Faculty mentors

Dr. Lina Sawalha, PI

She is an Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Her research interests include energy-efficient computing, computer architecture, hardware/software codesign and high-performance computing. Her research is funded by NSF, Ford Motor Co., Intel, NVIDIA and Xilinx. She received the CEAS Outstanding New Educator Award at WMU in 2017.

Dr. Pablo Gomez, co-PI

He is an Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research interests include modeling and simulation of electric power systems, electromagnetic design, high voltage engineering, and grid integration of renewable energy. He has over 20 years of research experience. His research has been funded by the Department of Energy, NSF, Michigan Space Grant Consortium, US Air Force, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and other companies and entities. He received the 2019 CEAS Outstanding New Researcher Award.

Dr. Zach Asher

He is an Associate Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. His research is focused on sustainable automotive transportation and safe autonomous vehicles in a variety of conditions and global locations. He has significant research experience, including extensive funding from the Department of Energy and the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Dr. Massood Atashbar

He is a Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research interests include physical and chemical sensor development, wireless sensors, applications of nanotechnology in sensors, flexible hybrid electronic devices, and enabling advanced battery electrode architecture through printing techniques. He is the recipient of the WMU 2022 Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award.

Dr. Mert Atilhan

He is an Associate Professor in Chemical and Paper Engineering. His research interests include gas capture storage, water treatment, energy storage systems, and development of new solvents. Dr. Atilhan has funded projects (>9M) most recently from the Department of Energy, and many others from international entities. He has been honored with multiple research and teaching awards.

Dr. Nicholas Brown

He is Senior Research Associate and Executive Director of the EEAV Lab, focusing on pioneering the development, testing and analysis of cutting-edge autonomous vehicle systems. Dr. Brown also actively engages in securing research grants, fostering collaborations and setting industry standards, cementing the EEAV Lab's role in shaping the future of autonomous transportation through innovative and energy-efficient technologies.

Dr. Claudia Fajardo

She is a Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Her research interests include fluid mechanics, combustion in propulsion systems, and non-intrusive laser diagnostics. Dr. Fajardo oversees the Combustion and Flow Research Laboratory (CFRL) and the Center for Advanced Vehicle Design and Simulation (CAViDS), an industry-academia consortium. Her research has been funded by NSF, Department of Energy, Department of Defense NASA, industry, and foundations. She received the 2010 CEAS Outstanding New Educator Award.

Dr. Kristina Lemmer

She is a Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Her research is focused on plasma engineering, plasma diagnostics, space propulsion, and nanosatellite development. Dr. Lemmer is the faculty advisor of the Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI),  student organization dedicated to designing, creating, and testing a CubeSat to be launched into space. Her funding sources include NASA, US Air Force, NSF, and Michigan Space Grant Consortium.

Dr. Rick Meyer

He is an Associate Professor in MAE. He has 8 years of industry experience and 18 years of research experience. His work is focused on advanced vehicle operation, including autonomous vehicle perception, and the modeling and optimal power control of transportation-oriented hybrid and electrical systems. 

Dr. Damon Miller

He is an Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Miller’s focus is the design of hardware/software to support research in nonlinear systems and neurobiology. Dr. Miller introduces engineering as a career to local high school students by mentoring them on research projects.