Nano Energy and Data-Driven Discovery Laboratory

Changgen Li is a postdoctoral research fellow with a background in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Xihua University, China, and holds a Ph.D. from Southwest Jiaotong University, China, as well as a joint Ph.D. from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Changgen possesses expertise in signal processing, image processing, machine learning, CNC machining, and mechanical design. He is proficient in programming languages such as Python, C, and Matlab. His research is centered around anomaly detection in signals or images. Basically, he is an interesting and enthusiastic guy.

Daniel will start his MSME study in Summer 2025.

Christy Dunlap is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Christy obtained her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and B.S. in Mathematics with Applied Concentration from the University of Arkansas in 2021. Her research covers system design, DNA sequencing, thermal data analytics, and multimodal fusion. Christy is proficient in programming using Python, MATLAB, C++, and Arduino, machine learning packages including TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, operating system and software maintenance on Linux systems. Christy is a member of Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma and a recipient of the W.R. Thomas Endowed Doctoral Engineering Fellowship, Reginald R. “Barney” & Jameson A. Baxter Graduate Fellowship, David E. Johnson and Wilda S. McMurray Endowed Scholarship, Arkansas Academy of Mechanical Engineering Scholarship, Droke-Dunn Scholarship, Honors College Academy Scholarship, and Charles D. Brock Scholarship.

Braden is a Ph.D. student in in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Braden graduated from Harding University in 2017 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. His research is focused on the thermal analysis of composite materials. Before attending the University of Arkansas, Braden was a client lead/mechanical engineer at Harrison French and Associates. His responsibilities included building modelling and load analysis as well as building commissioning. He is currently a member of ASHRAE and has received his PE licensure in the state of Arkansas.

Ishraq is a graduate student pursuing his MS in Mechanical Engineering from Fall 2024. He is from Bangladesh and graduated from Islamic University of Technology in 2023. His current research is related to acoustic sensing of flow boiling and flow condensation for applications in Electronics Cooling. Watching documentaries of Military History is his biggest passion and Endurance Swimming his favourite pastime.

Daniel is an undergraduate honors student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace concentration. He has specific interests in heat transfer and fluids and is proficient with SolidWorks, MATLAB, 3D printing, CNC and manual lathes and mills, and programming with Python and C++. Outside of academics, he enjoys automotive maintenance, mountain biking, and serving in his campus ministry, Reformed University Fellowship.

I am a senior at the University of Arkansas majoring in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace. I am interested in the thermal fluids industry and want to work on the design and application of propulsion systems and spacecrafts.

Harrison is an undergraduate honors student majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in physics and mathematics. He is a recipient of the Honors College Fellowship and the Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship. Harrison hopes to pair his degree with his passion for environmentalism to improve oceanic cleaning technologies and waste recycling. He enjoys practicing with the University Boxing Club in his spare time.

I am from Costa Rica. Mechanical Engineering student with an Aerospace Concentration. I find passion studying and watching rocket liftoffs. I enjoy studying the reliability and design considerations for space propulsion. In my free time, I like going out on hikes, mountain biking, and spending time with friends. I aspire to work in the space industry when I graduate.

The goal of my research is to supplement pool boiling research in the lab with CNN and ConvLSTM machine learning algorithms. Using single and multi-variable models, trends in other variables can be predicted, and by implementing ConvLSTM’sability to remember information from different timesteps, we hope to more accurately identify and classify time-dependent images and videos representing steady-state data. The newest topic I’m working with at the moment is CNN regression to more accurately predict quantities using images and videos representing transient data.

Connor obtained his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in Spring 2022. He has won the Honors College Research Grant and is working on the artificial intelligence-driven design of lightweight robust air-cooled heat exchangers. Connor is proficient in SolidWorks, MATLAB, nTopology, and machine learning. He is a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and Razorbots and has been working as a peer mentor.

Timothy is an Honors Mechanical Engineering Student at the University of Arkansas. He is a Recipient of the Arkansas Governors Distinguished Scholarship and the Chancellors Community Scholarship. His research covers additive manufacturing in micro-gravity environments as well as working with the 5-axis CNC Mill and 3D printer in the lab. Additionally, he works as a teaching assistant under Dr. Almahakeri for Statics and Computer-Aided Design. In the past, Timothy has interned for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, True Value, and has worked with the United States Census Bureau. Timothy is a member of AIAA, ASME, Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma and is an Eagle Scout.

Jillian is an undergraduate student majoring Biology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She is a recipient of the Academic Challenge Scholarship, UAPB Cheerleader Scholarship, and the DART Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) award, and a member of the Biology Club, National Society of Black Engineers, and UPAB Cheerleading Team. She is also a scholar of the Arkansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program (ARK-LSAMP). Jillian has volunteered as a Program Assistant at UAPB STEM Academy, Office Assistant at J.A. Fair High School, and Gymnastics Coath at Stars and Tripes. Her summer internship at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville is focused on leveraging advanced data analytics to solve biomedical research problems.

Matthew majors in Mechanical Engineering with the Aerospace Concentration and he is very passionate about sustainability and aerospace technologies. He attended the AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition 2022 this past January and shared the information and inspiration from the conference with the rest of the lab. Matthew has also been developing his interpersonal skills. He worked as a Customer Representative in Tropical Smoothie for two years, after which he was promoted to the Shift Lead. Matthew has also worked as a Barista in 7Brew and served as a Team Captain of cross country and track & field.

Lauren Westfall is an Honors student in the Mechanical Engineering Department. She has a specialized concentration in Aerospace. In high school she was a four-time state champion on her club soccer team and was Captain of her high school team. She has been on the Chancellors and Deans lists every semester in college. She received a Study Abroad Honors Grant for her study abroad course in Italy the summer of 2022. She is a member and Academic Officer of the Engineering sorority Phi Sigma Rho. Her research is exploring generative designs to produce a more effective air-cooled heat sink. This will be used to aid in Ethan’s research project by replacing his traditional heat sink. 

Anthony is an Honors student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He has received the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship and Silas Hunt Scholarship. He has also obtained SolidWorks CSWA Certification and won several regionally or nationally recognized awards, including  2^nd place in Regional Arkansas PTA Reflection Visual Art, the Gold Medal in the National Spanish Exam Level 3, and the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. Anthony volunteered to advertise for donations to the food pantry during a football event in Fall 2021, participated in many events by the Habitat for Humanity from 2019 to 2020, volunteered for more than thirty hours in the National Honor Society from 2018 – 2020, designed and assisted in painting murals at Art Club from 2017 – 2020, and earned superior ratings during solo and ensemble performances from 2014 – 2020.

My name is Kaitlyn Vinh, and I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. Previously, I have worked as a server for Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and that has made me realize that I have an interest in the food industry. What interested me specifically was how the food’s packaging allowed the food to be fresh and how that affected its taste and quality. In addition to working as a server, I have volunteered for Canned Food Drives, City Clean-ups, and Red Cross. I have also been involved in philanthropy/fundraising projects in clubs like Vietnamese Student Association, Habitat of Humanity, and Honors Society.

Noshin is graduating as an honors mechanical engineering major/aerospace concentration with summa cum laude Latin distinction. She aided in the packed-bed heat exchanger design project for ASME ES with Jackson, Caleb, and Logan. She chose her thesis to be on Hall thruster plasma parameter advancements and is going to be an AFRL Phillips Scholar at the Kirtland AFB, working on LIF diagnostics for a supersonically rotating plasma. She has previously received the NASA-ASGC Workforce Development Grant and subsequently interned at NASA Johnson Space Center to work on the Artemis mission in Houston. She has also been awarded the nationally-competitive top undergraduate scholarship of AIAA and the AIAA SciTech Diversity Scholarship; a NASA Solar Systems Workings Grant REU position; UA Honors College Research Grant; and Scholastic Woman of the Month and Major Greek Nominee for the UA Panhellenic Council. She also founded the UA rocketry club, STAAR, and helped host several social events such as rocketry builds & launches, one of the largest outreach events hosted by the College of Engineering (“Girls in Space”), and guest speakers from NASA. STAAR also became the first SEDS chapter in the state of AR upon establishment, resulting in a grant to help further high-powered rocketry efforts and serving as a flagship for model rocketry in AR. Her UA leadership involvement includes serving as the Presidential Advisor/President of STAAR, VP of Operations/Operations Manager/University Relations Manager of ASME, PR Manager of AIAA and AIAA DBF, Secretary of Affairs of Pi Tau Sigma, President/PR Manager of SPS, and President of the RecycleBacks.

Jack Minnick is a sophomore honors student pursuing a double major in Mechanical Engineering with aerospace concentration and music performance. Jack is a National Merit Scholar and has received awards at the state and national level in the American Legion Oratorical Contest. Jack also has an associate certificate for Mechanical Design in SolidWorks and has independently designed, deployed, and analyzed a study to determine discrepancies in activation methods of a proven neuromusical phenomenon. Jack’s interests include experimental nano-craft for remote sensing and exploration, material optimization for aerospace applications, and the design and use of propulsion systems. In the future, Jack aims to be involved in research and development in the aerospace industry, contributing to the widening of horizons in the field of space travel.

I am from Prairie Grove Arkansas and I major in Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace Concentration.  I am also in Air Force ROTC and am looking forward to commissioning as an officer in 2026. I have three summers of construction work experience. I received the AP Physics award in high school and have made the Dean’s list 2/3 semesters in college. My favorite hobbies are hunting and playing almost any sport.

Caleb is an undergraduate student majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in mathematics. He previously received his associates degree in engineering from North Arkansas Community College. Caleb has an interest in aerospace technology, thermal systems, renewable and nonrenewable energy. In his free time, Caleb enjoys spending time outside and with friends, playing games and going golfing. Caleb eventually wants a career involved with the development of new technology for aerospace and fluid/thermal systems.

Logan is an Honors student majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. He is experienced with operating large equipment including skid steer bobcat, stem roller, excavator, and tractors as well as woodworking and home improvement projects. He also has a certificate in SolidWorks CAD and has experience with C++ programming and 3D printing. Logan has worked at Rip Gresham Construction as a construction worker, La Dolce Vita Rental Services as a manager, and Arkansas Alpha Phi Delta Theta as the treasurer. He has also volunteered in a mission trip to Iquitos, Peru, and served as the team captain for Phi Delta Theta’s Arkansas Dance Marathon 2021 as well as a cell group leader for Bible studies.

Landon Lemmons majors in Mechanical Engineering with the Aerospace Concentration. He has been on the Chancellors and Deans list for all 7 past semesters. Landon has been selected to the National Honors Society College Association and has received the Governors Distinguished Scholarship, Honors University Scholarship, and Elks National Association Scholarship. Landon worked as an Operations Manager for Southern Outdoor Services in Summer 2019 and a 3D CAD Technician and Engineering Assistant for BLEW and Associates in Summer 2021. Landon has also been actively engaged in community activities, including FUMC TEAM 25:35 ministries, mission trips, FUMC Elevation worship volunteer, and SUCCESS school. Landon is the Student Resources Lead of NED3 and is in charge of the 5-axis CNC mill and the infinite-z belt 3D printer.

Najee I. Stubbs is a master’s student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Najee obtained his Associate of Science in Engineering from the University of The Bahamas (2018), and his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arkansas (2021).  Najee is proficient in 3D modeling using SolidWorks, and Fusion 360. He also has a working knowledge of MATLAB, and Python; utilizing Tensorflow, PyTorch, and SciKit-Learn. Some of Najee’s interests include machine learning, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and digital twins. Najee is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. Moreover, Najee was a Commercialization Fellow, with Science Venture Studios in 2021.

My name is Jackson Marsh and I am a junior Mechanical Engineering Student. I am doing research over Solar Powered 3D printing and studying optical systems to be used. As independent research, I am studying the electrification of airliners and cooling of electronics aboard all electric and mostly electric aircrafts. I really enjoy my research because I have always been interested in flight and space.

Isaiah Kroll is a mechanical engineering undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas. He transferred to the University of Arkansas as a junior after having to medically retire from being a student athlete at Colorado School of Mines, where he previously went to school. He is passionate about the construction industry and is planning on going into the construction industry after graduating. Isaiah has experience working with and fixing electronics, specifically drones. He is also a part of the Lunabotics NASA team for the U of A and is currently working on building a rover to compete in this year’s competition. Isaiah is working on two phase flow boiling with Stephen Pierson. Outside of school, Isaiah enjoys sports, music, and spending time with his friends.

Cade is a mechanical engineering student at the University of Arkansas, earning a place on the dean’s list multiple times. His commitment to academics is complemented by his interest in improving society and discovering new technologies. Outside of his studies, Cade engages in research on new hybrid heat sinks to provide smaller and more efficient cooling capabilities. In addition to his academic pursuits, Cade serves as the vice president of the University of Arkansas Pickleball club, showcasing his dedication to extracurricular activities and leadership within the university community.

Josef Frankhouse is an Undergraduate Honors Student majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. He has received the Summer Undergraduate Research Grant, the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship, and the Arkansas Academy of Mechanical Engineering Scholarship. Josef is on the Dean’s and Chancellor’s lists. Josef is currently working on the creation of novel graphene-based hydrogen sensors, and nano-antennas. Josef is also working with Jackson on the new implementations of acoustic sensors with electrical devices.

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate student. Passionate about aerospace technology, electric vehicle technology, and combustion engine development. Works on and races mountain bikes and motorcycles in his free-time. Ultimately he wants to be on the edge of modern technology in vehicles. Corbin is a recipient of the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium STEM award.

Hari is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas and the Lab Manager of NED3. Hari obtained his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in 2017 from Tribhuvan University in Nepal and joined the University of Arkansas for his Ph.D. study in Fall 2019. Hari is proficient high-speed imaging, acoustic emission, SEM, optical microscopy, machine learning, finite element analysis, and programming in Python and MATLAB. His research focus includes prediction and mitigation of boiling crisis using acoustic emission and high-speed imaging, improving boiling heat transfer using wicking structures, and immersion cooling of power electronics. Hari is a recipient of the W.R. Thomas Endowed Doctoral Engineering Fellowship and the Reginald R. “Barney” & Jameson A. Baxter Graduate Fellowship.