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.
2026 Spotlight Members
Gang Li
School: Clemson University
Research: Earned the Craig (’67) and Ellen Fallon Distinguished Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University for his outstanding contributions to computational mechanics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, as well as his dedication to advancing research, education, and leadership within the engineering community.
Faisal Tushar
School: Clemson University
Research: Faisal's award-winning project, “Autonomous Self-Cleaning Surfaces for Space: Harnessing Condensation Through Amphiphilicity,” presents a passive materials-based solution to condensation challenges in microgravity.
Ryan Wan and Haizhou Wen
School: Clemson University
Research: Earned 4th place ($500 award) in the student pitch competition at the 2025 ASHRAE Region IV Student Summit at Clemson University for their project, "Physics-based AI for Optimal HVAC Control."
Dr. George Karniadakis
School: Brown University
Research: Received the 2026 William Benter Prize in Applied Mathematics, one of the most prestigious international honors in applied mathematics
2025 Spotlight Members
Amit M. Deshpande
School: University of Delaware
Research: Amit has been awarded the S. Subbiah and Sarah Robson Graduate Award, presented to the department’s most outstanding PhD students based on research excellence and overall performance.
Dhanashree Shinde
School: University of Delaware
Research: Dhanashree Shinde has been awarded with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers 30 under 30 award.
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.
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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.
Nicholas Morgan
School: Clemson University
Research: Nicholas Morgan has been promoted to Program Coordinator II for helping plan All-Hands Meetings, high school outreach, and several webinars.
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
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