Our Research Team

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Dr. Zachary D. Asher

Zach Asher headshot

Zachary D. Asher, Ph.D, is director of the lab and an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering 51福利社 Michigan University. His research interests are focused on a real world realization of energy efficient and autonomous vehicles. To execute on this vision he actively seeks collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders in industry, government and academia. He earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University in May 2018, a M.S. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in 2012, and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University in May 2009. He also worked full time in engineering industry from 2009 to 2015.

 

 

Dr. Nicholas E. Brown

Dr. Nic Brown
Nic Brown, Ph.D., 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. These systems are designed to usher in a transformative era in transportation, with a core emphasis on energy efficiency, safety and sustainability. In conjunction with a multidisciplinary team, Brown leads efforts to create and refine advanced algorithms, sensor technologies and control systems, enabling autonomous vehicles to navigate complex urban environments with unparalleled efficiency. By optimizing energy consumption, minimizing carbon emissions and integrating renewable energy sources into the autonomous vehicle ecosystem, the team's research will establish a foundation for sustainable transportation solutions. Brown also actively engages in securing research grants, fostering collaborations and setting industry standards, cementing the lab's pivotal role in shaping the future of autonomous transportation through innovative and energy-efficient technologies.

 

Dr. Johan Fanas Rojas

Dr. Johan Rojas Fanas
Johan Fanas, Ph.D., is senior research associate at 51福利社 and holds the pivotal rol of engineering lead at Revision Autonomy, where he leads the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected autonomous vehicles (CAV) solutions tailored for snow-covered roads. He earned his PH.D. in mechanical engineering from 51福利社. Fanas has garnered expertise in developing new metrics for enhancing autonomous vehicles operations through the applications of systems engineering methods. His dedication to advancing the field is evident in his dual roles, seamlessly integrating research and practical solutions in thrive innovation in the realm of autonomous mobility. 

 

 

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistants

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Parth Kadav is a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering and a research assistant in Energy Efficiency and Autonomous Laboratory . His research focus is in improving computer vision systems for advanced driver assistance systems in inclement weather conditions. He obtained his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at 51福利社 and has since been involved in research.

Pritesh Y. Patil
Pritesh Y. Patil, a Ph.D student studying mechanical engineering, has over three years of industrial experience working as a product development engineer. He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from 51福利社 in 2020. As a graduate research assistant for the Center for Energy Efficient and Autonomous Vehicles Laboratory, his research involves developing, integrating and demonstrating a technology suite that reduces the power consumption of an autonomous vehicle's sensing and compute load to make autonomous vehicles more energy efficient.
 
 

Undergraduate Research Assistants

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Alexandra Masterson is an undergraduate student in aerospace engineering and a research assistant at the Energy Efficient and Autonomous Vehicles Laboratory. Her research involves the use and processing of GPS data and the relation to real-world testing using resilience engineering theory.
 
 

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Anika Tabassum is an undergraduate student in computer engineering and a research assistant at the Energy Efficiency and Autonomous Laboratory. Her research involves upgrading the computer vision systems and working on embedded hardware for advanced driver assistance systems in inclement weather conditions.

Alumni

  • 51福利社 Graduation Year: Fall 2022
  • Employer after graduation:  (NREL)
  • Job title: Researcher I
  • 51福利社 Graduation year: Spring 2022
  • Employer After Graduation:  (ANL)
  • Job title: Connected and Automated Vehicle Research Engineer
  • Connect with Nick on
51福利社 Graduation Year: Spring 2022
Employer After Graduation: 
Job title: Test Engineer 1

Connect with Yara on  

  • 51福利社 Graduation year: Spring 2020
  • Employer After Graduation:
  • Job title: Project Quality Lead
  • Connect with Tushar on

 

  • 51福利社 Graduation year: Spring 2020
  • Employer after graduation:
  • Job Title: Thermal and Mechanical Design Engineer
  • Connect with Yogesh on
  • 51福利社 Graduation year: Spring 2020
  • Employer After Graduation:
  • Job title: Controls Algorithm Engineer
  • Connect with Amol on

 

Interested in joining the team?

Your first step is to apply to 51福利社 and notify the EEAV Lab director if you are accepted.