AI- Driven Codesign of Materials and Manufacturing

Summer Research Experience (SRE)

Our research group invites motivated undergraduate students to participate in a multidisciplinary Summer Research Experience (SRE) focused on: the AI-Driven Co-Design of Functional Materials and Manufacturing.

This program integrates artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and functional materials to address emerging challenges in energy systems and smart materials. Students will gain hands-on experience in both experimental research and data-driven modeling, working closely with graduate mentors and faculty.

What You Will Do

Participants will engage in a combination of:

Hands-on Experiments

o   Fabrication of advanced materials for energy storage systems

o   4D printing of stimuli-responsive soft robotic materials

o   Characterization of material behavior (mechanical, electrical, and structural)

          AI & Machine Learning Training

o   Introduction to machine learning for materials science

o   Image-based analysis (e.g., strain mapping, pattern recognition)

o   Data-driven modeling for material design and manufacturing

Program Goals

The SRE program aims to:

o   Provide hands-on research experience in cutting-edge materials and manufacturing

o   Introduce students to AI-driven materials design

o   Bridge experiments + data science + engineering applications 

o   Equip students with the skills needed for successful careers in industry and in academia.

Who Should Apply

Undergraduate students with a strong interest in:

o   AI / Machine Learning

o   Energy Storage

o   Advanced Manufacturing / 4D Printing

How to Apply

o   Email to hongtao.sun@psu.edu

o   One letter to express your interest

o   Unofficial transcript in PDF form

Review of applications will begin in March and will be accepted until the program is filled.  If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please contact: hongtao.sun@psu.edu