Spotlight Members
All AIM EFRC Members have done incredible research, but these particular members are doing research that can change how manufacturing is done on a global scale. Click on their pictures to learn more on what they do.
2025 Spotlight Members
Rebecca Stutzman
School: University of Delaware
Research: This summer, Rebecca worked on a HiDAC project exploring the integration of algae-based biochar into composite materials for the automotive industry.
Yiwen Wu
School: University of Florida
Research: This summer, Yiwen joined the Florida Advanced Manufacturing and System Integration Laboratory, working with Dr. Yunxia Chen and Dr. Yong Huang on an innovative microrobot-assisted 3D printing project.
Sai Aditya Pradeep
School: University of Delaware
Research: Dr. Sai Aditya Pradeep has been honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Clemson University College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.
Hao Chen
School: Clemson University
Research: Hao Chen recieved the prestigious Environmental Scholars Award which recognizes outstanding graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in Environmental Engineering & Science or Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences.
Erik Anderson
School: University of Delaware
Research: Erik received the prestigious Joyce and Robert Richards Endowed Fellowship for his work in the field of Chemical Engineering
Dhanashree Shinde
School: University of Delaware
Research: Focusing on a multi fidelity approach to predicting warpage in injection molding.
Bowen Cao
School: Clemson University
Research: Developing and validating a coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) model for filler-polymer systems, specifically carbon-PC, to investigate static and dynamic interfacial behavior
Isaac Evancho
School: Clemson University
Research: This summer, Isaac worked in Dr. James Sternberg’s lab at Clemson University, focusing on the development of non-isocyanate polyurethane foams cured at room temperature.
Dr Yong Huang
School: University of Florida
Research: Dr. Yong Huang has been awarded the prestigious 2025 ASME Milton C. Shaw Manufacturing Research Medal.
Amit Deshpande
School: University of Delaware
Research: For Amit's outstanding scholarship and creativity in engineering, he has received the Graduate Achievement Award for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Dr. Zhen Li
School: Clemson University
Research: Dr. Zhen Li has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University
Venkatesh Ananchaperumal
School: Clemson University
Research: Modeling crack propagation in composite materials using Constitutively Informed Particle Dynamics (CPD).
Sophie Sharafi
School: Pacific Northwest National Lab
Research: Investigates fracture toughness and lifetime assessment of polymeric materials.
2024 Spotlight Members
Feiyang Cai
School: Clemson University
Research: ChemFM research on advancing AI modeling capabilities
Sathiska Kaumadi
School: Clemson University
Research: Chemically recycled post-consumer PET and lifecycle
Madhura Athale
School: Ohio State University
Research: Material-process-microstructure-performance (MP2) relationships of thermoplastic composite materials
School: University of Delaware
Research: Convert the waste PET into non-isocyanate thermoplastic polyurethane (NITPU)
Shawn Yong
School: University of Delaware
Research: Deconsolidation and void formation in thermoplastic composites
Samuel Shlafer
School: University of Florida
Research: Aligning 1D materials in polymer matrices to give composite materials superior properties.
Sai Aditya Pradeep
School: University of Delaware
Research: Material-Process-Microstructure-Performance (MP2) relationships and Digital Lifecycles of reinforced polymer composites.
Minglei Lu
School: Clemson University
Research: The predictive modeling of biomass comminution
Yezhuo Li
School: Clemson University
Research: Constrained Bayesian Optimization Under Gaussian Process Models in Cure Process
School: University of Delaware
Research: Thermoforming of semi-crystalline thermoplastic fiber reinforced composites
Hao Chen
School: Clemson University
Research: Environmental impact and economic performance of advanced composites manufacturing
Dhanashree Shinde
School: University of Delaware
Research: Thermoplastic composites for automotive structural parts.
Hayden Marquard
School: University of Delaware
Research: The thermomechanical properties of flax fiber reinforced semi-crystalline thermoplastic composites after environmental exposure
Bethany Guin
School: Clemson University
Research: Combining chemically recycled PET with bio-based monomers to create thermoplastic matrices with lower carbon intensity and environmental footprint.
Yunxia Chen
School: University of Florida
Research: 3D printing assisted reinforced polymer composites and their application in thermal management devices
Elham Kianiharchegani
School: Brown University
Research: Discovering Mathematical Equations through Symbolic Regression