Research Projects

Current Projects

  • Machine Learning Algorithm for Woodchip Bioreactor Optimization, USDA/NIFA, $300,000, role: Co-PI (Joe Charbonnet PI). 09/2024 - 08/2026.
    • We are developing methods to optimize the control of bioreactors. 
  • BRITE: Pivot Reconfigurable Metamaterial Component for Smart Structural Damping, NSF, $525,000, role: PI. 09/2024 - 08/2027.
    • We are studying adaptive metamaterials for vibration mitigation.
  • Collaborative Research: CLIMA: Multistable Organic Structural System, NSF, $850,000, role: PI. 09/2024 - 08/2027.
    • We are studying multi-stable mechanisms enabling motion in structural systems.
  • Implementation of High-Rate State Estimation Algorithms, AFRL Midwest Hub, $269,000, role: PI. 03/2024 - 02/2026. 
    • We are demonstrating sub-millisecond forecasting of time-series. 
  • 3D Bioprinting of Microbial Biofilms for Gas Pipeline Corrosion Prevention, Iowa Energy Center, $300,000, role: Co-PI (Kaoru Ikuma PI). 01/2024 - 12/2026. 
    • We are developing bio-coatings for underground utilities.
  • Convergence Accelerator Track M: Biofilm-based Corrosion Control using 3D Printed Biotechnology, NSF, $650,000, role: Co-PI (Kaoru Ikuma PI). 01/2024 - 12/2024, 
    • We are developing bio-coatings to inhibit corrosion.
  • Collaborative Research: SHF: Small: Sub-Millisecond Topological Feature Extractor for High-Rate Machine Learning, NSF, $600,000, role: PI. 08/2023 - 08/2025. 
    • We are co-designing software and hardware to enable fast topological data analysis.
  • Context-Aware Hybrid Learning for Real-Time Estimation of Uncertain High-Dimensional Systems, AFOSR, $200,000, role: PI. 01/2023 - 01/2026.
    • We are formulating algorithms to accelerate the implementation of topological data analysis. 
  • Topology-Aware Learning and Modeling of High-Rate Dynamic Systems, DEPSCOR, $540,000, role: Co-PI (Chao Hu PI, U. Conn). 09/2022 - 09/2025.
    • We are combining topological data analysis and machine learning algorithms to predict time series in real-time.  
  • Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Robotic Mapping of Underground Infrastructure, Iowa Energy Center, $300,000, role: PI. 01/2022 - 12/2024.
    • We are developing artificial intelligence to assist the mapping of underground utilities.

Completed Projects

  • Real-Time Evaluation of Electrode Stack Welds using Laser Vibrometer, General Motors, $30,000, role: PI. 01/2022 - 06/2022.
    • We studied a nondestructive approach to monitor battery welds.
  • Real-Time Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing using Laser Vibrometer, ISU-CNDE, $60,000, role: PI. 08/2021 - 08/2022.
    • We studied a nondestructive approach to monitor an additive manufacturing process in real-time. 
  • Sensing Skin for Monitoring of Welds, ASNT, $20,000, role: PI. 07/2021 - 07/2022.
    • We used a compliant and flexible sensor to monitor fatigue cracks on welds. 
  • A programming model and platform architecture for real-time machine learning for sub-second systems, NSF RTML, $500,000, role: ISU PI. 10/2019 - 09/2024. (In collaboration with Austin Downey, U. of South Carolina, share: $260,000)
    • We developed real-time machine learning capabilities for predicting high-rate systems.
  • Physics-Based Probabilistic Prognostics for Battery Health Management, NSF, $385,000, role: Co-PI. 08/2020 - 08/2024.
    • We studied physics-informed algorithm for real-time health assessment of batteries.
  • Physics-based Deep Transfer Learning for Predictive Maintenance of Industrial and Agricultural Machinery, NSF PFI, $250,000, role: Co-PI (Chao Hu PI). 08/2019 - 07/2024.
    • We studied new tools to conduct real-time machinery prognostics.
    • Press release
  • Robust Sensing Skin Sensor Networks for Long-term Fatigue Crack Monitoring of Bridges - Phase 1, USDOT (Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, and South Caolina DOTs), $540,000, role: PI. 05/2020 - 05/2023.
    • We developed an autonomous sensing system for fatigue crack detection, localization, and quantification on bridges.
  • Rotorcraft Wirestrike Phase 1, FAA, $170,000, role: Co-PI (David Eisenmann PI). 09/2019 - 09/2020.
    • We investigated non-contact technologies to prevent rotorcraft wirestikes.
  • Technical Proposal, Applied Research Associates, $10,000, role: PI. 08/2019 - 07/2020
    • We researched sensor placement optimization strategies.
  • Feasibility Study of 3D Printing of Concrete for Transportation Infrastructure, Iowa DOT, $50,000, role: Co-PI. 09/2018 - 08/2020
    • We developed capabilities for 3D printing of concrete.
  • Development of Flexible Sensor Measuring Soft Tissue Deformation, ISU-U. of Iowa, $50,000, role: PI. 08/2018 - 08/2020
    • We investigated soft sensing strategies to measure deformations in soft tissues.
    • Press release
  • SaferUp!, European Commission, $4.2M, role: international collaborator (Cesare Sangiorgi PI, U. of Bologna), 09/2017 - 09/2021
    • We investigated smart pavement technologies to monitor and characterize traffic.
    • Project website
  • SMART-BRICK: Novel strain-sensing nano-composite clay brick enabling self-monitoring masonry structures, Italian Ministry of Education, $125,000, role: international collaborator (Filippo Ubertini PI, U. of Perugia). 01/2017 - 12/2020
    • We investigated self-sensing clay bricks to monitor historic structures.
  • Multifunctional Structural Panel for Energy Efficiency and Multi-Hazard Mitigation, NSF SAEM, $465,000, role: ISU PI (in collaboration with UAH, share: $240,000). 08/2016 - 07/2020
  • Surface sensing-based technique for nondestructive evaluation and prediction in additive manufacturing, ASNT, $20,000, role: Co-PI (An Chen PI). 07/2018 - 06/2019
    • We formulated an algorithm enabling NDE using dense sensor networks.
  • Simulation, Challenge Testing & Validation of Occupancy Recognition & CO2 Technologies, ARPA-E, $735,000, role: Co-PI (Kristen Cetin PI). 07/2018 - 12/2019
    • We developed capabilities to test and validate occupancy recognition sensors.
  • Novel Variable Input Observer for High-Rate Estimation, AFOSR, $1.2M, role: PI (In collaboration with Jacob Dodson, AFRL, share: $750,000. 01/2017-12/2019.
    • We developed a novel data-based observed for high-rate state estimation.
    • Press release
  • Initiative for Big Data-­Driven Prediction of Long-­Term Bridge Performance and Management Improvement, Mid-American Transportation Center, $80,000, role: Co-PI (In-Ho Cho, PI). 09/2016 - 08/2017
    • We studied sensing technologies and algorithms to improve condition-based maintenance of bridges.
  • Strain-Based Fatigue Crack Monitoring of Steel Bridges using Wireless Elastomeric Skin Sensor, USDOT pooled fund, $465,000, role: ISU PI (Jian Li PI, U. of Kansas). 09/2016 - 12/2018
    • We investigated the use of sensing skin to detect and localize fatigue cracks on bridges.
  • Study of a Smart Concrete for Enhanced NDT of Large-Scale Structures, ASNT, $20,000, role: PI. 07/2016 - 06/2017.
    • We developed self-sensing cementitious materials.
  • Next-Generation Monitoring and Evaluation of California Bridge, CalTrans, $200,000, role: Co-PI (Sri Sritharan, PI). 09/2015-08/2017.
    • We studied integrated sensing technologies to detect and quantify damage on a bridge based on vibration data.
  • Probabilistic performance based design of high performance control systems for wind mitigation, NSF HMSE, $400,000, role: PI. 08/2015 - 08/2019
    • We studied new methodologies to design structures equipped with high-performance control systems.
    • Press release
  • Semi-Active Controlled Panel Cladding to Improve the Performance of Buildings Under Multiple Hazards, NSF HMSE, $500,000, role: PI (in collaboration with Lehigh, share: $250,000). 06/2015 - 05/2019.
    • We developed a novel semi-active connection to leverage cladding systems for multihazard mitigation.
  • High-Rate State Estimation of Nonstationary Systems for Microsecond Structural Health Monitoring, AFRL/RWMF, $40,000, role: PI. 05/2015 - 06/2018.
    • We developed theory for the new field "High-Rate Structural Health Monitoring".
  • Terrestrial Laser Scanning-Based Bridge Structural Condition Assessment, Mid-American Transportation Center, $130,000, role: Co-PI (Yelda Turkan, PI). 09/2014 - 08/2015
    • We studied machine learning algorithms for assessing damage in concrete from terrestrial laser scanner data.
  • Autonomous Sensing Skin for Detection and Localization of Fatigue Cracks, Iowa DOT, $95,000, role: PI. 01/2014 - 12/2018
    • We developed sensing skin technology for fatigue crack detection and localization in steel components.
  • Digital Documentation of Element Condition for Bridge Evaluation, Mid-American Transportation Center, $65,000, role: Co-PI (Yelda Turkan, PI). 08/2013 - 12/2014
    • We developed a methodology to leverage BIM for condition-based maintenance of bridges.
  • Smart Sensory Membrane for Wind Turbine Blades, Iowa Energy Center, $330,000, role: PI. 08/2013 - 05/2016
    • We demonstrated sensing skin-based wind turbine blade monitoring capabilities in an operational environment.
  • Study of a Bio-Inspired Membrane for NDE of Composite Structures, ASNT, $15,000, role: PI. 07/2013 - 06/2014
    • We developed a soft elastomeric capacitor for NDE of composite structures.
  • Developing the Next Generation of Cost-Effective High Performance Damping Systems for Seismic and Wind Hazards Mitigation, NSF HMSE, $220,000, role: PI. 06/2013 - 05/2016.
    • We investigated a novel rotary variable friction device for multi-hazard mitigation.
    •  
  • Automated Condition Assessment of Wind Turbine Blades, Iowa Alliance for Wind Innovation and Novel Development, $550,000, role: PI. 09/2012 - 08/2015
    • We developed electronics and soft materials empowering sensing skin-based monitoring of wind turbine blades.
    • News article