Skills: Materials Science, Metal Additive Manufacturing or Metal 3D Printing, Machine Learning, Data Analysis and Processing Skills,
Desired Course(s): Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science and Engineering, Software Engineering.
Other Desired Qualifications: Programming and Software Proficiency: Strong programming skills, preferably in languages like Python, R, or MATLAB. Familiarity with machine learning libraries and frameworks.
Contact Info: sboakyey@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pspp-of-materials.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: This research program aims to advance the development of Complex Concentrated Alloys (CCAs) by integrating additive manufacturing with machine learning. CCAs, composed of multiple elements in nearly equal proportions, exhibit outstanding thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. However, their development faces challenges due to their compositional complexity and limited datasets for machine learning.
The project will focus on applying machine learning algorithms to CCAs, considering real-world physics constraints. Utilizing Selective Laser Melting (SLM) processes, combined with high-speed video and thermal imaging, we’ll explore the interplay between alloy composition, structure, and performance. This approach will accelerate the rapid design and formulation of new CCAs.
AI/ML algorithms, informed by data from traditional metallic alloys, will predict novel elemental combinations. These will be further refined using materials informatics and supervised learning. The impact of various processing parameters on the structure, chemical composition, and stability of CCAs will be examined through metal additive manufacturing.
The ultimate goal is to optimize the properties of these processed CCAs for specific applications, enhancing the quality of manufacturing processes and products. This innovative fusion of traditional manufacturing knowledge with cutting-edge machine learning techniques holds the potential to revolutionize materials science, particularly in industries requiring materials with superior properties.
Duties and Responsibilities: Literature Review: Conduct thorough research on existing literature related to CCAs, additive manufacturing, and machine learning applications in materials science.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data from traditional metallic alloys to inform the development of machine learning algorithms. Process and interpret data obtained from additive manufacturing processes, such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
Machine Learning Algorithm Development: Assist in the development and application of AI/ML algorithms for predicting novel CCA compositions. Work on refining these algorithms through materials informatics and supervised learning techniques.
Experimental Work: Participate in additive manufacturing processes, monitoring parameters using high-speed video and thermal imaging. Analyze the effects of these parameters on the composition, structure, and stability of CCAs.
Performance Testing and Optimization: Conduct tests to assess the performance of developed CCAs.
Optimize the properties of these alloys for specific applications using machine learning insights.
Documentation and Reporting: Keep detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings to the research team and at academic forums.
Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with team members, including faculty and other researchers, in a multidisciplinary environment. Participate in meetings and discussions to contribute ideas and receive feedback.
Desired Technical Skills: Materials Science, Metal Additive Manufacturing or Metal 3D Printing, Machine Learning, Data Analysis and Processing Skills,
Desired Course(s): Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science and Engineering, Software Engineering.
Other Desired Qualifications: Programming and Software Proficiency: Strong programming skills, preferably in languages like Python, R, or MATLAB. Familiarity with machine learning libraries and frameworks.
Professor: Solomon Boakye-Yiadom
Contact Info: sboakyey@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pspp-of-materials.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This project aims to revolutionize the field of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) of advanced alloys by integrating advanced in-situ monitoring techniques with Machine Learning (ML) for real-time defect prediction and quality control. The focus is on developing a predictive framework that identifies and mitigates defects during the manufacturing process, thus enhancing the reliability and performance of AM-produced advanced alloys. Metal additive manufacturing, an innovative fabrication method, is pivotal in creating complex, high-strength alloy components for industries like aerospace, automotive, and biomedical. However, the occurrence of defects such as porosity, cracks, and inhomogeneous microstructures during the AM process remains a significant challenge. Traditional post-process inspection methods are often time-consuming and may not detect all internal defects, necessitating a more proactive approach.
Duties and Responsibilities: Literature Review: Conduct an extensive review of existing literature on metal additive manufacturing, in-situ monitoring technologies, and machine learning applications in defect prediction.
Experimental Setup and In-Situ Monitoring: Assist in setting up the metal additive manufacturing equipment and in-situ monitoring systems, such as high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and acoustic sensors. Monitor and record the AM process, ensuring the accurate capture of real-time data.
Data Collection and Management: Collect and manage large datasets from the in-situ monitoring systems, including temperature distributions, melt pool dynamics, and acoustic emissions.
Machine Learning Algorithm Development: Participate in the development and training of machine learning algorithms to analyze the collected data. Test and refine algorithms to improve their accuracy in defect prediction.
Predictive Modeling: Assist in creating predictive models that can forecast defect formation during the AM process. Analyze the relationship between AM process parameters and defect occurrence.
Process Optimization: Contribute to the development of a feedback loop that uses predictive insights to adjust AM process parameters in real-time.
Validation and Testing: Validate the effectiveness of the predictive models through experimental trials and comparisons with post-process inspection results.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation of all research activities, findings, and methodologies. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate research progress and results to the research team and at academic forums.
Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate effectively with fellow researchers, supervisors, and potentially industry partners. Actively participate in team meetings and discussions, offering insights and feedback.
Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols in the laboratory and during the use of additive manufacturing equipment. Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines in research practices.
Desired Technical Skills: Metal Additive Manufacturing Knowledge, In-Situ Monitoring Techniques, Machine Learning and Data Analysis, Experimental and Laboratory Skills.
Desired Course(s): Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics.
Other Desired Qualifications: Data Collection and Management.
Contact Info: sboakyey@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pspp-of-materials.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This project aims to revolutionize the field of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) of advanced alloys by integrating advanced in-situ monitoring techniques with Machine Learning (ML) for real-time defect prediction and quality control. The focus is on developing a predictive framework that identifies and mitigates defects during the manufacturing process, thus enhancing the reliability and performance of AM-produced advanced alloys. Metal additive manufacturing, an innovative fabrication method, is pivotal in creating complex, high-strength alloy components for industries like aerospace, automotive, and biomedical. However, the occurrence of defects such as porosity, cracks, and inhomogeneous microstructures during the AM process remains a significant challenge. Traditional post-process inspection methods are often time-consuming and may not detect all internal defects, necessitating a more proactive approach.
Duties and Responsibilities: Literature Review: Conduct an extensive review of existing literature on metal additive manufacturing, in-situ monitoring technologies, and machine learning applications in defect prediction.
Experimental Setup and In-Situ Monitoring: Assist in setting up the metal additive manufacturing equipment and in-situ monitoring systems, such as high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and acoustic sensors. Monitor and record the AM process, ensuring the accurate capture of real-time data.
Data Collection and Management: Collect and manage large datasets from the in-situ monitoring systems, including temperature distributions, melt pool dynamics, and acoustic emissions.
Machine Learning Algorithm Development: Participate in the development and training of machine learning algorithms to analyze the collected data. Test and refine algorithms to improve their accuracy in defect prediction.
Predictive Modeling: Assist in creating predictive models that can forecast defect formation during the AM process. Analyze the relationship between AM process parameters and defect occurrence.
Process Optimization: Contribute to the development of a feedback loop that uses predictive insights to adjust AM process parameters in real-time.
Validation and Testing: Validate the effectiveness of the predictive models through experimental trials and comparisons with post-process inspection results.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation of all research activities, findings, and methodologies. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate research progress and results to the research team and at academic forums.
Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate effectively with fellow researchers, supervisors, and potentially industry partners. Actively participate in team meetings and discussions, offering insights and feedback.
Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols in the laboratory and during the use of additive manufacturing equipment. Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines in research practices.
Desired Technical Skills: Metal Additive Manufacturing Knowledge, In-Situ Monitoring Techniques, Machine Learning and Data Analysis, Experimental and Laboratory Skills.
Desired Course(s): Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics.
Other Desired Qualifications: Data Collection and Management.
Professor: Reza Rizvi
Contact Info: reza.rizvi@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pixel.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Nature-inspired anti-ice skidding composites have a potential to pave the way for synthesizing durable composites with enhanced ice tracking properties. Advancements are required to address the durability limitations associated with such composites. In this research, 2D materials nanocomposites will be fabricated and characterized to evaluate their wet traction performance on ice slippery surfaces. By addressing the microscale aspects, these nanocomposites have the potential to not only enhance ice friction but also enhance wear resistance. This indicates that these nanocomposites have the potential to overcome the obstacle of durability, thus paving the way for their commercialization. The project will be investigated through four objectives including the establishment of an ice tribology setup, synthesis of TPU with 2D graphene platelets, fabrication of ice-gripping composites using a commercially viable method, and production of ice-tractable composites based on natural rubber. In the final objective, the performance of a substitute composite will be studied to find an environment-friendly material which can be employed to decrease the pollutions caused by microplastics resulting from rubber wear debris.
Duties and Responsibilities: The joining student will have contribution in lab activities for tribology evaluation of rubber materials on ice. It encompasses friction responses on the ice surface and the amount of wear and abrasion occurs for the rubber sample. The project requires data processing tasks where the student will help the group. There is also potentials of contribution for the student for publication in case they are either hands-on in the lab or powerful in simulation.
Desired Technical Skills: Experimental spirit, Designing parts and 3D printing, data processing, enhanced English writing skill, punctuality, and hard working and perseverance.
Desired Course(s): Polymers, mechanical testing, mechanical properties of materials, engineering design, and manufacturing.
Other Desired Qualifications: The student must have teamwork spirit, punctuality, and ability to work without supervision. Leading skill in the lab is required as well.
Contact Info: reza.rizvi@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pixel.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Nature-inspired anti-ice skidding composites have a potential to pave the way for synthesizing durable composites with enhanced ice tracking properties. Advancements are required to address the durability limitations associated with such composites. In this research, 2D materials nanocomposites will be fabricated and characterized to evaluate their wet traction performance on ice slippery surfaces. By addressing the microscale aspects, these nanocomposites have the potential to not only enhance ice friction but also enhance wear resistance. This indicates that these nanocomposites have the potential to overcome the obstacle of durability, thus paving the way for their commercialization. The project will be investigated through four objectives including the establishment of an ice tribology setup, synthesis of TPU with 2D graphene platelets, fabrication of ice-gripping composites using a commercially viable method, and production of ice-tractable composites based on natural rubber. In the final objective, the performance of a substitute composite will be studied to find an environment-friendly material which can be employed to decrease the pollutions caused by microplastics resulting from rubber wear debris.
Duties and Responsibilities: The joining student will have contribution in lab activities for tribology evaluation of rubber materials on ice. It encompasses friction responses on the ice surface and the amount of wear and abrasion occurs for the rubber sample. The project requires data processing tasks where the student will help the group. There is also potentials of contribution for the student for publication in case they are either hands-on in the lab or powerful in simulation.
Desired Technical Skills: Experimental spirit, Designing parts and 3D printing, data processing, enhanced English writing skill, punctuality, and hard working and perseverance.
Desired Course(s): Polymers, mechanical testing, mechanical properties of materials, engineering design, and manufacturing.
Other Desired Qualifications: The student must have teamwork spirit, punctuality, and ability to work without supervision. Leading skill in the lab is required as well.
Professor: Reza Rizvi
Contact Info: rrizvi@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pixel.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA);
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: According to the latest statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, ice slipping is the number-one cause of winter injuries, making it an essential topic for consideration. Ice is very slippery near its melting temperature due to the presence of liquid water lubricant on its surface. Many car accidents and several human injuries have been reported annually due to this problem. According to population projections in Canada, the population of seniors aged 80 and over will grow from 1.6 million in 2018 to between 4.7- 6.3 million by 2068. Nature-inspired anti-ice skidding composites have a potential to pave the way for synthesizing durable composites with enhanced ice tracking properties.
One of the main applications of elastomers and rubbers are footwear and automobile tires. Due to their hyper-elasticity, rubbers can undergo significant deformation and recovery when they are pushed against the rough points of a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete. Their major drawback is their low traction on the ice, especially when it is wet. This drawback will result in slipping of pedestrians and cars in winter. Additionally, they are prone to abrasion and wear, thereby causing micro plastics pollution which is an environmentally concerning matter. In this research, 2D materials nanocomposites will be fabricated and characterized to evaluate their wet traction performance on ice slippery surfaces. The project will be investigated through four objectives including the establishment of an ice tribology setup, synthesis of TPU with 2D graphene platelets, fabrication of ice-gripping composites using a commercially viable method, and production of ice-tractable composites based on natural rubber. In the final objective, the performance of a substitute composite will be studied to find an environment-friendly material which can be employed to decrease the pollutions caused by microplastics resulting from rubber wear debris.
During summer, synthesis and characterization of rubber composites will be done. Frictional responses on ice surfaces for different composites will be collected by a customized setup based on Bruker Tribolab. The response signals will be processed and analyzed for further investigation and potential signal filtrations will be applied on the response. Moreover, new test scripts will be defined to address the wear resistivity of different composites. The project encompasses a multidisciplinary knowledge including mechanical performance and materials science and engineering.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student should be able to attend laboratory experiments and run synthesis protocols. They should also have hands-on abilities in the lab. It is required that the student have leadership skills to follow test plans and organize a testing schedule. Problem solving is the other important skill, which is highly required as the project has part designs and 3D printing tasks. The student should have this mindset to provide a solution for any rising problem in the lab. Analytical mindset is significant as the student may do tribology data analysis to assist lab mates, it will include friction load signals interpretation and wear test protocol modification. The other required task is the knowledge about materials engineering and different methods of manufacturing.
Desired Technical Skills: Mechanical design (CAD/CAE/FEA), Mechanical properties of materials, Macro and Micro manufacturing, Materials science and engineering, Characterization and Analysis of materials, Data processing and analysis (MS Office / Excel), and Enhanced Communications and Written English skills.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical design, Mechanical properties of materials, Macro and Micro manufacturing, Materials science and engineering, Characterization and Analysis of materials, Data processing and analysis, and Enhanced Communications and Written English skills.
Other Desired Qualifications: Punctuality, Ability to work without supervision // Independence, Experimental work spirit, Team work skills, and Determination and perseverance.
Contact Info: rrizvi@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pixel.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA);
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: According to the latest statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, ice slipping is the number-one cause of winter injuries, making it an essential topic for consideration. Ice is very slippery near its melting temperature due to the presence of liquid water lubricant on its surface. Many car accidents and several human injuries have been reported annually due to this problem. According to population projections in Canada, the population of seniors aged 80 and over will grow from 1.6 million in 2018 to between 4.7- 6.3 million by 2068. Nature-inspired anti-ice skidding composites have a potential to pave the way for synthesizing durable composites with enhanced ice tracking properties.
One of the main applications of elastomers and rubbers are footwear and automobile tires. Due to their hyper-elasticity, rubbers can undergo significant deformation and recovery when they are pushed against the rough points of a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete. Their major drawback is their low traction on the ice, especially when it is wet. This drawback will result in slipping of pedestrians and cars in winter. Additionally, they are prone to abrasion and wear, thereby causing micro plastics pollution which is an environmentally concerning matter. In this research, 2D materials nanocomposites will be fabricated and characterized to evaluate their wet traction performance on ice slippery surfaces. The project will be investigated through four objectives including the establishment of an ice tribology setup, synthesis of TPU with 2D graphene platelets, fabrication of ice-gripping composites using a commercially viable method, and production of ice-tractable composites based on natural rubber. In the final objective, the performance of a substitute composite will be studied to find an environment-friendly material which can be employed to decrease the pollutions caused by microplastics resulting from rubber wear debris.
During summer, synthesis and characterization of rubber composites will be done. Frictional responses on ice surfaces for different composites will be collected by a customized setup based on Bruker Tribolab. The response signals will be processed and analyzed for further investigation and potential signal filtrations will be applied on the response. Moreover, new test scripts will be defined to address the wear resistivity of different composites. The project encompasses a multidisciplinary knowledge including mechanical performance and materials science and engineering.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student should be able to attend laboratory experiments and run synthesis protocols. They should also have hands-on abilities in the lab. It is required that the student have leadership skills to follow test plans and organize a testing schedule. Problem solving is the other important skill, which is highly required as the project has part designs and 3D printing tasks. The student should have this mindset to provide a solution for any rising problem in the lab. Analytical mindset is significant as the student may do tribology data analysis to assist lab mates, it will include friction load signals interpretation and wear test protocol modification. The other required task is the knowledge about materials engineering and different methods of manufacturing.
Desired Technical Skills: Mechanical design (CAD/CAE/FEA), Mechanical properties of materials, Macro and Micro manufacturing, Materials science and engineering, Characterization and Analysis of materials, Data processing and analysis (MS Office / Excel), and Enhanced Communications and Written English skills.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical design, Mechanical properties of materials, Macro and Micro manufacturing, Materials science and engineering, Characterization and Analysis of materials, Data processing and analysis, and Enhanced Communications and Written English skills.
Other Desired Qualifications: Punctuality, Ability to work without supervision // Independence, Experimental work spirit, Team work skills, and Determination and perseverance.
Professor: Reza Rizvi
Contact Info: rrizvi@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pixel.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA);
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This project aims to address the critical need for scalable, efficient, and cost-effective production of 2D nanomaterials like graphene. These materials are vital for various applications, particularly in green technologies, due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. However, current production methods face challenges such as high costs, low yields, and inconsistent quality, limiting their widespread industrial application.
Our proposed research focuses on the development and validation of a novel, high-throughput infrastructure for the continuous synthesis of 2D nanomaterials using Compressible Flow Exfoliation (CFE). CFE, a groundbreaking technique, employs high-pressure supersonic flows through a converging-diverging nozzle to achieve efficient separation of atomic layers in bulk 2D material-gas mixtures. This process promises significant improvements in speed, yield, and cost-effectiveness compared to current synthesis methods like liquid-phase exfoliation.
The project is structured into three primary objectives:
1. Process Optimization: We aim to systematically determine the influence of various process parameters, such as upstream pressure and temperature, on the yield and quality of 2D nanomaterials.
2. Pre- and Post-Processing Development: The project seeks to design and implement high-throughput pre- and post-processing steps that align with the continuous nature of CFE.
3. Application and Industrial Integration: We will explore the feasibility of applying CFE-synthesized 2D nanomaterials in nano-enabled systems.
This multidisciplinary project aims to transcend incremental advances in the field by providing an industrial-level approach to nanomanufacturing. By focusing on scalable, high-quality production that aligns with international standards, this research has the potential to revolutionize the production of 2D materials, making them more accessible and affordable for widespread industrial use.
Duties and Responsibilities: As a student researcher in this project, your duties and responsibilities will be centered around the construction and operation of the experimental setup, conducting tests, and analyzing the quality of the produced nanomaterials. This role requires a blend of technical skills, analytical thinking, and a strong commitment to research integrity and safety. Your specific responsibilities will include:
Building and Maintaining the Experimental Setup: 1) Assist in the design and assembly of the Compressible Flow Exfoliation (CFE) apparatus, perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Conducting Experiments: 1) Carry out CFE processes under varying conditions as per the research design. 2) Systematically record experimental data. 3) Collaborate with team members to refine experimental procedures and optimize the CFE process.
Material Quality Analysis: 1) Utilize a range of microscopic and analytical tools to assess the quality of the produced 2D nanomaterials. 2) Evaluate the critical properties of the synthesized materials. 3) Conduct comparative analyses to understand the effects of different process parameters on material quality.
Data Processing and Reporting: 1) Process and analyze experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness and efficiency of the CFE process. 2) Prepare detailed reports and presentations on experimental findings, including graphical representations of data and statistical analysis. 3) Participate in regular team meetings to discuss progress and strategize future experiments.
Desired Technical Skills: As an undergraduate student participating the following technical skills are encouraged. These skills will help you effectively contribute to the project while also offering a valuable learning experience:
Basic Laboratory Skills: 1) Familiarity with general lab practices such as measuring, mixing, and handling chemicals safely. 2) Understanding of proper lab safety protocols and the ability to follow them diligently.
Instrumentation and Equipment Handling:
Data Collection and Analysis: 1) Comfortable with collecting data systematically during experiments. 2) Basic skills in data analysis, including the use of spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for organizing and interpreting data.
Microscopy and Material Characterization: 1) Interest in learning or some experience in using microscopes for material analysis. 2) An eagerness to understand material characterization techniques like Raman spectroscopy.
Adaptability and Learning Attitude: 1) Flexibility to adapt to new challenges and changes in experimental procedures. 2) A proactive attitude towards learning new skills and concepts related to nanomaterial synthesis and characterization.
Desired Course(s): Desired course, discipline, or degree program requirements:
For participation in this project, we are looking for undergraduate students who are enrolled in or have completed coursework in the following disciplines or degree programs:
Mechanical Engineering: Courses in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical design, which are relevant to the design and operation of the experimental setup.
Chemical Engineering: Courses related to process engineering, material science, and chemical process design would be highly beneficial.
Materials Science and Engineering: Courses covering the fundamentals of materials science, nanomaterials, and materials characterization techniques.
Physics: Relevant courses might include solid-state physics, thermodynamics, and experimental physics, with a focus on material properties.
Chemistry: Coursework in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and inorganic chemistry, especially those focusing on material synthesis and analysis.
Nanotechnology or Nanoscience Programs: Any specialized courses in nanotechnology or nanoscience that provide a foundation in nanomaterials.
While these are the preferred disciplines, we also value interdisciplinary learning and the unique perspectives it brings. Therefore, students from other fields who have a keen interest in nanomaterials and possess relevant skills or experience are also encouraged to apply. A fundamental understanding of the principles in your respective field, along with a strong interest in nanomaterial synthesis and application, is what we primarily seek in candidates.
Other Desired Qualifications: In addition to the technical skills and academic background, here are other desired qualifications and considerations for participating in this project:
Strong Interest in Nanotechnology and Material Science: A genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about nanomaterials and their applications.
Research Mindset: An eagerness to engage in research activities, including experimenting, data analysis, and problem-solving.
Creativity and Innovation: Willingness to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas to the project.
Attention to Detail: Ability to pay close attention to details in experimental procedures and data recording.
Time Management: Good organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively, especially when balancing research with coursework.
Team Player: Willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse team of students, researchers, and faculty.
Effective Communication: Capability to communicate your ideas and findings clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Adaptability: Flexibility in adapting to new challenges and changes in the research environment.
These qualifications are aimed at fostering a productive and dynamic research experience, contributing to both your personal growth and the success of the project.
Contact Info: rrizvi@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pixel.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA);
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This project aims to address the critical need for scalable, efficient, and cost-effective production of 2D nanomaterials like graphene. These materials are vital for various applications, particularly in green technologies, due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. However, current production methods face challenges such as high costs, low yields, and inconsistent quality, limiting their widespread industrial application.
Our proposed research focuses on the development and validation of a novel, high-throughput infrastructure for the continuous synthesis of 2D nanomaterials using Compressible Flow Exfoliation (CFE). CFE, a groundbreaking technique, employs high-pressure supersonic flows through a converging-diverging nozzle to achieve efficient separation of atomic layers in bulk 2D material-gas mixtures. This process promises significant improvements in speed, yield, and cost-effectiveness compared to current synthesis methods like liquid-phase exfoliation.
The project is structured into three primary objectives:
1. Process Optimization: We aim to systematically determine the influence of various process parameters, such as upstream pressure and temperature, on the yield and quality of 2D nanomaterials.
2. Pre- and Post-Processing Development: The project seeks to design and implement high-throughput pre- and post-processing steps that align with the continuous nature of CFE.
3. Application and Industrial Integration: We will explore the feasibility of applying CFE-synthesized 2D nanomaterials in nano-enabled systems.
This multidisciplinary project aims to transcend incremental advances in the field by providing an industrial-level approach to nanomanufacturing. By focusing on scalable, high-quality production that aligns with international standards, this research has the potential to revolutionize the production of 2D materials, making them more accessible and affordable for widespread industrial use.
Duties and Responsibilities: As a student researcher in this project, your duties and responsibilities will be centered around the construction and operation of the experimental setup, conducting tests, and analyzing the quality of the produced nanomaterials. This role requires a blend of technical skills, analytical thinking, and a strong commitment to research integrity and safety. Your specific responsibilities will include:
Building and Maintaining the Experimental Setup: 1) Assist in the design and assembly of the Compressible Flow Exfoliation (CFE) apparatus, perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Conducting Experiments: 1) Carry out CFE processes under varying conditions as per the research design. 2) Systematically record experimental data. 3) Collaborate with team members to refine experimental procedures and optimize the CFE process.
Material Quality Analysis: 1) Utilize a range of microscopic and analytical tools to assess the quality of the produced 2D nanomaterials. 2) Evaluate the critical properties of the synthesized materials. 3) Conduct comparative analyses to understand the effects of different process parameters on material quality.
Data Processing and Reporting: 1) Process and analyze experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness and efficiency of the CFE process. 2) Prepare detailed reports and presentations on experimental findings, including graphical representations of data and statistical analysis. 3) Participate in regular team meetings to discuss progress and strategize future experiments.
Desired Technical Skills: As an undergraduate student participating the following technical skills are encouraged. These skills will help you effectively contribute to the project while also offering a valuable learning experience:
Basic Laboratory Skills: 1) Familiarity with general lab practices such as measuring, mixing, and handling chemicals safely. 2) Understanding of proper lab safety protocols and the ability to follow them diligently.
Instrumentation and Equipment Handling:
Data Collection and Analysis: 1) Comfortable with collecting data systematically during experiments. 2) Basic skills in data analysis, including the use of spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for organizing and interpreting data.
Microscopy and Material Characterization: 1) Interest in learning or some experience in using microscopes for material analysis. 2) An eagerness to understand material characterization techniques like Raman spectroscopy.
Adaptability and Learning Attitude: 1) Flexibility to adapt to new challenges and changes in experimental procedures. 2) A proactive attitude towards learning new skills and concepts related to nanomaterial synthesis and characterization.
Desired Course(s): Desired course, discipline, or degree program requirements:
For participation in this project, we are looking for undergraduate students who are enrolled in or have completed coursework in the following disciplines or degree programs:
Mechanical Engineering: Courses in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical design, which are relevant to the design and operation of the experimental setup.
Chemical Engineering: Courses related to process engineering, material science, and chemical process design would be highly beneficial.
Materials Science and Engineering: Courses covering the fundamentals of materials science, nanomaterials, and materials characterization techniques.
Physics: Relevant courses might include solid-state physics, thermodynamics, and experimental physics, with a focus on material properties.
Chemistry: Coursework in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and inorganic chemistry, especially those focusing on material synthesis and analysis.
Nanotechnology or Nanoscience Programs: Any specialized courses in nanotechnology or nanoscience that provide a foundation in nanomaterials.
While these are the preferred disciplines, we also value interdisciplinary learning and the unique perspectives it brings. Therefore, students from other fields who have a keen interest in nanomaterials and possess relevant skills or experience are also encouraged to apply. A fundamental understanding of the principles in your respective field, along with a strong interest in nanomaterial synthesis and application, is what we primarily seek in candidates.
Other Desired Qualifications: In addition to the technical skills and academic background, here are other desired qualifications and considerations for participating in this project:
Strong Interest in Nanotechnology and Material Science: A genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about nanomaterials and their applications.
Research Mindset: An eagerness to engage in research activities, including experimenting, data analysis, and problem-solving.
Creativity and Innovation: Willingness to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas to the project.
Attention to Detail: Ability to pay close attention to details in experimental procedures and data recording.
Time Management: Good organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively, especially when balancing research with coursework.
Team Player: Willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse team of students, researchers, and faculty.
Effective Communication: Capability to communicate your ideas and findings clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Adaptability: Flexibility in adapting to new challenges and changes in the research environment.
These qualifications are aimed at fostering a productive and dynamic research experience, contributing to both your personal growth and the success of the project.
Professor: Reza Rizvi
Contact Info: rrizvi@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pixel.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA);
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Improved fuel economy and sustainability goals are pushing the drive towards light-weighting today’s automotive. Typical steels and Aluminum (Al) alloys are increasingly being replaced by automotive composites driven by light-weighting trends. The mechanical properties (strength, creep, fatigue) of legacy materials such as steel and Al alloys are well-understood and predictable within the industry. However, the use of composite materials within the automotive design process introduces two significant challenges. The first is that by their nature, use of composites introduces a wide range of composition design space. The second is that polymers by their nature, are highly sensitive to processing, environmental, and testing conditions. These two challenges combined brings about an almost endless possibilities of structure-property-process relationships that could require an endless testing program and hence an endless design cycle. As part of a broader effort with an automotive partner to reduce the design cycle, this project will seek to characterize the strength, creep and fatigue of certain automotive composites and analyze them within the context of limited available test data. The ultimate goal of the broader effort will be to feed these results in a Machine Learning based regression routine that is capable of predicting the properties (stress-strain, creep behavior relations) for a broad range of compositions, processing, environmental and testing conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities: Engineering Design, CAD, Materials and Component Procurement, Fabrication and Testing, Mechanical Characterization (Static, & Creep), Data Collection and Analysis, AI/ML model development, training, testing, and deployment.
Desired Technical Skills: Good working knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, Good verbal, written and presentation skills, Must be hands-on person. Data Science and Data-Driven Engineering. Familiarity with Python.
Desired Course(s): Solid Mechanics, Machine Elements Design, Instrumentation, and Programming.
Other Desired Qualifications: Punctuality, Ability to work without supervision / Independence, Experimental work spirit, Teamwork skills, Determination and perseverance, and Communication skills.
Contact Info: rrizvi@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://pixel.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA);
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Improved fuel economy and sustainability goals are pushing the drive towards light-weighting today’s automotive. Typical steels and Aluminum (Al) alloys are increasingly being replaced by automotive composites driven by light-weighting trends. The mechanical properties (strength, creep, fatigue) of legacy materials such as steel and Al alloys are well-understood and predictable within the industry. However, the use of composite materials within the automotive design process introduces two significant challenges. The first is that by their nature, use of composites introduces a wide range of composition design space. The second is that polymers by their nature, are highly sensitive to processing, environmental, and testing conditions. These two challenges combined brings about an almost endless possibilities of structure-property-process relationships that could require an endless testing program and hence an endless design cycle. As part of a broader effort with an automotive partner to reduce the design cycle, this project will seek to characterize the strength, creep and fatigue of certain automotive composites and analyze them within the context of limited available test data. The ultimate goal of the broader effort will be to feed these results in a Machine Learning based regression routine that is capable of predicting the properties (stress-strain, creep behavior relations) for a broad range of compositions, processing, environmental and testing conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities: Engineering Design, CAD, Materials and Component Procurement, Fabrication and Testing, Mechanical Characterization (Static, & Creep), Data Collection and Analysis, AI/ML model development, training, testing, and deployment.
Desired Technical Skills: Good working knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, Good verbal, written and presentation skills, Must be hands-on person. Data Science and Data-Driven Engineering. Familiarity with Python.
Desired Course(s): Solid Mechanics, Machine Elements Design, Instrumentation, and Programming.
Other Desired Qualifications: Punctuality, Ability to work without supervision / Independence, Experimental work spirit, Teamwork skills, Determination and perseverance, and Communication skills.
Professor: Ronald Hanson
Contact Info: hansonre@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://rhanson.apps01.yorku.ca
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: The focus of this experimental research role lies in investigating the effects of unsteady, accelerating and/or turbulent flows within the wind tunnel using an active turbulence generation system. Uncovering the intricacies of these phenomena is crucial, as they play a pivotal role in shaping aerodynamic drag. Real applications extend to the exciting realms of drag reduction technology, directly relevant to innovative vehicle design, speed-based sports and or the transport of particles. The present research role will involve design modifications to the active turbulence system in Hanson’s wind tunnel lab, which will be supported by direct supervision. Following updated design parameters, testing will be performed in the wind tunnel to characterize the aerodynamic performance.
Duties and Responsibilities: Conduct experiments to study unsteady and accelerating flows. Analyze and interpret experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers. Contribute to the development and optimization of experimental setups.
Desired Technical Skills: Background in MatLab will be an asset. Analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving skills. Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
Desired Course(s): Enrollment in mechanical engineering, ideally in 3rd or 4th year. Strong background in fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, or experimental methods.
Other Desired Qualifications: Curiosity – because it drives exploration, learning, and innovation.
Contact Info: hansonre@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://rhanson.apps01.yorku.ca
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: The focus of this experimental research role lies in investigating the effects of unsteady, accelerating and/or turbulent flows within the wind tunnel using an active turbulence generation system. Uncovering the intricacies of these phenomena is crucial, as they play a pivotal role in shaping aerodynamic drag. Real applications extend to the exciting realms of drag reduction technology, directly relevant to innovative vehicle design, speed-based sports and or the transport of particles. The present research role will involve design modifications to the active turbulence system in Hanson’s wind tunnel lab, which will be supported by direct supervision. Following updated design parameters, testing will be performed in the wind tunnel to characterize the aerodynamic performance.
Duties and Responsibilities: Conduct experiments to study unsteady and accelerating flows. Analyze and interpret experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers. Contribute to the development and optimization of experimental setups.
Desired Technical Skills: Background in MatLab will be an asset. Analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving skills. Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
Desired Course(s): Enrollment in mechanical engineering, ideally in 3rd or 4th year. Strong background in fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, or experimental methods.
Other Desired Qualifications: Curiosity – because it drives exploration, learning, and innovation.
Professor: Marina Freire-Gormaly
Contact Info: marina.freire-gormaly@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://freire-gormaly.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: As a Lab Researcher on the team, you will be responsible for operating, building, analyzing, and constructing an experimental system for testing water treatment systems for remote communities that are powered by renewable energy, like solar PV, or wind.
You will work on a microplastics project to quantify emissions of tires. You will conduct experimental analyses, analyze the data, write your findings, and present them.
You will work on a project on aerosol transmission of diseases in aircraft cabins to improve the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design.
You will work on a materials science project for Carbon Capture, to analyze the material, develop better coatings, and build experimental apparatuses.
You will work on a drone-based image processing project.
Duties and Responsibilities: You will be able to use your engineering, creativity, and leadership skills in contributing the design and construction in a crucial component for the energy systems and water research being conducted in the lab led by Prof. Marina Freire-Gormaly. Similarly, you will develop analytical reasoning skills through analyzing experimental data. You will also gain experience in scientific reporting of your findings through weekly team meetings, a final report of your findings and a final presentation. Research projects in the Freire-Gormaly lab are on focused on improving appropriate technologies for resource-constrained communities.
Desired Technical Skills: Familiarity with SolidWorks, MATLAB, computer programming, modeling, and basic engineering skills. Familiarity with rapid prototyping, circuit design and construction using Arduino tools and CAD tools. Familiarity with Machine Learning in Python, Excel, and statistical analysis is preferred.
Experience with automated systems and Programmable Logic Controllers is an asset.
Experience working in a laboratory on materials preparation is an asset, polymer-based materials, material strength and toughness experiments.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), ANSYS FLUENT, and solid modelling experience is an asset.
Experience working in a laboratory on materials preparation is an asset.
Machine Learning, Image processing, and computational programming skills an asset.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Chemistry are excellent training grounds.
Other Desired Qualifications: You will practice your oral communication skills by giving an oral presentation, either in a webinar or in-person at the end of the summer in a symposium style research for undergraduate students. The output of your research will also be to develop a journal manuscript to fully detail your research experience and findings.
Contact Info: marina.freire-gormaly@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://freire-gormaly.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: As a Lab Researcher on the team, you will be responsible for operating, building, analyzing, and constructing an experimental system for testing water treatment systems for remote communities that are powered by renewable energy, like solar PV, or wind.
You will work on a microplastics project to quantify emissions of tires. You will conduct experimental analyses, analyze the data, write your findings, and present them.
You will work on a project on aerosol transmission of diseases in aircraft cabins to improve the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design.
You will work on a materials science project for Carbon Capture, to analyze the material, develop better coatings, and build experimental apparatuses.
You will work on a drone-based image processing project.
Duties and Responsibilities: You will be able to use your engineering, creativity, and leadership skills in contributing the design and construction in a crucial component for the energy systems and water research being conducted in the lab led by Prof. Marina Freire-Gormaly. Similarly, you will develop analytical reasoning skills through analyzing experimental data. You will also gain experience in scientific reporting of your findings through weekly team meetings, a final report of your findings and a final presentation. Research projects in the Freire-Gormaly lab are on focused on improving appropriate technologies for resource-constrained communities.
Desired Technical Skills: Familiarity with SolidWorks, MATLAB, computer programming, modeling, and basic engineering skills. Familiarity with rapid prototyping, circuit design and construction using Arduino tools and CAD tools. Familiarity with Machine Learning in Python, Excel, and statistical analysis is preferred.
Experience with automated systems and Programmable Logic Controllers is an asset.
Experience working in a laboratory on materials preparation is an asset, polymer-based materials, material strength and toughness experiments.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), ANSYS FLUENT, and solid modelling experience is an asset.
Experience working in a laboratory on materials preparation is an asset.
Machine Learning, Image processing, and computational programming skills an asset.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Chemistry are excellent training grounds.
Other Desired Qualifications: You will practice your oral communication skills by giving an oral presentation, either in a webinar or in-person at the end of the summer in a symposium style research for undergraduate students. The output of your research will also be to develop a journal manuscript to fully detail your research experience and findings.
Professor: Alidad Amirfazli
Contact Info: alidad2@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://amirfazli.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Heat exchangers can be found everywhere that thermal management is needed, such as data centers, battery pack of electrical vehicles, microelectronics, petrochemical facilities, as well as HVAC systems to name but a few. One of the most important heat exchange mechanisms is condensation. In this project you will use AI and traditional tools to develop and test a condenser that shall operate in dropwise condensation mode for maximum efficiency. In this work we collaborate with colleagues from Belgium who are also interested in application of such systems for water extraction in future lunar missions. Depending on the project schedule travel to Belgium maybe possible as well for some tests.
Duties and Responsibilities: Two students needed in this project will have complementary duties.
One student will be working on AI aspects of the project that entails design and developing an AI system for data gathering and scientific literature analysis to devise methodologies and design of the setup.
Another student will be in charge of conducting experiments and the mechanical design of a setup to allow for tests to be done for condensation of humid air and measurement of heat transfer coefficient.
Both students are expected to provide biweekly reports and make mini-presentations as well as documentation of the work accomplished.
Two students will work as a team.
Desired Technical Skills: Student 1: Familiarity with Python and LLMs (OpenAI/BART/Lama2), React/ NextJS and Google/AWS cloud platform.
Student 2: Solid knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design.
Both students, good time management, ability to meet deadlines, and a sense of curiosity.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
Other Desired Qualifications: I welcome applications from all students with varied backgrounds, gender, physical abilities, and creeds. We will strive to accommodate needs and special circumstance of selected people to achieve their individual peak performance. 3rd and 4th year students are preferred.
Contact Info: alidad2@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://amirfazli.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Heat exchangers can be found everywhere that thermal management is needed, such as data centers, battery pack of electrical vehicles, microelectronics, petrochemical facilities, as well as HVAC systems to name but a few. One of the most important heat exchange mechanisms is condensation. In this project you will use AI and traditional tools to develop and test a condenser that shall operate in dropwise condensation mode for maximum efficiency. In this work we collaborate with colleagues from Belgium who are also interested in application of such systems for water extraction in future lunar missions. Depending on the project schedule travel to Belgium maybe possible as well for some tests.
Duties and Responsibilities: Two students needed in this project will have complementary duties.
One student will be working on AI aspects of the project that entails design and developing an AI system for data gathering and scientific literature analysis to devise methodologies and design of the setup.
Another student will be in charge of conducting experiments and the mechanical design of a setup to allow for tests to be done for condensation of humid air and measurement of heat transfer coefficient.
Both students are expected to provide biweekly reports and make mini-presentations as well as documentation of the work accomplished.
Two students will work as a team.
Desired Technical Skills: Student 1: Familiarity with Python and LLMs (OpenAI/BART/Lama2), React/ NextJS and Google/AWS cloud platform.
Student 2: Solid knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design.
Both students, good time management, ability to meet deadlines, and a sense of curiosity.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
Other Desired Qualifications: I welcome applications from all students with varied backgrounds, gender, physical abilities, and creeds. We will strive to accommodate needs and special circumstance of selected people to achieve their individual peak performance. 3rd and 4th year students are preferred.
Professor: Alidad Amirfazli
Contact Info: alidad2@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://amirfazli.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: This project is done in conjunction with two industry partners from Ontario and BC.
Space debris and dust are a major hazard for satellites and functioning of solar arrays, sensors, and robotics systems. Capturing small space debris, especially particles of 1 mm or less, presents unique challenges due to their size and vast numbers. Currently there is no viable solution for capturing floating dusts of small size. One can think of such small space debris, hazardous for satellites, as “dust”, similar to the dust causing trouble for planetary missions involving Moon and Mars. Dust settles on surfaces due to their charged nature, and hazardous due to their jagged sharp edges. Systems developed to date to remove dust from surfaces that use electrostatic charges, may not be useful for space platforms such as Gateway (the planned space station -satellite- orbiting moon) or rovers, due to electromagnetic interferences. It is paramount to find technological solutions to remove dust from surfaces.
The main objective of this proposal is to develop and test the novel idea of using pads to trap dust particles that are floating in a cloud, or lift dust from surfaces. As such, the students will design material systems, and testing rigs to develop a dust collection/removal system. They will develop hardware for lab testing, and conducting experiments in microgravity to assess the system’s effectiveness for dust capture. Development of hardware for microgravity tests is another goal.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student will be engaged in design of systems, testing, and data analysis. This project will lay the foundation for a novel technological system for combating dust in space or on Earth (e.g., cleaning of solar arrays, capture, and characterization of hazardous dust clouds in mining or nuclear industry accidents, capture of biohazard aerosolized particles, e.g., for monitoring and safety assessment in biotechnology or healthcare settings). All this will benefit Canada in training future workforce for its space industry, and help Canada to remain in the forefront of novel space technologies.
The student is expected to provide biweekly reports and make mini-presentations as well as documentation of the work accomplished.
Desired Technical Skills: Good time management, ability to meet deadlines, and a sense of curiosity. Reading scientific literature and ability to use judgment to gather relevant information. Conducting experiments and the mechanical design of a setup to allow for tests to be done. Good knowledge of design and materials testing.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical Engineering, or Space Engineering
Other Desired Qualifications: I welcome applications from all students with varied backgrounds, gender, physical abilities, and creeds. We will strive to accommodate needs and special circumstance of selected people to achieve their individual peak performance. 3rd and 4th year students are preferred.
Contact Info: alidad2@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://amirfazli.apps01.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: This project is done in conjunction with two industry partners from Ontario and BC.
Space debris and dust are a major hazard for satellites and functioning of solar arrays, sensors, and robotics systems. Capturing small space debris, especially particles of 1 mm or less, presents unique challenges due to their size and vast numbers. Currently there is no viable solution for capturing floating dusts of small size. One can think of such small space debris, hazardous for satellites, as “dust”, similar to the dust causing trouble for planetary missions involving Moon and Mars. Dust settles on surfaces due to their charged nature, and hazardous due to their jagged sharp edges. Systems developed to date to remove dust from surfaces that use electrostatic charges, may not be useful for space platforms such as Gateway (the planned space station -satellite- orbiting moon) or rovers, due to electromagnetic interferences. It is paramount to find technological solutions to remove dust from surfaces.
The main objective of this proposal is to develop and test the novel idea of using pads to trap dust particles that are floating in a cloud, or lift dust from surfaces. As such, the students will design material systems, and testing rigs to develop a dust collection/removal system. They will develop hardware for lab testing, and conducting experiments in microgravity to assess the system’s effectiveness for dust capture. Development of hardware for microgravity tests is another goal.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student will be engaged in design of systems, testing, and data analysis. This project will lay the foundation for a novel technological system for combating dust in space or on Earth (e.g., cleaning of solar arrays, capture, and characterization of hazardous dust clouds in mining or nuclear industry accidents, capture of biohazard aerosolized particles, e.g., for monitoring and safety assessment in biotechnology or healthcare settings). All this will benefit Canada in training future workforce for its space industry, and help Canada to remain in the forefront of novel space technologies.
The student is expected to provide biweekly reports and make mini-presentations as well as documentation of the work accomplished.
Desired Technical Skills: Good time management, ability to meet deadlines, and a sense of curiosity. Reading scientific literature and ability to use judgment to gather relevant information. Conducting experiments and the mechanical design of a setup to allow for tests to be done. Good knowledge of design and materials testing.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical Engineering, or Space Engineering
Other Desired Qualifications: I welcome applications from all students with varied backgrounds, gender, physical abilities, and creeds. We will strive to accommodate needs and special circumstance of selected people to achieve their individual peak performance. 3rd and 4th year students are preferred.