At ������Ƶ, innovation drives achievement. Dr. Javad Baqersad, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, exemplifies this ethos through two recent accomplishments: securing a $50,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to explore the commercialization of cutting-edge vibration measurement technology and receiving a top honor from the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for his contributions to the field.

Dr. Baqersad’s NSF I-Corps grant — Translation Potential of an Optical Vibration Measurement Technology for System Monitoring and Digital Twin Development — focuses on bridging academic innovation with industry needs. This one-year project will evaluate market demand for advanced vibration measurement tools with applications such as detecting misalignment or wear in industrial machinery, monitoring the structural health of bridges and aircraft, and optimizing the performance of wind turbines.  These innovations address challenges in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, such as improving vehicle noise and vibration performance, ensuring the reliability of jet engines, and predicting equipment failures to reduce downtime.

This NSF new grant builds upon a previous NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant of more than $577,000, which Dr. Baqersad secured in 2023 to acquire a 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (3DSLDV). The instrument uses coherent light to measure the velocity of vibrating objects, enabling high-fidelity analysis of vibrations in high-temperature, lightweight, and rotating structures.

“Our goal is to connect academic research with real-world challenges,” Dr. Baqersad said. “This grant allows us to engage directly with industry experts, identify their needs, and tailor our technology to address those challenges.”

Through the NSF program, Dr. Baqersad and his team interviewed more than 70 thought leaders at companies like Ford, GM, and Consumers Energy to assess market demand. Insights from these conversations will shape future initiatives, such as NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications, and may pave the way for establishing an Industry-University Research Center at Kettering.

Dr. Baqersad’s research does more than push boundaries; it prepares the next generation of innovators. Graduate student Arjun Gupta is integral to the project, connecting with industry professionals and bringing their needs into focus. “This experience is invaluable for students,” Dr. Baqersad said. “It prepares them to tackle industry challenges with confidence and expertise.”

Recognition from SEM further solidifies Dr. Baqersad’s place among the leaders in structural dynamics research. At the 2025 SEM International Modal Analysis Conference, he will be honored for his “outstanding research accomplishments in experimental structural dynamics.” It is one of only three awards SEM presents each year. 

“It’s an honor to see my work recognized by such a respected organization,” Dr. Baqersad said.

Dr. Baqersad's work has a tangible impact, from noise reduction in vehicles and seismic protection in buildings to potentially detecting skin cancer. With more than 100 publications, a patent, and a dedication to mentorship, his contributions embody ������Ƶ’s mission to produce accomplished leaders who influence global industries.

Looking ahead, Dr. Baqersad envisions creating new research centers at Kettering, strengthening partnerships, and giving students unmatched opportunities to lead and innovate. “We aim to create opportunities for students and industry partners to collaborate on projects that address practical challenges, deliver tangible results, and directly contribute to advancements in industries,” he said.

At ������Ƶ, where excellence is built into every project, Dr. Baqersad’s achievements showcase the power of relentless innovation and real-world application.

Evan Muchler ’28, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, made history this fall as the 2024 WDRA Summit Junior Dragster World Champion. His victory capped off a season of focus and determination, making him the competition’s first-ever back-to-back finalist. For Evan, this accomplishment was the culmination of years spent perfecting his skills and racing alongside his family.

“Winning a world championship to prove something to someone else would take away the significance of it,” Evan said. “So going into the first race of 2024, I had the mentality to win it for myself and my dad.”

Evan’s drag-racing journey began when he was a child. “I was initially drawn into drag racing because it was the coolest thing that could have happened to me,” he said. “I was able to drive my own car when I was 8!”

With his dad by his side, Evan honed his skills over the years. “My dad has been there every step of the way,” he said. “We’ve put in countless hours of practice in the garage and at the racetrack for different strategies and techniques.”

Falling short in the 2023 WDRA finals tested Evan’s determination and fueled his desire to come back stronger this year. “As soon as I lost in the final in 2023, I was already thinking about how close I was and how I had the most potential out of everyone to make it back next year,” he said.

In the offseason, he refined his focus, learning to stay grounded and present in high-pressure moments. “My mindset going into the final round was to not think about the huge trophy that says ‘World Champion’ on it or the winner circle picture or post-race interview but instead think about the moment,” he explained. “All that mattered was the next round, and why should this one be any different than the thousands of other rounds I’ve won?” That focus helped Evan deliver a near-perfect performance in the finals, securing the championship title. 

Evan’s success on the track is closely tied to his academic journey. At ������Ƶ, he is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree to deepen his understanding of the machines he races. “The reason why I’m studying mechanical engineering is because of drag racing,” he said. “If I plan on drag racing for a lot longer, then I need to know how things work with my race cars and how to fix them.”

Balancing academics and racing is no easy task, but Evan remains committed to both. “I will try to fit racing into my schedule wherever I can,” he said. “But I won’t be missing any schooling because just like the term student-athlete, the ‘student’ part comes first.”

With a championship behind him and an exciting future ahead, Evan Muchler exemplifies the focus, perseverance, and innovation that define success in both racing and engineering.

"When you're up there in the sky, you're not just flying; you're carrying the responsibility of the future."

At just 16, Remington Steenwyk set sights on sustainability's vast, unexplored potential. Raised in Onekama, Michigan, and later residing in Caledonia, Remington possesses a passion for engineering that blossomed early. “Growing up in areas rich in natural beauty, I saw firsthand the impacts of environmental neglect,” she says. This exposure kindled her interest in finding practical solutions to pressing environmental issues, steering her to her current path.

“I wanted to tackle one of engineering's most pressing challenges: making flight more sustainable,” Steenwyk says. Now a senior at ������Ƶ, she is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering focusing on alternative energy and sustainability while Co-oping at QED Environmental Systems in Dexter, Michigan—her projects at QED focus on harvesting renewable energy and increasing the sustainability of products. “We're exploring everything from hydrogen to biofuels and even energy from waste,” she says.

The journey has been challenging, especially the implementation of new technologies. “Navigating the complexities of high-altitude CO2 emissions and the technicalities of renewable energy sources in aviation requires skill but persistence,” Remington says. Her role involves conducting extensive research and practical tests to identify the most efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Remington has two patents currently pending approval. The first is for a pump puller to help workers safely remove tubes covered in toxic sludge from the bottom of landfill wells. Her design allows a worker to let go of the tubing without the pump falling back into the well or dragging the worker with it. Remington designed her pump puller to be universal and fit all well types.

The second patent is for a new pneumatic pump design, which is the focal point of Remington’s thesis work. Her design would allow all moving parts of the pump to be above ground so workers would have easy access. The potential result is that the pump would be more resilient, require less maintenance, and run longer. Remington hopes her design will be less expensive to build than the models in use today. Right now, Remington is working on testing her design.

Reflecting on her experiences, Remington is optimistic about her future and the role she hopes to play in a greener industry. “My aim is to reduce industry's ecological footprint significantly,” she says. She is driven by a blend of technical interest and a profound commitment to environmental stewardship.

Remington's proactive approach to fostering inclusivity extends beyond personal success; she aims to inspire and empower other women. “It's crucial for women entering STEM to see they are not alone and their contributions are essential,” she says. Through her role as treasurer of Pi Tau Sigma, the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers, and her participation in the Society of Women Engineers, Remington participates in initiatives encouraging more women to enter and thrive in engineering fields.

Looking ahead, Remington envisions her career will combine innovation with practical applications and hopes to inspire more sustainable practices across the aviation industry. “Sustainability isn't just a part of my job description—it's a guiding principle for the future of engineering,” she concludes, hopeful that engineers like her will shape a more sustainable world.

Eleven ������Ƶ students joined nearly 1,200 students from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to compete at the 2024 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference in Austin, Texas, from April 20 through April 23.

Kettering students earned three test medals, one presentation medal, three finalist medals, and a third-place finish.

Morgan Main ('24, Mechanical Engineering) earned a presentation medal, a finalist medal, and the 3rd place award in Restaurant and Food Service Management.

Ethan Arun ('27, Computer Science) and Ben Bollman ('27, Mechanical Engineering) received finalist medals and a top 10 finish in the Entertainment Marketing team event.

Skyler Chinn ('24, Industrial Engineering) received a test medal in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising.

Ralph Mancini ('25, Chemical Engineering) and Adam Meyer ('25, Mechanical Engineering) earned test medals in Travel and Tourism.

Other Kettering DECA participants at the conference included the B-Section President, Jack Sigelko ('25, Computer Engineering), Joshua Parker ('27, Mechanical Engineering), Crystal Smalligan ('24, Management), Meadow Loukmas ('26, Mechanical Engineering), and Ally Raymer ('27, Mechanical Engineering).

The International Career Development Conference (ICDC) by DECA is a premier event where teams showcase their business expertise and compete to become international champions. The conference also features networking opportunities, career exhibits, and exclusive activities that enhance the professional growth of all attendees.

������Ƶ announces that Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Javad Baqersad, a distinguished faculty member renowned for his pioneering contributions to the engineering field, has been honored with the esteemed Ralph Teetor Educational Award during the 2024 SAE World Congress in Detroit. 

“Dr. Baqersad’s achievement is a testament to his exemplary dedication to educational excellence and innovative research contributions,” said Dr. James Zhang, Senior Vice President and Provost at ������Ƶ. “Not only has his work deeply impacted Mechanical Engineering but has made a profound impact on students’ academic and professional development.”

Established in 1953, the Ralph Teetor Educational Award is named in honor of Ralph R. Teetor, the visionary past president of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The award celebrates academic professionals who significantly contribute to the enrichment of students in mobility and automotive engineering. Recipients are recognized for cultivating an engaging academic atmosphere that inspires students to innovate their way into future careers.

Last year,  Baqersad was awarded multiple grants by the National Science Foundation (NSF). One of these established the EMERGE Program (Enabling Meaningful External Research Growth in Emergent Technologies) as part of an EPIIC Grant. This project, in which Baqersad is a principal investigator, aims to strengthen partnerships with local industry to build the capacity to conduct high-impact, industry-relevant research.

He also received a Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant of $577,750 to acquire a 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (3DSLDV), which enhances research in non-destructive inspection, energy, lithium-ion battery monitoring, additive manufacturing and material science. 

In recognition of his dedication to education, Baqersad was honored with the Outstanding Teaching Award by ������Ƶ in December.

������Ƶ has a storied history of its faculty members being honored with the Ralph Teetor Award, reflecting the institution's commitment to excellence in engineering and technology education. Previous ������Ƶ recipients include:

• 2020 Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan *
• 2019 Dr. Diane Peters *
• 2008 Dr. Janet Brelin-Fornari
• 2002 Dr. Patrick Atkinson *
• 2002 Dr. Craig Hoff *
• 1999 Dr. Etim Ubong
• 1998 Dr. Karim Nasr *
• 1996 Dr. Timothy M. Cameron
• 1994 Dr. Colin Jordan
• 1994 Dr. Massoud Tavakoli *
• 1994 Dr. Greg Davis *
• 1992 Dr. Behrouz Chehroudi
• 1990 Dr. Paul Zang
• 1988 Dr. Richard D. Tonda
• 1987 Dr. Mark G. Thompson *
• 1987 Dr. Mohammad Torfeh *
• 1979 Dr. James E.A. John  

* Current professor at Kettering

"������Ƶ proudly congratulates Dr. Javad Baqersad on receiving this award, which recognizes his dedication to engineering education and excellence,” stated University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “With this honor, the Society of Automotive Engineers is not only highlighting Dr. Baqersad's many contributions to advancing the field but also recognizing his commitment to excellence and to inspiring tomorrow's innovators and leaders."

The National Science Foundation has awarded Dr. Javad Baqersad, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at ������Ƶ, a Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant of $577,750 to acquire a 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (3DSLDV).

The instrument will incorporate a technique using coherent lights to measure the velocity of vibrating objects, allowing high-fidelity vibrations for high-temperature, lightweight and rotating structures.

The vibrometer’s capabilities will be critical for research in biomedical engineering; acoustic pressure in ultrasound therapy; skin and soft tissue characterization; structural health monitoring and damage detection; material modeling; and microstructure optimization. The research will fuel the development of materials with improved vibration performance; microstructural characterization of acoustoplastically deformed structures; uncertainty characterization in additive manufacturing metamaterials; dynamic analysis of tires and contact patch mechanics; and monitoring lithium-ion batteries.

The traditional measurement of vibrations used an accelerometer, which needed to be attached to its subject via an adhesive or hardware. The fact that this instrument measures vibrations without touching its subject is extremely valuable. 

Some of the research will include measuring human skin and soft tissue to detect possible skin conditions and monitoring the health and life of wind turbines. It will measure the vibratory characteristics of tires as they relate to tire forces developed at the contact patch, which is where the tire contacts the road. This could result in safety systems to detect things humans can’t see, such as black ice. The vibration behavior of electric motors will also be measured to improve the sound quality and ensure exterior noise is loud enough for visually impaired pedestrians to detect oncoming vehicles.

“This instrumentation will enable a breadth of projects that have the potential to be significantly impactful in the areas of providing sustainable energy sources, using lightweight materials to develop fuel-efficient cars and improving human health,” Baqersad said. “It will also enhance research in non-destructive inspection, energy, lithium-ion battery monitoring, additive manufacturing and material science.”

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Timothy Stiles, Associate Professor of Physics; Dr. Seyed Jamaleddin Mostafavi Yazdi, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering; and Dr. Foroogh Rouhollahi, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, are Co-Principal Investigators on the project. 

“This is a cool and useful instrument that will help ������Ƶ faculty, staff and students create knowledge in the areas of tire contact patch mechanics, battery electric vehicle exterior noise and beyond,” Bastiaan said. “Both our undergraduate and graduate students will have access to a state-of-the-art tool that will help prepare them for their future careers in industry and academia.” 

The MRI Program and the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) fund the grant.

This is the third significant grant the NSF has awarded to a Kettering faculty member this year. A team of ������Ƶ faculty members received a $398,946 grant in August to build meaningful partnerships among faculty and industry, resulting in increased research engagement and the establishment of an internship program for graduate students. Dr. Demet Usanmaz, Assistant Professor of Physics, received a $249,999 grant in June to increase clean energy generation by designing new thermoelectric materials that convert waste heat to electricity. 

������Ƶ has received more than $2 million in research grants this year. Since 2016, the University has received more than $16 million in sponsored program funding that keeps Kettering on the cutting edge of technology and applied research.

A team of ������Ƶ faculty members has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for $398,946 to build meaningful partnerships among faculty and industry, resulting in increased research engagement and the establishment of an internship program for graduate students.

The project is called Enabling Meaningful External Research Growth in Emergent Technologies (EMERGE). It is designed to strengthen partnerships with local industry to build the capacity to conduct high-impact, industry-relevant research drawing on faculty members’ expertise in their disciplines and to provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to learn how to conduct research.

“Overall, the project will have a positive impact on Kettering and benefit our faculty and student body as a whole rather than supporting one specific research project or initiative, which is what makes this program unique. It will also have an impact beyond Kettering and on innovation in our region,” said Dr. Diane Peters, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Principal Investigator on the project. “For undergraduates, they may be involved in research projects initiated as a result of these activities.”

Dr. Scott Grasman, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Dr. Javad Baqersad, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, are co-principal investigators.

“Many academic projects solve fundamental problems but are never used in real-world applications,” Baqersad said. “This grant aims to create a partnership between ������Ƶ and the industry to help bring academic research to real-world applications. The partnerships with the local innovation ecosystem will be relevant to ������Ƶ’s heritage and allow us to build on our key research areas.”

Grasman said EMERGE is important because it helps increase research capacity at a primarily undergraduate institution like Kettering.

������Ƶ is partnering with three other universities on the project: University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas; University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado; and Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The universities formed their partnership through a series of NSF workshops during the proposal process.

“Part of the purpose of the workshops was for us to get to know the other universities and their teams, talk about mutual challenges and areas where we were complementary and, ultimately, form cohorts to submit proposals,” Peters said. 

Each university has an individual plan, but the universities will work together to establish a website, share best practices and resources, and conduct a project evaluation.

The Kettering team will plan and initiate an industry research summit, provide opportunities for professors to work with industry partners on technical problems within their expertise, and establish an internship program for graduate students integrated into their educational experiences that supports their research.

Work will begin Oct. 1 and continue through September 2026.

The grant is part of the NSF’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), the agency’s first new directorate in more than 30 years. According to TIP's website, the directorate formed a few months after Congress passed the “CHIPS and Science Act” to advance U.S. competitiveness through investments that accelerate the development of key technologies and address pressing societal and economic challenges.

This is the second significant grant the NSF has awarded to a Kettering faculty member this year. Dr. Demet Usanmaz, Assistant Professor of Physics, received a $249,999 grant in June to increase clean energy generation by designing new thermoelectric materials that convert waste heat to electricity. 

������Ƶ has received more than $2 million in research grants this year. Since 2016, the University has received more than $16 million in sponsored program funding.

​The ������Ƶ AutoDrive team, Bulldog Bolt, wrapped up its second year of competition this month, finishing third in Mobility Innovation. ​

The team and its Chevy Bolt EV competed June 4-10 at MCity in Ann Arbor. The four-year competition, sponsored by SAE International and General Motors, tasks 10 teams with developing and demonstrating a completely autonomous-driving passenger vehicle. Each year, the competition builds on the next by adding more challenges.

The Mobility Innovation Award is based on two items the team submitted. The first is a report on the 0-0-0 Challenge, in which students needed to build on last year’s work by validating the power consumption of the vehicle’s sensors. 

“This is important because the power consumption of sensors impacts the vehicle range, which is a major concern to consumers,” said Dr. Diane Peters, the team’s faculty advisor. 

The Mobility Innovation Award also is based on a video the team produced that focused on finding issues with an autonomous vehicle future and how to sell solutions to lobbyists.

Although it’s the second year of the competition, it’s the first year teams worked with an actual car. During the challenge's first year, the team outfitted a large metal cart with sensors to collect data. 

“Transitioning from the cart to the car presented some challenges,” Peters said. “The perception algorithms developed on the cart could be carried over, but interfacing with the car was a significant challenge as it involved propulsion and steering, which weren’t a factor in the stationary cart. And, of course, safety was critical since we needed to ensure students were always working in a safe environment where the car wouldn’t do anything unexpected.”

Team Captain Kevin Patterson (’24, EE) agreed transitioning from the cart to the car was challenging but is pleased with the team’s results.

“Even though the Kettering AutoDrive team had a tough year, it was impressive how the team performed and how much it faced,” he said. “The biggest takeaway of the year is to keep pushing forward.”

Participating in AutoDrive helps students gain experience and network with others in various industries.

“There is plenty of work to be done, whether it’s designing different mounts for cameras and sensors, real-time project management skills for business majors, and electrical engineering to help design and develop the harness and various electrical components,” Patterson said. 

During the competition, he also met with representatives from sponsoring companies.

“I spoke with multiple companies that are very interested in not only Kettering students but AutoDrive Kettering students with the experience to do what their companies do,” Patterson said. 

The rules for the Year 3 challenge will be released in late summer or early fall. Until then, Peters said students are making a list of things it needs to improve on from this year so they’ll be prepared and ready to get to work.

​