Development of an Autonomous Mobile 3D Bioprinting System for Regenerative Medicine
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.
Gravity Gizmo: Exploring Manufacturing In The Stars
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 design and develop a system that can be continuously oriented (rotated) to minimize gravity’s effect over time, similar to microgravity.
Duties and Responsibilities: Assist in the design and development of a rotating frame as well as in printing and characterizing soft materials subject to various gravity configurations.
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.
Microfluidic Technologies for Extraction and Detection of Micro and Nano Contaminants, Disease Biomarkers and Precious Materials
Professor: Pouya Rezai
Contact Info: prezai@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=YzTWS4AAAAAJ&hl=en
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: We develop miniaturized fluidic devices to test multi-phase fluids and detect analytes of interest in them. Examples include detecting bacteria in the food, viruses in the air, and microplastics in the water, all at the site of sample acquisition (Point of Need Detection). We also use very small biological model organisms of human disease and develop lab-on-a-chip devices for testing their cell-to-behaviour processes in response to various stimuli from chemicals to electrical signals. These technologies help resolve health and safety challenges in the water, food, and environment sectors.
Duties and Responsibilities: Students must work daily with senior graduate student mentors in Dr. Rezai’s lab (BRG). They should also meet with Dr. Rezai weekly to report on progress and plan. Students will learn how to design and fabricate microfluidic devices using photolithography and 3D printing. They will also learn to test these devices with various analytical tools like microscopes and electric source meters, while most probably using biological materials like safe bacteria, bacteriophages, nematodes, flies, and fishes in their devices. Knowledge of fluid mechanics and materials is an asset and knowing basic biology is also considered as an applicable skill. Applicants should be good at working in teams and willing to put extra effort into research and innovation, during the summer and also stay after throughout the year to continue their research. For example, past LURA and USRA students in our lab have continued their work for years with Dr. Rezai and his team, published conference and journal papers, and joined Oxford and Cornell for graduate studies.
Desired Technical Skills: Desire to learn fluid mechanics, microfluidics, little biology, and materials science and engineering.
Desired Course(s): MECH 2202 and MECH 4510 are assets
Other Desired Qualifications: Interest in experimental in-lab work. Significant interest in research. Punctuality and presence in lab.
High Strain Rate Characterization of Materials
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: 2
Project Description: The objective of this project is to investigate and understand the mechanical behavior of materials under high strain rate deformation. This research aims to provide insights into the material properties and performance under dynamic loading conditions, contributing to the design of safer and more reliable materials for applications in defense, aerospace, automotive, and energy industries. Project Overview: High strain rate characterization involves the study of material responses to rapid deformation, typically experienced in extreme environments such as impacts, explosions, and high-speed collisions. This project focuses on evaluating the dynamic mechanical properties, such as yield strength, fracture toughness, strain-rate sensitivity, and energy absorption capacity, of various materials under controlled experimental conditions.
Key Tasks:
1.) Material Selection and Preparation
-Identify candidate materials (e.g., metals, alloys, composites, polymers) based on their potential application in high-strain-rate environments.
-Machine and prepare test specimens according to standard geometries and dimensions.
2.) Experimental Testing
-Conduct high strain rate tests using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus for compressive, tensile, and torsional loading.
-Perform flat grooved plate tests to study localized deformation and failure.
-Use high-speed cameras and strain gauges to capture in-situ deformation behavior and dynamic strain responses.
3.) Data Analysis
-Analyze stress-strain curves to determine key mechanical properties, including strain rate sensitivity, ultimate strength, and fracture energy.
-Correlate microstructural changes (e.g., grain refinement, phase transformation) with mechanical performance using microscopy techniques.
4.) Numerical Modeling
-Develop numerical models to simulate high strain rate deformation using constitutive models like Johnson-Cook or Zerilli-Armstrong.
-Validate simulations with experimental data and refine models for accurate predictions.
5.) Application Assessment
-Evaluate material performance under application-specific scenarios, such as ballistic impact or crashworthiness.
-Recommend material modifications or processing techniques to optimize performance.
Expected Outcomes
-A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic mechanical properties of the selected materials.
-Development of robust constitutive models for predicting material behavior under high strain rate conditions.
-Recommendations for material design and processing to enhance performance in extreme environments.
Impact
This project will contribute to the development of advanced materials capable of withstanding extreme mechanical loads, improving safety and reliability in critical applications. The findings will also advance scientific knowledge in the field of dynamic material characterization, paving the way for innovative engineering solutions in high-performance industries.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1.) Material Preparation
Select, source, and prepare materials for high strain rate testing, including machining specimens to specified dimensions.
2.) Experimental Testing
-Conduct high strain rate tests using equipment such as Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) and flat grooved plate test setups.
-Operate high-speed cameras and sensors to collect real-time data during testing.
3.) Data Analysis
-Analyze experimental data to determine key mechanical properties, such as strain rate sensitivity, ultimate strength, and fracture toughness.
-Process and interpret stress-strain curves and other test results.
4.) Microstructural Characterization
-Perform post-test analysis using microscopy techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM) to correlate material behavior with microstructural changes.
5.) Numerical Modeling
-Develop and validate numerical simulations of high strain rate behavior using appropriate constitutive models.
6.) Documentation and Reporting
-Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures and results.
-Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research papers to summarize findings.
7.) Safety and Quality Assurance
-Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and quality standards during testing and analysis.
Desired Technical Skills:
Material Science and Mechanics
-Knowledge of material properties and behavior under mechanical loading, particularly at high strain rates.
-Familiarity with deformation mechanisms and failure modes in metals, composites, and polymers.
Experimental Testing
-Experience with high strain rate testing techniques, such as Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) and flat grooved plate tests.
-Proficiency in using high-speed cameras, strain gauges, and data acquisition systems.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
-Ability to process and analyze stress-strain data to determine mechanical properties.
-Proficiency in statistical analysis and curve fitting to extract meaningful insights.
Desired Course(s): Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering.
Other Desired Qualifications: Microstructural Analysis, Metallurgist.
Orbital-Driven Computational Framework for Designing Lightweight High-Performance Alloys
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: 2
Project Description: This project aims to develop an innovative computational framework to design lightweight, high-performance metallic alloys by leveraging atomic orbital interactions and advanced data-driven methodologies. Lightweight alloys with superior mechanical and physical properties are critical for industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, and energy, where reducing weight while maintaining strength, ductility, and toughness is essential. The proposed framework integrates principles of materials science, electronic structure analysis, and computational modeling to identify and optimize alloy compositions. By analyzing atomic orbitals (s, p, d, f) and their influence on bonding strength, phase stability, and microstructural properties, the project seeks to identify ideal element combinations. The design process will include high-throughput computational screening, data filtering based on material properties, and iterative refinement to achieve an optimal balance of properties, including low density, high strength, and corrosion resistance.
Key Features of the Framework:
Data Collection and Processing
-Gather material properties from databases and experimental results for pure elements, binary alloys, and quaternary systems.
-Apply machine learning and statistical methods to filter and prioritize potential alloy candidates.
Atomic Orbital Analysis
-Evaluate the role of atomic orbitals in determining interatomic bonding, electronic configurations, and material stability.
-Use orbital-driven insights to guide the selection of alloying elements for enhanced performance.
Iterative Design Algorithm
-Utilize a systematic, algorithmic approach to classify elements into primary and secondary groups for alloy design.
-Iteratively refine alloy compositions to meet specific design targets, including lightweight properties and high strength-to-weight ratios.
Predictive Modeling and Validation
-Implement computational tools (e.g., density functional theory, molecular dynamics simulations) to predict alloy properties.
-Validate predictions through comparison with experimental data and adjust the framework accordingly.
Real-World Applicability
-Design alloys with manufacturability in mind, ensuring compatibility with advanced techniques like additive manufacturing.
-Tailor compositions for applications such as aircraft structures, lightweight automotive components, and energy-efficient systems.
Expected Outcomes
-A systematic and scalable computational framework for alloy design.
-Novel lightweight alloy compositions optimized for high performance.
-A deeper understanding of the role of atomic orbitals in material design.
-Enhanced efficiency in developing alloys with reduced experimental iterations.
Significance and Impact
This project addresses critical challenges in materials design by combining electronic structure insights with computational innovation. The resulting alloys will enable weight reduction and energy efficiency in key industries while advancing scientific understanding of material behavior at the atomic level. Moreover, the framework will set a foundation for future research in alloy development, bridging computational and experimental approaches for transformative industrial applications.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Computational Scientist
Role- Design and implement the computational framework for alloy design.
Responsibilities:
-Perform density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics simulations to analyze atomic orbitals.
-Develop algorithms to classify elements based on electronic structure and bonding characteristics.
-Integrate machine learning models for high-throughput screening of alloy compositions.
-Optimize the computational workflow to improve efficiency and scalability.
2. Materials Scientist
Role- Provide insights into material properties and experimental validation of computational results.
Responsibilities:
-Guide the selection of target properties (e.g., density, strength, ductility) for lightweight alloys.
-Conduct experiments to validate predicted alloy compositions and properties.
-Analyze microstructures and phase stability using techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
-Correlate microstructure-property relationships to refine computational predictions.
3. Machine Learning Specialist
Role- Develop and implement machine learning models for alloy property prediction.
Responsibilities:
-Train regression and classification models on existing alloy data to predict properties like yield strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
-Use feature engineering to incorporate atomic orbital properties into predictive models.
-Perform sensitivity analysis to identify the most critical factors influencing alloy performance.
-Collaborate with the computational team to integrate machine learning tools into the framework.
Desired Technical Skills:
1. Computational Modeling and Simulation
-Proficiency in computational tools and methods for materials design, such as:
Density Functional Theory (DFT): For predicting electronic structures and bonding properties of elements and alloys.
-Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations: To study atomic interactions and phase stability.
-Thermodynamic Calculations: Using software like CALPHAD or Thermo-Calc for phase diagram predictions.
-Finite Element Analysis (FEA): For modeling mechanical behavior of alloys under different loading conditions.
2. Machine Learning and Data Science
-Expertise in machine learning tools and frameworks for high-throughput alloy design:
Developing and training regression/classification models for property prediction (e.g., yield strength, ductility).
-Knowledge of Python or R for data analysis and machine learning.
-Familiarity with libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn.
-Feature engineering for integrating atomic and orbital properties into models.
-Statistical analysis and optimization techniques for model refinement.
3. Materials Science and Engineering
-Strong understanding of the following materials science principles:
-Alloy phase stability and phase diagrams.
-Mechanical properties of metals (e.g., yield strength, fracture toughness, fatigue resistance).
-Microstructure-property correlations in metallic alloys.
-Surface and bulk properties related to corrosion and oxidation resistance.
-Experience with additive manufacturing, particularly metal additive manufacturing (e.g., Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Directed Energy Deposition).
Desired Course(s): Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering.
Other Desired Qualifications: Machine Learning, Python Programming.
Design, Fabrication, and Commissioning of a R1234yf Flow Loop
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: This project addresses the experimental characterization of two-phase heat transfer for flow boiling and condensation of R1234yf in plate heat exchangers. The experimental results will be used to develop an improved understanding of two-phase heat transfer dynamics, develop predictive models to design and enhance heat pump heat exchangers for electric vehicles.
Duties and Responsibilities: 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.
Desired Technical Skills:
-Good working knowledge of Mechanical Engineering and hands-on ability.
-Ability to fabricate and test components.
-Experimental data collection and analysis.
-SolidWorks and MATLAB.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical Engineering Student
Other Desired Qualifications:
-Good verbal, written and presentation communication skills.
-Able to self-motivate and work well with limited direction.
Clean Energy, Clean Air, Clean Water
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:
Project 1: As a Lab Researcher in 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, Wind.
Project 2: You will work on a microplastics project to quantify emissions of tires. You will conduct experimental analyses, analyse the data, write your findings, and present them.
Project 3: You will work on a project on aerosol transmission of diseases in aircraft cabins to improve the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design.
Project 4: You will work on a materials science project for Carbon Capture, to analyse the material, develop better coatings, and build experimental apparatus.
Project 5: You will work on a drone-based image processing project.Overall, 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. Research projects in her lab are focused on improving appropriate technologies for resource-constrained communities.
Duties and Responsibilities: As a lab researcher in the team, you will be responsible for building, analyzing and constructing an experimental system for testing water treatment systems for remote communities that are powered by renewable energy. 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 analysing 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.
Project 1: Experience with automated systems and Programmable Logic Controllers is an asset.
Project 2: Experience working in a laboratory on materials preparation is an asset, polymer-based materials, material strength and toughness experiments.
Project 3: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), ANSYS FLUENT, and solid modelling experience is an asset.
Project 4: Experience working in a laboratory on materials preparation is an asset.
Project 5: Machine Learning, Image processing, and computational programming skills an asset.
Desired Course(s): Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer or Electrical Engineering 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 event for undergraduate students. The output of your research will also be to develop a journal manuscript to fully detail your research experience and findings.
Micromobility Technologies
Professor: Andrew Maxwell
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: This project is to add and test technologies on different micro-mobility vehicles. These vehicles include: scooters, SARIT vehicles and golf carts. These micro-mobility vehicles should have added safety features to assure the safety regulations are met, as well new technologies added to them to enhance the user interface and fleet deployment. In this research project, different technologies will be added and tested on each of the vehicles in our fleet.
Duties and Responsibilities:
-Research the rules and regulations of the different micromobility vehicles.
-Make a list of needed or desired safety and technological needs.
Then, they will need to be researched to either find a cost-effective one off the shelves or to find a way to create a cost-effective one in the lab using available parts. Once the desired technology is ready, it will be tested and added to the vehicle.
Desired Technical Skills: While it is not required, basic coding would be nice for a student to have in case the technology will be created from scratch. Additionally, it is great to know how to use basic tools and power tools.
Desired Course(s): All students from all disciplines are welcome, as long as they feel confident in performing the work described above and have basic skills with tools.
Other Desired Qualifications: Working independently, good at problem solving.
SARIT Mobility Vehicle
Professor: Andrew Maxwell
Contact Info: andrew.maxwell@lassonde.yorku.ca
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: SARIT vehicles are micro-mobility and electric vehicles which can be used all year around due to the features, tire changes and closed housing. Current mobility scooters are limited to good weather due to their tires and open nature. To assist people with mobility issues to have a device they can use all year around, we would like to transform the current SARIT vehicles to mobility vehicles.
Duties and Responsibilities:
-Research the regulations and needs of a vehicle to operate as a mobility vehicle.
-Design parts/additions for the vehicle to operate as a mobility vehicles.
-Parts will need to be fabricated and added to the SARIT.
-Testing will need to be conducted to assure for safety and to make sure it meets the needs of the mobility vehicle users.
Desired Technical Skills:
-CAD modelling
-Basic coding
-Problem solving Skills
-Working Independently
-Use of tools
Desired Course(s): Due to the need of designing parts on the vehicle, we would like to have a student that has some CAD modelling knowledge. One of the courses that provides that is MECH 2401 – Engineering Graphics & CAD Modeling.
Other Desired Qualifications: It would be great if the student had some prior knowledge on how to conduct technical research, but this is a bonus and not a requirement.
Ice Tribology of Textured Composites and Surfaces
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, Teamwork skills, and Determination and perseverance.
High-Throughput Infrastructure for Nanomanufacturing of 2D Materials: Bridging the Gap between Laboratory and Industry
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): 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.
Data-Driven Characterization and Analysis of Automotive Composites using Machine Learning
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 todays 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.
Dropwise Condensation for Improved Heat Transfer
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 investigate and test innovative condenser designs that shall operate in dropwise condensation mode for maximum efficiency.
Duties and Responsibilities: Responsibilities include preparing and coating test surfaces, operating experimental setups, collecting temperature and humidity data, and analyzing droplet growth and heat flux using imaging techniques. You will also help troubleshoot equipment, maintain lab safety protocols, and document findings for research reports. Collaboration with senior researchers and team discussions will be key to refining experimental methods and interpreting results for potential applications in energy-efficient cooling and thermal management systems.
One student will work more on the experimental aspect of the project as it relates to droplet shedding, whereas a second student will be engaged in examination of droplet growth and shedding in presence of a vibration stimulation for droplet shedding. Both students are encouraged to implement AI strategies for data assessment.
Desired Technical Skills:
Familiarity with Data acquisition systems
Ability to conduct hands-on experimental work
Basic data manipulation and knowledge of MATLAB or similar programs
Familiarity with CAD and design concepts
Good oral and written skills.
Desired Course(s): Students in Mechanical, Civil and Space engineering
Other Desired Qualifications: Being a team player and having initiative is a must. Must be self motivated. Good time management, ability to meet deadlines, and a sense of curiosity is essential for success.
Insect Impact onto aerodynamic, and sensor surfaces
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 examines the splat height and shape resulting from insect impact on surfaces, focusing on the fluid and structural response upon collision. Using high-speed imaging and image analysis, the study will quantify how factors such as insect velocity, body composition, and surface properties influence splat morphology. Experimental work involves controlled impact tests with varying surface textures and angles to observe deformation, fragmentation, and residue distribution. Findings will help understand impact mechanics, biofluid spread, and adhesion, contributing to applications in aerospace, automotive coatings, and biomimetic surface design to minimize insect residue accumulation and optimize surface performance.
Duties and Responsibilities: As a summer intern working on the insect impact study, your responsibilities will include:
– Experimental Setup & Testing: Assist in preparing controlled impact experiments, calibrating high-speed cameras, and setting up insect launch mechanisms.
– Data Collection & Image Analysis: Capture high-speed footage of insect impacts, measure **splat height, shape, and residue spread**, and analyze images using specialized software.
– Surface Preparation: Modify and test different surface coatings and textures to evaluate their influence on impact outcomes.
– Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed lab records, summarize findings, and contribute to research discussions.
– Collaboration & Troubleshooting: Work closely with the PI and a PhD student to refine testing methods and address challenges in data collection.
Desired Technical Skills:
Familiarity with Data acquisition systems
Ability to conduct hands-on experimental work
Basic data manipulation and knowledge of MATLAB or similar programs
Good oral and written skills.
Desired Course(s): Students in Mechanical, Civil and Space engineering
Other Desired Qualifications: Being a team player and having initiative is a must. Must be self-motivated. Good time management, ability to meet deadlines, and a sense of curiosity is essential for success.