Submitted by HWCOE Faculty

Undergraduate Research Projects

Click on department name to see list of projects

note: this list does not contain ALL opportunities!

Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Project Title: Remote Sensing for Agricultural Hydrology
Department: Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jasmeet Judge , jasmeet@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 student per term
Prerequisites: Calculus, statistics, programming in Matlab or Python. Preference will be given to students from ABE and ECE departments.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912, for most students 0-1 credits per semester
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email Jasmeet Judge, jasmeet@ufl.edu, for more information.
Application Deadline: July 31 for Fall term and November 30 for Spring term
Website: N/A
Project Description: In this project, the student will conduct data analyses using remote sensing and other field and satellite data sets from Florida and Midwest. The analyses may involve computer modeling, advanced statistical and/or machine learning methods, depending upon student interest, to understand relationships among crop and field conditions and remote sensing data.

Project Title: Use of Bioreactors for the Production of Bioenergy, Bioproducts, or Wastewater Treatment
Departments: Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Pratap Pullamanappallil, pcpratap@ufl.edu ; Spyros Svoronos, svoronos@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): various TBD
Terms Available: There may be openings at the beginning of every semester. The total number of undergraduate researchers is 10-15.
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior;
Prerequisites: None, but preference is given to students from the ABE and the Chem E departments and to students who have taken or are taking courses with Prof. Pratap Pullamanappallil or Prof. Spyros Svoronos.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912, for most students 0-1 credits per semester. Chem E students can utilize up to 3 credits for technical electives
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Students with interest should contact one of the faculty mentors (pcpratap@ufl.edu and svoronos@ufl.edu). If there is an opening, they will be invited to attend one of the research group’s weekly meetings where they will find specific information about available projects.
Application Deadline: various times throughout the year
Website(s): None
Project Description: Research to establish a path for the economic production of a biofuel (methane) and a bioproduct (polysaccharide). It utilizes a remarkable cyanobacterium that eliminates the need for freshwater inputs or external addition of nitrogenous nutrients and avoids expensive purification methods for product recovery. The project is in collaboration with Professor Edward J. Phlips of the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation.

Project Title: Smart agriculture for specialty crop production
Departments: Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Daniel Lee; wslee@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Congliang Zhou; co.zhou@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 Students per term
Prerequisites: Interests in agriculture and crop production
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, statement of research interest, and faculty interview; Email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Daniel Lee, wslee@ufl.edu, to request an interview
Application Deadline: April 15 for Summer, August 15 for Fall term, and December 15 for the Spring term
Website(s): https://abe.ufl.edu/precag/ourTeam.html
Project Description: We are working on developing various sensing systems for specialty crop production in Florida by applying artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art technologies such as machine vision, image processing, GNSS, GIS, remote sensing, variable rate technology. Example projects are strawberry flower & fruit detection, mites detection using a smartphone, and plant wetness detection using artificial intelligence and machine vision.

Project Title: Building Tools to Study the Genetic X Environment of Crops
Departments: Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Melanie Correll, correllm@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Jean Pompeo, jean.pompeo@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Level: Freshman and Sophomore, Approx. 2 students each term
Prerequisites: None
Credit: None
Stipend: University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, email one pdf with application requirements to correllm@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: None
Website(s): N/A
Project Description: Use of tools and technologies to monitor, manage, and predict crop production. Here, students will collect data to build tools to predict crop growth and development under extreme environments (e.g., salt stress, low pressure, spaceflight).

Biomedical Engineering

Project Title #1: Quantitative Gait Analysis in Rodents
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Allen, kyle.allen@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD students, orthobme@gmail.com
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites: None, but preference for projects in our lab is given to students who have already been working in the lab. For instance, someone who started in our lab as a freshman/sophomore will have priority to choose a junior/senior level project.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application; apply online at http://www.orthobme.com/contact.html
Application Deadline: various times throughout the year – but beginning of semesters is typically best
Website: http://www.orthobme.com
Project Description: Our lab researches various aspects of osteoarthritis. We frequently use spatiotemporal and dynamic gait analysis to quantify changes in rodent gait as osteoarthritis progresses. Junior and senior level undergraduates will learn about gait analysis in small animals and will collect data.

Project Title #2: Design and Construction of Preclinical Behavior Assays
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Allen, kyle.allen@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD students, orthobme@gmail.com
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites: None, but preference for projects in our lab is given to students who have already been working in the lab. For instance, someone who started in our lab as a freshman/sophomore will have priority to choose a junior/senior level project.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application; apply online at http://www.orthobme.com/contact.html
Application Deadline: various times throughout the year – but beginning of semesters is typically best
Website: http://www.orthobme.com
Project Description: Our lab researches behavioral changes in preclinical models of osteoarthritis and TMJ disorders. We also have several collaborations in which we look at behavioral changes in spinal cord injuries, nerve grafts, genetic disorders, etc. Undergraduates will learn about preclinical behavior studies, design a new behavioral test, and build their design.

Project Title #3: Magnetic Capture of Osteoarthritis Biomarkers
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Allen, kyle.allen@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Yash Shah, yyshah102@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2-3 students a term
Prerequisites: Completion of Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, and wet lab experience is preferred, but not necessary.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, faculty interview; apply online at http://www.orthobme.com/contact.html
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://www.orthobme.com
Project Description: Our laboratory recently developed a new technology to collect OA biomarkers directly from an OA-affected joint using magnetic nanoparticles and a magnetic microneedle. Using this technology, we strive to understand how molecular changes in the joint drive disease progression.

Project Title #4: Histological Analysis of Rodent Knees
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Allen, kyle.allen@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD students, orthobme@gmail.com
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2 students per term
Prerequisites: None. Preference for higher level projects is given to students who have worked with our lab in their Freshman and Sophomore years. Some preference is given pre-BME Freshmen and Sophomores and BME Juniors.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Please apply through orthobme.com. Do NOT email Dr. Allen with applications. Applications will only be considered if they are received through the orthobme website; Apply through orthobme.com on the opportunities page. Graduate student mentors will contact students for interviews if there are available positions in the lab.
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://www.orthobme.com
Project Description: Our laboratory recently developed a new technology to collect OA biomarkers directly from an OA-affected joint using magnetic nanoparticles and a magnetic microneedle. Using this technology, we strive to understand how molecular changes in the joint drive disease progression.

Project Title: Neuromechanical Control of Walking
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: David Clark, davidclark@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students a term
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Statement of Research Interest and Faculty Interview; please email Dr. Clark at davidclark@ufl.edu with your statement of interest to schedule an interview.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: https://aging.ufl.edu/profile/clark-david-2/
Project Description: Three-dimensional motion analysis data are acquired from young adults, older adults, and people post-stroke in various studies conducted at the Brain Rehabilitation Research Center. Students can be involved with collecting and analyzing these data. A minimum commitment of two semesters is requested due the training required for this position. Ambitious students may have the opportunity to collaborate on research posters and/or publications.

Project Title: Dosimetry, Computational Medical Physics, and Dose Assessment
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Wesley Bolch, wbolch@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Colin Paulbeck, cpaulbeck@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 1 student a term
Prerequisites: Completion of calculus III, some C++ or MATLAB programming
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, letter of recommendation, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Wesley Bolch, wbolch@ufl.edu, to request an interview.
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/people/bolch_wesley
Project Description: This research project seeks to develop rapid and clinically accessible computational tools for use by radiologists and radiation oncologists to assess radiation organ dose and associated secondary cancer risks to patients following diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy. The Bolch laboratory has used computer animation software and real patient imaging data to create a 350-member library of pediatric and adult males and females that covers a broad range of subject heights, weights and body shapes. These anatomic models are now being used in all three areas of medical imaging: interventional fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine and computed tomography. Therapy applications of the UF patient phantom series include assessment of secondary cancer risks in proton versus photon cancer radiotherapy, and the use of kilovoltage stereotactic radiotherapy for halting the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Project Title: Artificial Intelligence for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Early Diagnosis and Intervention
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Ruogu Fang, ruogu.fang@bme.ufl.edu Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-3 students per term
Prerequisites: Calculus, Linear Algebra, MATLAB/Python programming, basic probability & statistics. Machine learning background is a plus.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: NSF REU, University Scholar Program, or voluntary Application Requirements: Email your resume, UF unofficial transcripts, and a statement of why you want to join our lab and work on this project to ruogu.fang@bme.ufl.edu. Interview will follow if passed initial screening. Go to https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flab-smile.github.io%2Findex.html&data=05%7C01%7CAshley.Wilson%40eng.ufl.edu%7C62daf9b19d9b4dc213fa08da9aa8b7da%7C0d4da0f84a314d76ace60a62331e1b84%7C0%7C0%7C637992346672431187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LBj28Duqr6zQOU71%2FokTtYhOKom8ftnrskfNbGe%2BLpE%3D&reserved=0 and click JOIN page.
Application Deadline: Students are considered on a rolling basis.
Website: https://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/fang/ruogu/index.html
Project Description: The goal of our lab is to create artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered systems to early diagnose and precisely intervene neurological and neurodegenerative diseases through multimodal medical images and multiplex healthcare data. We have multiple projects on focused on Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and stroke. Studies in our lab involve one or more of the following areas: machine learning, deep learning, big data, medical image analysis, neuroimaging (MRI, CT), retinal imaging (fundus, OCT), neuroscience. Specific projects include predicting the risk factors of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases from retinal and neuroimaging, personalized intervention through non-invasive brain stimulation, and neuroscience-inspired AI. Develop multimodal artificial intelligence frameworks for early diagnosis and personalized intervention for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. The goal of our lab is to create predictive, biomechanical simulations that can improve the functional ability and quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. We have multiple projects focused on the wrist/hand and foot/ankle. Studies in our lab involve one or more of the following: computer simulations, human subjects research, skin-marker motion capture, ultrasound, electromyography (EMG), torque-testing, and machine learning. Specific projects include quantifying kinematics and kinetics of the hand during functional tasks, creating accurate models of the ankle joint complex, and using machine learning to guide biomechanical analyses of human movement.

Project Title: Predictive Simulations of Human Movement
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Nichols, jnichols@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-3 students per term
Prerequisites: None. All students with an interest in studying human movement are encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None, unless selected for University Scholars or Emerging Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, Statement of Research Interest; See directions of undergraduate students at https://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/nichols/get-involved/
Application Deadline: Students are considered on a rolling basis.
Website: https://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/nichols/
Project Description: The goal of our lab is to create predictive, biomechanical simulations that can improve the functional ability and quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. We have multiple projects focused on the wrist/hand and foot/ankle. Studies in our lab involve one or more of the following: computer simulations, human subjects research, skin-marker motion capture, ultrasound, electromyography (EMG), torque-testing, and machine learning. Specific projects include quantifying kinematics and kinetics of the hand during functional tasks, creating accurate models of the ankle joint complex, and using machine learning to guide biomechanical analyses of human movement.

Project Title: Endocrine Pancreas Cellular and Biomaterials Engineering
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Edward Phelps, ephelps@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: All positions have been filled until further notice
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Declared engineering or biomedical sciences major, at least sophomore level, passion and enthusiasm for research
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Statement of research interest, Faculty interview, and technical writing sample, email Dr. Phelps all materials in one PDF, ephelps@bme.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/phelps/
Project Description: The islets of Langerhans are highly complex endocrine mini-organs within the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon to control glucose homeostasis and are the target of multiple metabolic diseases including type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In T1D, the insulin-producing beta cells of the islet are destroyed by an auto-immune attack. Our research interests lie at the interface of biomaterials engineering and the biology and treatment of diseases of the pancreatic islets such as T1D. For more detail see our laboratory website. We have various research opportunities for undergraduates to participate in this exciting science. Please contact Dr. Phelps for more information.

Project Title: Delirium Detection in ICU using Intelligent Systems
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Parisa Rashidi, parisa.rashidi@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: -Programming Skills, Math & Statistics, Good Communication Skills
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Parisa Rashidi, parisa.rashidi@ufl.edu, to request an interview.
Application Deadline: Spring
Website: n/a
Project Description: The expected outcome of this project is a new methodological approach to identify delirium using integration of existing clinical data with sensor data measured from accelerometers and cameras.

Project Title: Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Department: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites: Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume and statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/rinaldi/
Project Description: The Rinaldi lab is interested in biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine particle synthesis, modification, and characterization and fundamental understanding of response to magnetic actuation to advance applications in biomedical imaging, therapeutic delivery, and nanoscale thermal therapy. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering. Current efforts focus on developing tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI), an exciting new biomedical imaging modality that allows for non-invasive, unambiguous, and quantitative imaging of the in vivo distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle tracers. This research involves nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, cell culture, animal studies, image analysis, 3D printing, and computer programming. Students interested in any of these aspects are encouraged to apply.

Project Title: Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Christine Schmidt, schmidt@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD students
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Chemistry lab and cell culture/wet lab experience preferred but not required.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest, faculty interview; please email application documents to Stacy Porvasnik, sporvasnik@bme.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/schmidt/
Project Description: Our lab has multiple projects on the development of biomaterials for various tissue engineering applications including peripheral nerve, spinal cord, heart, and lung. We are also developing biomaterials for in vitro test beds as model systems for normal and diseased tissues to aid in fundamental understanding and testing of potential therapeutics. We are currently focused on both the development of hydrogel biomaterials using extracellular matrix components and biomaterials derived from decellularized animal tissue. Specific projects include incorporating 3D porous architecture into naturally based hydrogels for guided cell growth/regeneration and developing novel, thermally-gelling, injectable hydrogels for drug-delivery and enhanced tissue regeneration. Studies in our lab broadly involve one or more of the following areas: biomaterials synthesis and characterization (e.g., chemical, mechanical), in vitro 2D and/or 3D cell culture analysis, bioactivity assays, microscopy and image analysis, and in vivo testing (e.g., surgery, histology, functional assessments).

Project Title: Engineering Biomaterials for Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Cherie Stabler, cstabler@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): as assigned
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 for Fall/Spring; 2-4 for summer, per availability
Prerequisites: Declared engineering or biomedical sciences major. Sophomore level. Passion and enthusiasm for research
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email resume and statement of research interests to cstabler@bme.ufl.edu ; state desired semester (Fall/Spring/Summer) and availability (hrs per week). Students will then be interviewed.
Application Deadline: March 15th for Summer opportunities; rolling for Fall/Spring
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/stabler/
Project Description: Undergraduate students in my laboratory have the opportunity to work on projects across a spectrum of research, from multiphysics modeling, to biomaterial development and characterization, to cell culture and biomaterial integration, to preclinical model work. Students are always assigned a mentor and transition from observation to support team to independent researcher, per student motivation and productivity. Student volunteers are primarily targeted for summer research, in order to maximize research productivity. Time commitment for summer should be at least 6 weeks full-time. Volunteering during the Fall and Spring semester is typically relegated to shadowing and minor work and a 6 hr per week commitment is expected.

Project Title: Designing Electrodes for Neural Stimulation
Departments: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Adam Khalifa,a.khalifa@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A.
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Faculty interview, a.khalifa@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website(s): https://khalifa.ece.ufl.edu/projects/wireless-microdevices/electrode/
Project Description: The project involves the deposition of PEDOT on gold electrodes, a method that significantly reduces impedance and increases the charge injection capacity. This advanced technique not only enhances the efficiency of electrical stimulation but also minimizes energy consumption, making it ideal for more precise and safer neural interfaces. By joining our team, you’ll contribute to developing neuromodulation devices that promise more effective treatments for neurological disorders with fewer side effects.

Project Title: Implantable Connector for High-Performance Bioelectronic Systems
Departments: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Jack Judy,jack.judy@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Ladan Jiracek
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior: 4 students per term
Prerequisites: Willingness to get engaged in hands-on laboratory work. There are also opportunities for design and modeling, so solidworks and FEM experience can be valuable.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, UF unofficial transcripts ,Statement of research interest, Faculty interview. Email all application materials to Jack Judy (jack.judy@ufl.ed) and request an interview. Please follow-up if you do not get a prompt reply.
Application Deadline: None
Website(s): N/A
Project Description: Bioelectronic medicines and neurotechnologies are emerging fields that have the promise to provide effective therapies for debilitating diseases and restoring lost function after serious injuries. Although existing implantable connectors allow batteries to be changed and electronics to be upgraded without removing the implanted electrodes, today’s connector technology does not allow scaling to high channel counts. This research is focused on developing a scalable high-channel-density implant-connector technology that could be used for high-channel-count bioelectronic implants.

Project Title: Integrated D Wave Monitoring and CSF Diversion System for Spinal Cord Injury Management
Departments: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Adam Khalifa ,a.khalifa@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore ,Junior, Senior: 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $15 per hour
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Faculty interview, email a.khalifa@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website(s): N/A
Project Description: This project aims to design a device for simultaneous D wave monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in spinal cord injury, similar to intracranial pressure monitoring in brain injury. The D wave, which reflects descending action potentials in corticospinal tracts after cortical stimulation, is a key marker for predicting neurological outcomes. Since D wave monitoring requires accessing the subdural space, this project explores the potential of combining it with CSF diversion, an intervention increasingly used in managing ischemic and traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Chemical Engineering

Project Title: New Shape Memory Polymers for Vapor Sensing
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, 2 students each term
Prerequisites: Basic chemistry and physics
Credit: 1-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms and November 1 for the Spring term
Website: http://www.che.ufl.edu/jiang
Project Description: We are developing a new series of shape memory polymers for chromogenic vapor sensors. These sensors change colors when exposed to different chemical vapors. They are useful for a large variety of applications ranging from homeland security to diabetes screening. The undergraduate student working on the project will collaborate with a small group of graduate students to develop basic understanding of the unusual shape memory mechanisms and explore the detection limits of the final devices.

Project Title: Novel Chromogentic Sensors
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, 2 students each term
Prerequisites: Basic chemistry and physics background
Credit: 1-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: http://www.che.ufl.edu/jiang
Project Description: We are developing new chromogenic chemical and biological sensors for various applications ranging from detecting the content of ethanol in gasoline to monitoring benzene/toluene/xylene in contaminated water. The undergraduate students will work with their graduate mentors to develop new shape memory polymers that can specifically and sensitively detect analytes in different solution/vapor mixtures.

Project Title #1: Liquid Bridge Instability
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Ranga Narayanan, ranga@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Must have completed with good grades the following courses: Mass and Energy balances, Transport phenomena (this can be concurrent with the application).
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912, or Tech Electives are possible
Stipend: University Scholars or $650 for three semesters
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email required documents to ranga@ufl.edu, USRP Scholars must apply through regular channels
Application Deadline: February 17 for Summer and Fall and October 1 for Spring
Website: n/a
Project Description: Liquid bridges are configurations that occur in the growth of compound semi-conductors. We are interested in determining the ways in which a liquid bridge can become unstable to odd and then even rupture. This project is essentially experimental. The student must be capable of writing well and have excellent communication skills.

Project Title #2: Flow Instability in Rotating Systems – Applications to Bioreactors
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Ranga Narayanan, ranga@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Good grades in Mass and Energy Balances and Transport Phenomena.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912, or Tech Electives are possible
Stipend: University Scholars or $650 for three semesters
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email required documents to ranga@ufl.edu, USRP Scholars must apply through regular channels
Application Deadline: February 15
Website: None
Project Description: Rotating Annular Flows can conceivably be used in Bioreactors. An experimental system is being set up to study when the flow can become unstable leading to secondary vortices. The project is experimental and the student will learn about data acquisition and considerable fluid mechanics. The student will compare the results with a model.

Project Title #3: Faraday Instability at Interfaces
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Ranga Narayanan, ranga@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Undergraduate Mass and Energy Balances, Transport Phenomena
Credit: 2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email resume and unofficial transcripts by PDF with a cover letter to ranga@ufl.edu,
Application Deadline: Beginning of the terms
Website: None
Project Description: Mixing in microsystems is of importance in Lab-on -a chip devices, in microgravity processing, and in micro-heat pipes. This mixing can be caused by flow instabilities. Flow instabilities due to resonant interaction between parametric forcing and the natural frequency leads to interfacial patterns. This project is about prediction and experimental validation of the onset of interfacial patterns between fluid layers. Students will work with 3D printing of experiments, imaging, and data analysis.

Project Title: Electrochemical Engineering
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Mark Orazem, meo@che.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Too Be Assigned
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; Number of openings depends on availability and interest of graduate student mentors.
Prerequisites: Material and Energy Balances, Transport Phenomena
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; please discuss your interest with Cynthia Sain, csain@ufl.edu, and then send me an email with CV to Mark Orazem, meo@che.ufl.edu, to request a time to meet.
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.che.ufl.edu/orazem/
Project Description: The Orazem Electrochemical Engineering research group offers the opportunity for undergraduate research under the mentorship of graduate students directed by Prof. Orazem. Students are preferred who would like to have a long-term relationship with the group, culminating in an individual research project. The specific topics offered will support on-going research projects involving applications of electrochemical engineering fundamentals. The number of undergraduate positions available depends on availability and interest of graduate student mentors.

Project Title #1: Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Department: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites: Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume and statement of research interest. See https://www.che.ufl.edu/rinaldi/positions/
Application Deadline: See https://www.che.ufl.edu/rinaldi/positions/
Website: https://www.che.ufl.edu/rinaldi/
Project Description: The Rinaldi lab is interested in biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine particle synthesis, modification, and characterization and fundamental understanding of response to magnetic actuation to advance applications in biomedical imaging, therapeutic delivery, and nanoscale thermal therapy. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering. Current efforts focus on developing tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI), an exciting new biomedical imaging modality that allows for non-invasive, unambiguous, and quantitative imaging of the in vivo distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle tracers. This research involves nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, cell culture, animal studies, image analysis, 3D printing, and computer programming. Students interested in any of these aspects are encouraged to apply.

Project Title: Natural Biomaterials for Muscle Regeneration
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Whitney Stoppel, whitney.stoppel@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Spring, Summer, Fall
Student Level: Sophomore or Junior for UF students, ideally looking for students willing to commit 3+ semesters to the lab; summer REU students can be at any stage
Prerequisites: Motivated, self-driven student with an interest in experimental research, chemical engineering, application of engineering to medicine, and scientific writing. Some biology preferred; general knowledge of mass transport (registration in or completion of ECH 3264 recommended). Students interested in completing an honors thesis in chemical engineering are encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-1 credits/semester via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars/Emerging Scholars or are part of the summer SURF program or UF ChE REU
Application Requirements: Academic year students are encouraged to fill out an online application: https://www.stoppellab.org/labmembers.html; summer students should apply to the SURF program or UF ChE REU program.
Application Deadline: rolling and dependent on current space
Website: www.stoppellab.org
Project Description:The Stoppel Lab is interested in the development and optimization of natural biomaterials for applications in skeletal muscle regeneration and wound healing. We utilize natural materials such as silk from silk worms or alginate from sea kelp/brown algae to develop materials with controllable and predictable in vivo responses. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from chemical and biomedical engineering and materials science. Through this research experience, students are expected to gain skills in experimental design, execution, and analysis while honing their scientific communication skills through lab, department, college, and university level opportunities to present the results of their work. Initially, Stoppel lab students work in pairs and independent projects are provided over time. We are a diverse group of engineers and scientists and welcome students from all backgrounds and will not discriminate based on gender identity, race, religion, cultural background, financial background, etc… We aim to build an inclusive environment that supports the success of all dedicated and hardworking students.

Project Title #1: Transport Properties of Mesoporous Metal-Organic Frameworks by NMR
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): none
Terms Available: Spring
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: ECH 3264 Elementary Transport Phenomena
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars for Fall/Spring
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume; email one pdf file with all requirements to Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: None
Project Description: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent an emerging class of nanoporous materials that exhibit organic/inorganic hybrid crystalline lattices with well-defined nanopores having sizes comparable with sizes of small gas molecules. MOFs with added mesoporosity, viz. mesoporous MOFs, are of great interest for potential applications in catalysis due to the possibility of reducing mass transport limitations caused by the presence of smaller nanopores. This project focuses on generating preliminary data on diffusion of small gas molecules including CO, CO2 and CH4 in mesoporous MOFs on micrometer length scales by advanced NMR techniques.

Project Title #2: Elucidating Mechanisms of Gas Transport in Porous Hybrid Membranes by Advanced NMR
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: Declared engineering major
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars for Fall/Spring
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume; email one pdf file with all requirements to Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: None
Project Description: Porous membranes fabricated for separations of gas mixtures such as CO2, CH4, and N2 are usually structurally heterogeneous. In particular, mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are novel membranes that are formed by dispersing particles of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) in polymeric matrices. The main goal of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of microscopic transport of gas molecules on different (micrometer and submicrometer) length scales of displacements in MMMs using advanced NMR techniques.

Project Title #3: Using Single-File Diffusion for Gas Separations
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: ECH 3264 Elementary Transport Phenomena
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars for Fall/Spring
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume; email one pdf file with all requirements to Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: None
Project Description: Single-file diffusion, i.e. diffusion in one-dimensional narrow channels where the molecules cannot pass one another, is of great potential interest for applications in gas separations. Until now, separations under conditions of single-file diffusion were not demonstrated experimentally and direct experimental observations of such diffusion were limited to systems of channels with only one-component sorbates. This deficiency in the current knowledge will be addressed in the proposed project. The main goal of the project is to investigate different types of gas transport, including single-file transport, on small (i.e. micrometer and submicrometer) length scales in nanoporous materials using advanced NMR techniques.

Project Title: Patterned Structures via Electrodeposition
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kirk Ziegler, kziegler@che.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Good performance in Mass and Energy Balances, Transport Phenomena
Credit: 2-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars Plus Travel to a Conference
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume; UF unofficial transcripts, Letter(s) of recommendation, email University Scholars Application to Administration and submit Resume, Unofficial transcript and One letter of recommendation from a professor
Application Deadline: February 15 for Summer and Fall
Website: ziegler.che.ufl.edu
Project Description: Our research will involve ground experiments on electro-deposition in preparation for an experiment on the International Space Station. The student will use chemical engineering principles of transport phenomena to design and run experiments on creating patterned substrates. The applications are in enhanced mixing for sensors, in enhanced heat transfer, etc. Access to the Nano Research Facility will be made available.

Project Title: Patterns with Resonant Forcing
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kirk Ziegler, kziegler@che.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Mass and Energy Balances
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: email one PDF to the professor with a copy to Ranga Narayanan, ranga@ufl.edu who will co-supervise
Application Deadline: February 4
Project Description: This experimental project involves resonant forcing of liquids with free surfaces in contact with compliant media. The free surface develops patterns that are controllable. The patterns are affected by gravity level. It is our interest to examine the patterns using external forces that counter gravity such as electrostatic forces. The application of this work is in materials science.

Project Title: Development and Implementation of Engineering Design K-14 Outreach Activities
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sindia Rivera-Jiménez, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2-4 students per term
Prerequisites: You should have (or want to improve with this experience) the following characteristics of a successful engineer: Natural Curiosity, Logical Thinking and Reasoning, Communication Skills, Attention to Detail, Creativity and Innovation, Team Player, Problem Solving Skills, Technical Knowledge, Constant Learner, and a desire to help others.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: resume, statement of research interest, and faculty interview; Email pdf with application requirements to Dr. Rivera, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu.
Application Deadline: Fall – September 1; Spring – February 1
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/sindia-rivera-jimenez/
Project Description: (Engineering Education Project) Chemical Engineering faculty, staff, and students are involved in several annual programs that reach out to K-14 students and the public to promote awareness about engineering and science as well as to encourage talented young people to consider these fields for their future careers. Participating students will have the opportunity to apply their engineering skills by creating engineering design activities that will be implemented at local schools and museums. Also, participants will learn how to assess the event with the potential of presenting quantitative and qualitative results at a national conference (ASEE and AIChE).

Project Title: Chemical Engineering Design Workshops for Early Undergraduate Students
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sindia Rivera-Jiménez, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 5-6 students per term
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Level
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: resume, statement of research interest, and faculty interview; Email pdf with application requirements to Dr. Rivera, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu.
Application Deadline: Fall – September 1; Spring – February 1
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/sindia-rivera-jimenez/
Project Description: This work explores to what extent student attitudes towards chemical engineering changes if problem-solving and design skills are practiced earlier in the curriculum. The workshops invite students to engage voluntarily in online instructional videos independently and then partake in design tutorials in a collaborative setting. Each face-to-face session will require students to work on team projects using their applied knowledge to solve simulation exercises at a higher level using introductory concepts of process economics and optimization techniques to make recommendations about their work. This project requires students mentors that want to learn simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, and UNiSim). Also, to assess the overall workshop performance with the potential of presenting quantitative and qualitative results at a national conference (ASEE and AIChE).

Project Title: Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers with Recombinant Proteins
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Yeongseon Jang, y.jang@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites: Basic chemistry and physics, Strong research interests in polymer and biomaterials. Highly motivated students from Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering are encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, and 1-page statement of research interest; email one PDF file with all application requirements to Yeongseon Jang, y.jang@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Varies throughout the year
Website: www.jangsmartlab.com
Project Description: We investigate the self-assembly of recombinantly engineered fusion proteins with amphiphilic block copolymers in solution and at the interface. Understanding the inter/intramolecular interactions between the building molecules is the key for designing of self-assembled materials with target structural, mechanical, and functional properties. Current efforts focus on tuning structural and mechanical properties of self-assembled protein vesicles. This research involves materials preparation and characterization including fluorescent microscopy, light scattering, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation energy monitoring.

Project Title: Heterogeneous Catalysis for Chemical Upgrading
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: David Hibbitts, hibbitts@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Email interest to hibbitts@ufl.edu to setup a meeting time
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website:hibbitts.rc.ufl.edu
Project Description: Our group uses a combination of experimental and computational methods to study different types of solid catalysts to enable and improve large-scale chemical reactions, such as plastics recycling, biomass conversion, and the upgrading of light molecules such as methane or methanol. Our goal is to fundamentally understand how a catalyst’s structure influences its behavior and preference for forming specific products. Undergraduate students can synthesize and test catalysts in our lab or use density functional theory (DFT) calculations to predict the structures of these catalysts and reaction energies to predict reaction mechanisms. Undergraduates can collaborate with groups at UF and other schools such as UC Santa Barbara, Purdue, Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Princeton, Houston, and Ohio State and work with industry partners from Ford Motor Co. and ExxonMobil. Our prior undergraduate students have a strong track record of publishing their results in peer-reviewed journals (3 undergraduate authors in the last 5 years, with one undergraduate as the lead author) and acceptance to top-tier PhD programs. Read more about our ongoing projects and prior work at hibbitts.rc.ufl.edu. No prior experience is required. Our group welcomes students of all races, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations.

Project Title: Engineering next-generation neurosin variants to digest disease-associated alpha-synuclein proteoforms
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carl Denard, cdenard@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior; 1 Student per Semester
Prerequisites: Biology for Engineers, Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial Transcripts, Letter(s) of recommendation, Statement of Research Interest; one PDF to cdenard@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website:www.thedenardlab.com
Project Description: Alpha-synuclein plays a major role in the pathology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson’s Disease. Therapeutic approaches to degrade proteoforms of alpha-synuclein that cause and exacerbate disease are sorely needed, as antibody-mediated and small molecule-based strategies lack efficacy. The Denard lab is investigating the proteolytic degradation of alpha-synuclein with an engineered human protease. We use protein engineering and directed evolution to refine and redefine the substrate specificity of proteases, and aim to engineer the next-generation of proteome editors, capable of degrading disease-associated proteins.

Project Title #2: Investigating the substrate specificity of sortases
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carl Denard, cdenard@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1 Student per Semester
Prerequisites: Biology, Biochemistry, Biology for Engineers
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial Transcripts, Statement of Research Interest, and Faculty Interview; one PDF to cdenard@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website:www.thedenardlab.com
Project Description: Site-specific modifications catalyzed by protein-modifying enzymes are at the heart of most chemical biology advances of the past 30 years. Sortases catalyze a site-specific transpeptidation that allows precise conjugations of small molecules drugs, imaging probes, proteins, polymers, to target proteins and enzymes. In this project, we aim to explore and evolve the substrate-specificity of sortases. These discoveries will lead to an expansion of the substrate scope of sortases, delivering a new set of tools and approaches to target intracellular proteins, antibody therapeutics, and to form protein nanocomplexes.

Project Title: Developing antibacterial surfaces on polymeric biomedical implants
Department: Chemical Engineering

Faculty Mentor (email): y.jang@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior
Prerequisites: Basic chemistry and physics, Strong research interests in polymer and biomaterials. Highly motivated students from Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering are encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for university scholars
Application Requirements: Email resume, UF unofficial transcript, and 1-page personal statement including research interests and aims (all in one PDF file) to Prof. Jang.
Application Deadline: June 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer (2 months prior to the semester begins)
Website: faculty.eng.ufl.edu/yeongseon-jang
Project Description: The fast evolution of pathogenic bacteria with increasing drug resistance is a growing problem, affecting 2 million people in the U.S. each year. Bacterial adhesion on medical implants and devices leads to serious infectious diseases. To address the human health issues from the growing number of drug-resistant bacteria, we develop a new approach to create bactericidal surfaces that combat initial adhesion of bacteria. Current focuses lie in understanding how stiff nano-protrusive pillars can kill bacteria by membrane rupture and providing a guideline to design diverse implantable surfaces. This study encompasses nanofabrication and characterization methods of polymer surfaces and assessment of antibacterial performance, which is applicable to different polymeric materials used in a wide range of medical implants and devices.

Project Title: Experimental design of polymer membranes for gas separation and water treatment
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor (email): Joshua Moon, joshua.moon@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior (multiple positions available until filled)
Prerequisites: Basic Chemistry and/or Transport Phenomena coursework. Preference given to students from Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemistry. Students should be self-motivated and show enthusiasm for actively participating in collaborative engineering research in polymer materials.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: One page statement of interest, resume, and UF unofficial transcript, followed by a faculty interview. Email one PDF with application materials to Joshua Moon at joshua.moon@ufl.edu. Summer students are encouraged to apply to the SURF program or UF ChE REU program.
Application Deadline: November 1 for Spring term, March 1 for Summer or Fall terms
Website: moonresearchlab.com
Project Description: Our group is developing polymer membranes for energy-efficient gas separations with particular interests in carbon capture and clean hydrogen production, as well as novel materials for water purification membranes and absorbents. This experimental project area is interdisciplinary and will involve preparing and characterizing membrane materials to understand how polymer structure and functionality can be controlled to optimize separation efficiency. Students should expect to work in teams led by senior members in the lab, with independent projects potentially made available to students who demonstrate commitment to working in our group for multiple semesters.

Project Title: Understanding microscopic transport in novel separation membranes using advanced nuclear magnetic resonance
Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor (email): Dr. Sergey Vasenkov (svasenkov@che.ufl.edu)
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Students who have basic knowledge of mass transport
Prerequisites:
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:
Application Requirements: send an email with CV
Application Deadline: None
Website: https://www.che.ufl.edu/people/faculty/name/sergey-vasenkov/
Project Description: Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) and carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes are among the most promising microporous membranes for highly efficient separations needed in industry. In particular, separations involving organic-loaded wastewaters and biofuels/chemicals are of great interest, as they represent processing quantities of at least 1 trillion gal/year. MMMs are hybrid membranes formed by dispersing molecular sieve particles, such as metal–organic framework (MOF) particles in polymers. CMS membranes are fabricated from pyrolysis of polymeric precursors. While significant progress was recently made towards understanding structural properties of these membranes on microscopic length scales, fundamental understanding of molecular transport on micrometer and sub-micrometer length scales in these membranes is still mostly missing. The main goal of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of such microscopic transport properties and the relationship between these properties and structural properties of MMMs and CMS membranes using advanced or even unique nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques available in our group. Such understanding will allow optimizing membrane transport properties for any specific separation used in industry.

Project Title: Design of sustainable processes
Departments: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Juan Manuel Restrepo-Florez, restrepoflorezj@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior: 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: Calculus, MEB
Credit: N/A
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, Faculty interview. Email all application materials to Prof. Restrepo-Florez at restrepoflorezj@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website(s): https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/restrepo-pse-lab/
Project Description: The students working on this project will be developing optimization based frameworks to evaluate the sustainability of chemical processes. Specifically, the students will work to evaluate the sustainability of a process based on the econosystem services logic and the planetary boundaries framework.

Project Title: Modeling and simulation of biomass upgrading processes
Departments: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Juan Manuel Restrepo-Florez,restrepoflorezj@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Iboh Shalom
Terms Available: Fall, Spring , Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 3-Feb
Prerequisites: MEB
Credit: N/A
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, Faculty interview, send an e-mail to Prof. Restrepo-Florez with all application materials to restrepoflorezj@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website(s): https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/restrepo-pse-lab/
Project Description: The students involved in this project will develop models and simulations for biomass upgrading processes using state-of-the art software.

Civil and Coastal Engineering

Project Title: New Sustainable Cementitious Material for Infrastructure
Department: Civil and Coastal Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Riding, kyle.riding@essie.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Hossein Mosavi, smosavi@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Civil and Coastal Engineering Student
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $15 per hour up to 20 hours a week
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, faculty interview; email Kyle Riding, kyle.riding@essie.ufl.edu for interview request
Application Deadline: October 1 for Fall term and November 1 for Spring term
Website: n/a
Project Description: Portland cement manufacturing is responsible for around 5% of global CO2 emissions. Calcined clay offers the potential to replace part of portland cement, making concrete more durable and environmentally friendly. This project will be a pilot study into the potential for a local source of calcined clay to be used in infrastructure.

Project Title: Natural Hazard Wind Engineering Research for Undergraduates
Department: Civil and Coastal Engineering
Faculty Mentor: David Prevatt, dprev@ce.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): David Roueche, david.roueche@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 3-5 students per term
Prerequisites: CES3102, Common Sense, Architecture and building construction interests
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912, for most students 0-1 credits per semester
Stipend: Volunteer with no stipend first term, potential OPS later, potential University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to David Prevatt, dprev@ce.ufl.edu, to set up an interview
Application Deadline: As projects are available to match skills of applicants
Website: n/a
Project Description: Conduct experimental and analytical research to understand how tornado forces create structural damage in low-rise buildings, particularly houses that annually suffer over $2 billion in economic loss. The research involves field deployments following tornadoes to document and analyze the damage, publication of summary reports on the web, as well as modeling of the probabilistic losses using Matlab and other software to develop Monte Carlo simulations of extreme-wind structural system interactions.

Department: Civil and Coastal Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Eric Du, eric.du@essie.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Qi Zhu, qizhu@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Unity game engine development (basic); C# (intermediate level); Robotics knowledge (basic)
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email statement of interest, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Eric Du, eric.du@essie.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Open
Website: faculty.eng.ufl.edu/ericdu/
Project Description: This research aims to understand the use of Virtual Reality as an intuitive user interface to enable a more natural collaboration between human workers and collaborative robots in complex construction tasks, such as pipe works.

Project Title: Performance-Based Design and Optimization of Building Systems
Department: Civil and Coastal Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Arthriya Subgranon, arthriya@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior or Senior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: CES3102 and interests in building design. Knowledge of programming (Matlab) and statistics is a plus. Students considering graduate school are strongly encouraged to apply!
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912, for most students 0-1 credits per semester
Stipend: Volunteer with no stipend first term, potential OPS later, potential University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email statement of interest, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Arthriya Subgranon, arthriya@ufl.edu, to set up an interview
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Website: N/A
Project Description: The substantial economic losses and social impacts seen in the aftermath of hurricanes have triggered interest in enhancing building design for mitigating wind-induced risk. In this project, student(s) will use computational models to assess the building performance through performance-based wind engineering frameworks. To achieve the high-performance goals at affordable costs, the student(s) will explore ways to integrate optimization methods with the performance-based design concept to identify optimal design solutions for wind-excited systems.

Project Title: AI, data science, and sustainable transportation systems
Departments: Civil and Coastal Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Xiang Yan,  xiangyan@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites:  Only students who have finished their Sophomore year will be considered.
Credit: N/A
Stipend: $15-$18 per hour
Application Requirements: Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty interview. To express your interest, please email your CV and a short writing sample to Dr. Xiang ‘Jacob’ Yan (xiangyan@ufl.edu).
Application Deadline: N/A
Website(s): https://jacobyan0.github.io/openpositions/
Project Description:  The Just&Green Transportation Lab, led by Jacob Yan, focuses on using data science and artificial intelligence (machine learning) to make transportation more equitable and sustainable. The Just&Green Transportation Lab is looking for enthusiastic undergraduate and master’s students who are interested in AI, data science, public transportation, emerging transportation technologies (e.g., electric vehicles), and transport equity into the group.

Computer and Information Science and Engineering

Project Title:Intelligent Natural Interaction Technology (INIT) Lab
Department: Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Lisa Anthony, lanthony@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD based on project and availability
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2-3 students per semester
Prerequisites: Projects can be customized for background and interest of the student, pending lab needs at the time. Helpful skills (encouraged but not required) include: programming fundamentals, experimental design, data analysis, experience working with children, good people skills, attention to detail, organization, time management. High-achieving freshman encouraged to apply! Students considering graduate school strongly encouraged to apply!
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: 1st semester, none unless selected for University Scholars; after trial period, $15/hour up to 10 hours per week
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email all application requirements to Lisa Anthony, lanthony@cise.ufl.edu, to request an interview
Application Deadline: applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but first come first served (recommend: Mar 15 or July 1 for Fall, Nov 15 for Spring, Mar 15 for Summer)
Website: http://init.cise.ufl.edu
Project Description: Our lab focuses on advanced interaction technologies such as touch, gesture, voice, and mixed reality, in the context of human-AI interaction, education, healthcare, and serious games. Many of our projects emphasize children and/or families as a unique user group. Our projects advance human-computer interaction (HCI) research questions of how users want to interact with these natural modalities, and computer science research questions of how to build recognition algorithms that can understand user input in these ambiguous modalities. Top priorities currently: (a) designing intelligent chatbots for mobile health monitoring apps; (b) designing digital AI assistants to help novice users complete more expert tasks; and (c) designing human-centered interactive machine learning interfaces.

Project Title: Modeling Dialogue for Supporting Learning
Department: Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kristy Boyer, keboyer@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Mentor will be selected to best fit the undergraduate applicant.
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Projects can be customized according to background of student. Java I and Java II already completed is strongly preferred, and completion of Data Structures will open the most possibilities for a student in our lab. Nonetheless, high-achieving freshmen should not hesitate to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $10 per hour. Hours per week flexible.
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email resume, transcript, and cover letter to Timothy Brown, timothy.brown@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: We conduct interviews on a rolling basis. Interested applicants may apply anytime.
Website: https://www.cise.ufl.edu/research/learndialogue/
Project Description: Dialogue is one of the most effective ways for people to learn. We ask questions, give and receive advice, and clarify our understanding. Building computational models of dialogue for learning is a crucial step on the path toward effectively supporting all students through intelligent learning environments. This project focuses on understanding and modeling that dialogue.

Project Title: Validating the use of wearable technology and machine learning for exposure assessment of workers to uneven surfaces
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, & Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Boyi Hu, boyihu@ise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD based on project and availability
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1-2 students per semester.
Prerequisites: Project details can be developed based on student’s interest and background. Students considering graduate school are especially courage to apply. Prerequisite skills include: 1) at least 1 year of programming experience (Matlab or Python preferred); 2) signal processing fundamentals; 3) machine learning fundamentals
Credit: 0-3credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $12/hour up to 20 hours per week
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest, faculty interview, email one pdf file of requirements to Boyi Hu, boyihu@ise.ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: N/A
Project Description: The two main goals of this pilot project proposal are to: 1) determine if workers’ gait behavior as measured by wearable sensors in real workplace differs significantly on different walking surfaces experienced by typical workers; and, 2) determine if artificial deep learning network algorithms can detect walking surface categories using signals from wearable sensors mounted on workers’ body during typical walking tasks.

Project Title: Collecting Eyetracking Data on Images and Videos
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Eakta Jain, ejain@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2 students a term
Prerequisites: programming fundamentals
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none in the first semester unless selected for University Scholar; after that hourly stipend available based on performance and fit to specific project
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview, attend a group meeting; email faculty at ejain@cise.ufl.edu with pdf resume to schedule interview. Make time to attend group meeting.
Application Deadline: End of add/drop period in each term
Website: jainlab.cise.ufl.edu
Project Description: Eyes are the window to the soul. Eyetracking data is a powerful source of data to understand how humans perceive visual information. We design, code, and run experimental studies to collect and analyze eyetracking data. Interested students should have good time management and organization skills, and be able to code in MATLAB.

Project Title #2: Web Development and Server Management
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Eakta Jain, ejain@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior; 1 student a term
Prerequisites: HTML programming
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none in the first semester unless selected for University Scholar; hourly stipend available after that based on performance and fit to project
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview, attend a group meeting; email resume as pdf file to ejain@cise.ufl.edu, make time to attend group meeting
Application Deadline: End of add/drop period in each term
Website: jainlab.cise.ufl.edu
Project Description: I am looking for a web developer with an eye for detail and aesthetics to maintain databases and citizen science project pages on our web server (jainlab.cise.ufl.edu). Need to have good time management and organization skills and previous web development experience.

Project Title: Interacting with Virtual Humans to Improve Communication Skills
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Benjamin Lok, lok@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Andrew Maxim, amaxim@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 2 students in fall/spring; 3 students in summer
Prerequisites: Data Structures, Programming
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none for starting students unless selected for University Scholars; funding opportunities for top performers
Application Requirements: https://verg.cise.ufl.edu/join-us-new/
Application Deadline: rolling deadline (you can apply at any time, however course credit is based on standard university enrollment deadlines)
Website: www.ufverg.com
Project Description: How can we improve how people talk to each other? Training better health care workers, law enforcement, business people, and educators (amongst others) will require new simulations to train and deliver important conversations. Thus we will innovate in the areas of virtual reality, human-computer interaction, natural language processing, and machine learning as to develop simulations to create virtual conversations so that people can train their communication skills and be persuaded to make health behavior choices. Students will work in teams to create interactive virtual humans that users can type, talk, and/or gesture to. If you want your work to have real world impact, this project and team is for you.

Project Title: Modeling Geometry in Virtual Reality
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jorg Peters, jorg@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Summer
Student Level: Junior or Senior; 2 students a term
Prerequisites: Experience with modeling environments (unity or Blender, etc), some graphics programming experience, enthusiasm for VR, computer vision is a plus.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: TBD
Application Requirements: UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview, short explanation why you are interested and qualified; email all requirements to jorg@cise.com
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: http://www.cise.ufl.edu/research/SurfLab/
Project Description: Move modeling tasks into a head-mounted display environment.

Project Title: Big Data technologies for Actigraphy Problems
Department: Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sanjay Ranka, ranka@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Strong programming and algorithmic background
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts; email one pdf file of all documents to Sanjay Ranka, ranka@cise.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~ranka
Project Description: Development of techniques for collecting, monitoring and modeling activity information of older adults and correlating them with their physical and mental health.

Project Title: Big Data and Machine Learning
Department: Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sanjay Ranka, ranka@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 5 students per term
Prerequisites: Expertise in Data structures and Programming. Course in machine learning a plus. Example project: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1922782&HistoricalAwards=false
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts; email one pdf file of all documents to Sanjay Ranka, ranka@cise.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Open
Website: http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~ranka
Project Description: Applying big-data and machine learning to applications in transportation, health care and smart cities.

Project Title: In House Open Source Molecular and Materials Modeling Software
Department: Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Meera Sitharam, sitharam@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Rahul Prabhu, rprabhu@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer; ideally for an entire year
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 1 student per semester; ideally stays at least a year
Prerequisites: Should be able to read and write C++, QT openGL/webGL (or substitute object oriented/graphics programming languages); quickly pick up software such as openVolumeMesh, and program in matlab, etc.
Stipend: $15/hr up to 10 hrs a week
Application Requirements: Basic online application, faculty interview; email one pdf file with qualifications to Rahul Prabhu, rprabhu@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: rolling deadline until hired.
Website: http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~sitharam/EASALvideo.mpg
Project Description: In house Open Source Molecular and Materials Modeling Software has been developed. New theoretical results and algorithms developed by the group have to be understood, implemented as software and incorporated into the suite. The backend is in C++, the GUI is QT and webGL, other libraries such as OpenMesh and OpenVolumeMesh are used, and programming and interfacing with matlab is frequent. Many year long projects are anticipated.

Project Title: Development of Autonomous Mobile Agents (Robots)
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Eric Schwartz, ems@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 15-50 students per term
Prerequisites: A desire to learn and work with others.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars or Emerging Scholars
Application Requirements: Faculty interview; send email to Dr. Schwartz at ems@ufl.edu to set up an appointment
Application Deadline: ASAP
Website: www.mil.ufl.edu
Project Description: MIL provides a cross-disciplinary synergistic environment dedicated to the study and development of intelligent, autonomous robots. We conduct research in the theory and realization of autonomous mobile agents covering topics such as machine learning, real-time sensor integration (including computer vision, LADAR, sonar, radar, IMU, etc.), optimization, and control. Applications of MIL research (that have produced functioning robots) include autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), autonomous water surface vehicles (ASVs), autonomous land vehicles (ALVs), and autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs). MIL regularly competes in international robot competitions (and has previously earned five world championships).

Project Title: Geometry aware Machine Learning for Computer Vision and Medical Imaging
Department: Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Baba Vemuri, vemuri@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): NA
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; variable number of students per semester
Prerequisites: Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, Numerical Analysis, Probability and Statistics, Proficiency in Python/MATLAB/C++
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None initially, will depend on performance and availability of funds; university scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Faculty interview; Email one pdf file with all application requirements to Baba Vemuri; vemuri@cise.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: www.cise.ufl.edu/~vemuri
Project Description: We are interested in developing algorithms and code that takes advantage of the intrinsic geometry of the space in which the data reside. The data are quite often very high dimensional and exploiting the underlying geometry leads to better algorithms. The challenge however is in developing computationally efficient algorithms while respecting the geometry of the underlying space. Most often, this geometry is non-Euclidean. Examples are abundant, for instance, diffusion tensor (magnetic resonance) images, covariance matrix-valued features used for object tracking etc.

Project Title #1: Demo UI Development for Advanced QA over Knowledge Bases
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Daisy Zhe Wang, daisyw@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Xiaofeng Zhou, xiaofengzhou@ufl.edu; Miguel Rodriguez, miguelrodriguez@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites: Past experience with UI design and development; Data Structures, Programming
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; after a trial period: $10 per hour up to 10 hours a week
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, good GPA; email one pdf file of requirements to Daisy Zhe Wang, daisyw@cise.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline effective until September
Website: http://dsr.cise.ufl.edu/projects/
Project Description: Knowledge bases are used to provide QA to intelligent systems. Research has been conducted on enhancing current capabilities of knowledge bases. This project is to develop the front end of demos of different QA scenarios over such advanced KBs.

Project Title #2: Data Science Application to Law, Ecology and Biomedical Domains
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Daisy Zhe Wang, daisyw@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites: Interest and prior knowledge in respective application domains: (1) Law (2) Ecology (3) Biomedical; data structure and programming; database and machine learning
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; after a trial period: $10 per hour up to 10 hours a week
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview, good GPA; email one pdf file of requirements to Daisy Zhe Wang, daisyw@cise.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline effective until September
Website: http://dsr.cise.ufl.edu/projects/
Project Description: Data Science extract knowledge and make prediction from big data with 5Vs. This project attempt at applying state-of-the-art data science technology to application domains such as Law, Ecology and Biomedical research in collaboration with domain researchers.

Project Title #1: Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Department: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites: Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume and statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/rinaldi/
Project Description: The Rinaldi lab is interested in biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine particle synthesis, modification, and characterization and fundamental understanding of response to magnetic actuation to advance applications in biomedical imaging, therapeutic delivery, and nanoscale thermal therapy. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering. Current efforts focus on developing tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI), an exciting new biomedical imaging modality that allows for non-invasive, unambiguous, and quantitative imaging of the in vivo distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle tracers. This research involves nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, cell culture, animal studies, image analysis, 3D printing, and computer programming. Students interested in any of these aspects are encouraged to apply.

Project Title: Numerical Computing and Visualization
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jorg Peters, jorg@cise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites: Discrete Math, Matlab — you will learn various geometry and graphics tools.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Official University transcript required. Email Professor Peters if interested.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Website: https://www.cise.ufl.edu/research/SurfLab/
Project Description: My projects change faster than this database will be updated. If you like math and computing, send me a note.

Project Title: Project #1 – Spatial Audio Localization Research
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyla McMullen, drkyla@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Chenshen (Jason) Wan
Terms Available: Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1 Student Per Semester
Prerequisites: Java Programming, Data Structures, Signal Processing would be helpful
Credit: 3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; after a trial period: $10 per hour up to 10 hours a week
Application Requirements: Resume, Faculty Interview; email Dr. McMullen (drkyla@ufl.edu) with your resume to request an interview
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/soundpad-lab/
Project Description: Head-related transfer functions used as digital filters show its ability to reproduce sound sources through headphones. One way to obtain HRTFs is to measure responses of spatial sound sources to probe microphones located at blocked ear entrances in an anechoic chamber. Research has shown that personalized HRTFs have many advantages over generic or non-individualized HRTFs and provide a more realistic hearing experience. Measurement is not a practical method to individualize HRTFs. We provide a numerical simulation method of individual HRTFs acquisition from 3-D scanned mesh. The project aims to collect a personalized HRTFs database to study the statistical relationship between spectral features and anthropometric features. Our research also conducts auditory perception tests for each simulated HRTF to compare the perception difference between simulated HRTFs and generic HRTFs. We also try to reduce the cone of confusion, a common phenomenon in virtual sound source localization.
The simulation and mesh scan prototype pipeline already exists. Students are welcome to help research teams in the following tasks:
● Participants’ 3-D head meshes acquisition and post-processing.
● Integrating mesh postprocessing procedures.
● Help team members perform perception tests and analyze data.

Project Title: Project #2 – Altering Sonic Cues to Improve Real-World Target Detection with 3D Audio
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyla McMullen, drkyla@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Armisha Roberts
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 Student Per Semester
Prerequisites: Java Programming, Data Structures
Credit: 3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; after a trial period: $10 per hour up to 10 hours a week
Application Requirements: Resume, Faculty Interview; email Dr. McMullen (drkyla@ufl.edu) with your resume to request an interview
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/soundpad-lab/
Project Description: 3D audio, commonly referred to as spatial audio, allows users to gather various forms of information quickly. Therefore, this work aims to assist firefighters in first responder situations in improving response times and their path traversed to locations of interest, based on how the 3D audio sound is presented. To achieve this feat, it is crucial to understand what sonic cues, if any, will need to be exaggerated or minimized to receive the best outcome possible within low visibility scenarios faced by firefighters to improve their localization of various points of interest.
The selected student will work closely with a graduate student to:
• Conduct hands-on human-centered studies
• Analyze the data collected in MATLAB
• Create digestible visualizations of the data in MATLAB

Project Title: Project #3 – An Augmented Reality Corsi Block-Tapping Test Framework
Department: Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyla McMullen, drkyla@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Terek Arce
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1 Student Per Semester
Prerequisites: Programming 1, Data Structures
Credit: 3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; after a trial period: $10 per hour up to 10 hours a week
Application Requirements: Resume, Faculty Interview; email Dr. McMullen (drkyla@ufl.edu) with your resume to request an interview
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/soundpad-lab/
Project Description: Everyday tasks such as getting a cup from the cupboard, driving to work, or clicking icons on a computer screen, make use of the human capacity to store and recall location information. More critical tasks, such as remembering the location of anatomical structures during a surgical operation or a fire escape during a fire, make use of the same ability. The part of human memory that allows us to remember where things are in our environment is commonly referred to as spatial memory. The importance of spatial memory to human action and interactions is an area of interest in various research fields, including psychology, medicine, and human-computer interaction. One of the most used tests for measuring spatial memory is the Corsi Block-Tapping Test (CBT). While physical CBTs have been used extensively to study human spatial memory in the physical world, few CBTs have been created to examine spatial memory in virtual worlds, such as those made with virtual and augmented reality headsets. The design of a digital CBT for virtual environments could lead to a better understanding of spatial memory in such environments. It could also allow for the creation of intuitive user interfaces and a deeper understanding of human spatial memory.
Research Tasks:The research team developed several augmented reality CBTs using the Microsoft Hololens. The selected student will assist in conducting subject studies relating to these CBTs. Tasks will include:
• Developing an understanding of how the Microsoft Hololens works (e.g., QR code registration, spatial anchors, and mappings)
• Developing an understanding of how various CBTs implemented in Augmented Reality (AR) measure aspects of spatial memory (e.g., walking versus reaching space)
• Collecting data on subject performance in AR CBTs
• Post-processing and analysis of subject’s CBT data.
The selected student may also assist in adding functionality (via the Unity game engine) to a final release of the CBT framework and porting the project to various VR devices such as the HTC Vive. While not required, familiarity with C#, Matlab, Python, and Unity will be helpful in completing the project.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Project Title: Magnetic Microsystems
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: David Arnold, darnold@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Various
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Number of Students per Semester Varies
Prerequisites: Varies by project. No background in magnetics required. Just a strong curiosity and willingness to learn!
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Paid positions are available based on qualifications.
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Statement of research interest, Email Professor Arnold (darnold@ufl.edu) with application materials. Priority for students considering graduate research.
Application Deadline: none
Website: https://www.img.ufl.edu/research-groups/david-arnolds-research-group
Project Description: Research interests include -Micro/nanostructured magnetic materials -Magnetic microsystems and electromechanical transducers -Biomedical applications of magnetic systems -Compact (<100 W) power/energy systems (wireless power, energy harvesting, circuits). We are an experimental research group. Research duties may involve microfabrication, chemical/thermal processing, simulation/modeling, circuit design, system design, testing & characterization. Please visit website for descriptions of specific openings

Project Title #1: Food, Medicine and Supplements Safety Analysis Using Handheld Spectroscopy
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Naren Vikram Raj Masna
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics, electrical and magnetic fields, signals and systems. Interest in practical experimental works.
Credit: Contact Dr. Swarup Bhunia
Stipend: Contact Dr. Swarup Bhunia
Application Requirements: Basic Online Application, Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty Interview, Email Dr. Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu, with application requirements.
Application Deadline: None
Website: None
Project Description: The supply chain for food and dietary supplements has become more complex, distributed, and also less secure over time. As a result, different types of fraudulent activities – e.g. adding harmful substances, re-branding of inferior products, etc., leading to integrity issues in these products have emerged as a serious concern. Every year, consumers are cheated of billions of dollars, and the monetary value of fraud in food and dietary or nutritional supplements is estimated to be over $40 billion annually. Existing solutions for analysis often require extensive sample preparation or are limited in terms of detecting different types of integrity issues. We are working on a novel authentication method based on Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) spectroscopy, which is quantitative, non-invasive, and non-destructive. It is sensitive to small deviation in the solid-state chemical structure of a product, which changes the NQR signal properties. These characteristics are unique for different manufacturers, resulting in manufacturer-specific watermarks. We use a machine learning-based classification called support vector machines (SVMs) to verify the authenticity of products under test. This approach has been evaluated using semi-custom hardware. We are also working on making a portable setup of the entire setup.

Project Title #2: Machine Learning for Verifying Trustworthiness of Electronics
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Tamzidul Hoque and Prabuddha Chakraborty
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Required: digital logic, digital design; Recommended: programming experience and machine learning
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Contact Dr. Swarup Bhunia
Application Requirements: Basic Online Application, Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty Interview, Email Dr. Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu, with application requirements.
Application Deadline: none
Website: N/A
Project Description: Malicious modification of integrated circuits known as hardware Trojans have become a serious concern today with the globalization of the IC supply chain. In this project, we are looking to apply machine learning techniques to help in verifying trustworthiness by identifying potential malicious structures in electronics procured from untrusted companies. Students interested in hardware security and cybersecurity with programming background are strongly encouraged to apply. Students will become familiar with several commercial CAD tools used in industry today.

Project Title #3: Hardware Trojan Detection through Self-Referencing
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Tamzidul Hoque and Jonathan Cruz
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Required: digital logic, digital design; Recommended: basic circuits and programming knowledge.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Contact Dr. Swarup Bhunia
Application Requirements: Basic Online Application, Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty Interview, Email Dr. Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu, with application requirements.
Application Deadline: none
Website: N/A
Project Description: The fabrication process of integrated circuits (ICs) is often outsourced to foreign countries for economic advantages. In an untrusted foundry, the original design could be maliciously modified prior to fabrication also known as hardware Trojan insertion. In this project, we are looking to apply a novel “self-referencing” based technique that allows us to compare the fingerprint of an untrusted IC with itself, which eliminates the need of acquiring a golden signature to detect the presence of hardware Trojans. Students interested in hardware security and cybersecurity with programming and basic knowledge of electronics are strongly encouraged to apply. Students will get the experience of using various CAD tools and doing hands-on hardware experiments that are very useful in industry.

Project Title #4: Secure and Reliable FPGAs
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Abdulrahman Alaql, alaql89@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Required: digital logic, digital design, familiarity with reconfigurable devices (FPGAs); Recommended: basic circuits and programming knowledge.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Contact Dr. Swarup Bhunia
Application Requirements: Basic Online Application, Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty Interview, Email Dr. Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu, with application requirements.
Application Deadline: none
Website: N/A
Project Description: Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) are increasingly utilized in diverse applications, such as military, health-care, automotive systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The security of FPGA-based designs has emerged as a critical concern due to the FPGA design files (bitstreams) being vulnerable to attacks. Bitstream obfuscation has been recently studied as a potential solution that provides the necessary protection to designs mapped onto FPGA. This approach relies on a key generation function, such as Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) to alter a mapped function both structurally and functionally. However, a fundamental problem with PUF-based key generators is that the key bits are unstable and therefore cannot provide the same desired key at all times. In this project, we will implement a robust obfuscation approach that is capable of tolerating bit-flips in the generated key. We will develop an algorithm that applies the obfuscation to designs mapped to any FPGA. Finally, we will demonstrate the robustness against bit-flips on several digital signal processing (DSP) intellectual property (IP) blocks and observed the performance under various percentages of bit-flips in the key.

Project Title #5: Wearable Carotid Ultrasound for Early Detection of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Sumaiya Shomaji
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, 1 – 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Programming Skills (Python or MATLAB preferred) and/or Circuit Design Experience
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: N/A
Application Requirements: Basic Online Application, Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty Interview, Email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu, to request an interview.
Application Deadline: none
Website: N/A
Project Description: Cardiovascular disease is currently responsible for a major portion of all global deaths. Fortunately, early detection of its symptoms can greatly contribute to effective prevention. Although various methods for cardiac diagnosis exist, most of them are clinic-based, and therefore time-consuming and costly. In this project, we are working on a novel wearable ultrasonic imaging assembly for routine, easy-to-use, and economical monitoring of the carotid artery as this is a proven marker for diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Students interested in healthcare innovations with programming and/or circuit design background are strongly encouraged to apply.

Project Title #6: Remote Authentication of Internet of Things (IoT) devices
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Required: digital logic, digital design, familiarity with reconfigurable devices (FPGAs); Recommended: basic circuits and programming knowledge.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: N/A
Application Requirements: Basic Online Application, Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty Interview, Email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu, to request an interview.
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://swarup.ece.ufl.edu/
Project Description: Internet of Things (IoT) has become a novel and popular paradigm in the scenario of communication, sensing, security, etc. and they have greatly impacted our lives in multiple application domains, including transportation and logistics, health care, personal, social, smart environment, and so on. The heterogeneous array of such devices in an infrastructure can greatly benefit from a hardware difficult-to-clone and a set of tamper-immune identifiers, which can be used to check the authenticity or integrity of a device. However, IoT entities are extremely vulnerable to attacks including physical tampering attacks since they are exposed and unattended in the environment for a long period of time. So, we are focusing on developing an intrinsic device identifier that captures the state of an IoT device and it can effectively reflect any physical tampering by transforming the intrinsic delay/transient current variations of boundary scan cell (BSC) paths into unique and robust signatures. This approach utilizes the boundary scan chain architecture (BSA) in integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCB) – a prevalent design-for-test (DFT) structure used in majority of PCBs today. Based on a standard DFT structure, this method works for heterogeneous devices and can be conducted during runtime of the device. We will generate signatures from devices under test and evaluate their security parameters in terms of uniqueness, robustness, randomness, etc. We will also explore a protocol for the cloud server, owner, or other IoT devices in a network to verify the identity of an IoT device using the proposed approach. This policy should be able prevent attacks to extract the secret keys of a device using an efficient moving target defense mechanism that periodically shifts the challenge vectors.

Project Title #7: Developing a smart connected system for detecting and mitigating air-borne pathogens
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Naren V. Masna
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Experience with digital electronics (for hardware development) and Experience with programming (for software development)
Credit: 1
Stipend: $1,000 a semester
Application Requirements: Basic Online Application, Resume, Faculty Interview, Email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Swarup Bhunia, swarup@ece.ufl.edu, to request an interview.
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://swarup.ece.ufl.edu/
Project Description: In this project, we focus on developing a closed-loop internet of things (IoT) system for sensing of air-borne pathogens and mitigating their health impact. The project will specifically focus on detecting respiratory droplets in air, potentially laden with deadly viruses, such as the novel coronavirus causing the COVID-19 disease, and then mitigating them through various mechanisms, so as to drastically reduce their infectious capability. The students will get opportunity for developing the hardware-software components of a smart wearable system in this project and testing it in the field.

Project Title: IoT devices for Human Health and Safety
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: William Eisenstadt, wre@tec.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Up to 4 students a semester
Prerequisites: Courses in one of the following areas: (1) Digital Design (2) Analog Design or Power Electronics (3) Microprocessor Systems and Embedded Programming (4) Programming
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest; email a pdf file with all application requirements to Prof. Bill Eisenstadt, wre@tec.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: none
Website: None
Project Description: Building hardware, software, apps and web sites for wireless sensor platforms for agriculture, mosquito control and food chain safety. Existing projects include wireless WiFi solar weather stations for agriculture in Haiti and US mosquito control, bluetooth-based temperature posts for fly control for animal breeding facilities. New projects will be defined to develop wireless sensor platforms for flood and river drainage, for soil moisture, soil salinity, bluetooth-based weather stations, and water salinity measurements. Wireless mosquito traps are also a project. Also, embedded programming, custom phone apps and web software are needed for all applications.

Project Title: EdgeVPN Overlay Networks for Edge Computing
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Renato Figueiredo, renato@acis.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Several students in the lab
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: Ideal candidates will: (1) have strong computer programming skills, in particular Python and C++; (2) be able to work independently to solve problems; (3) have good foundation on computer networks and distributed computing; (4) be proficient in UNIX environments; and (5) have excellent writing and communication skills.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: TBD depending on qualifications
Application Requirements: Basic online application; resume; mail one pdf file with all application requirements to Renato Figueiredo, renato@acis.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: https://edgevpn.io
Project Description: Projects are available to conduct research and software development on EdgeVPN, currently funded by the National Science Foundation. EdgeVPN is an open-source software-defined virtual private network (VPN) allowing end users to define seamlessly create a virtual Ethernet atop Internet tunnels setup and managed through a network of distributed controllers. These are applied computer systems research projects with broad applications in edge computing (computing near IoT devices), container deployment and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes), AI applications for edge computing, and user-centric software-defined networking (SDN). The projects have an active open-source code base, collaborations with researchers in the US and abroad, and students will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers and software developers.

Project Title: EM-Activated Hardware Trojan
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Farimah Farahmandi; farimah@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):Md Rafid Muttaki (m.muttaki@ufl.edu)
Terms Available: Summer
Student Level: Senior; 1 Student a Term
Prerequisites: Required: Electrical or Computer Engineering Major; Preferred: Coursework in Electromagnetic Fields, Analog Circuit Design, Digital Logic Design, Embedded Programming
Stipend: $5000
Application Requirements: Resume and UF Unofficial Transcripts; Email one pdf file with all application requirements to Farimah Farahmandi, farimah@ece.ufl.edu.
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: http://farimah.ece.ufl.edu/
Project Description: In this project, a Hardware Trojan was developed that can be activated by a specific and directed electromagnetic pulse chain. The solution uses an Antifuse and analog circuitry to drastically decrease the chance of detecting the Trojan, which makes it stealthy. Once activated, the maliciously-inserted analog circuitry delivers the Trojan payload, and the circuit is attacked. The attackers choice of Trojan placement within the circuit, as well as the design of the analog circuitry, determines the characteristics of the attack.

Project Title: Automated Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Reverse Engineering via X-ray Tomography
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Domenic Forte, dforte@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Kun Yang (k.yang@ufl.edu) and Joey Botero (jbot2016@ufl.edu)
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Required: DIGITAL LOGIC & COMPUTER SYSTEMS, DIGITAL DESIGN; Recommended: Familiarity with any PCB design or CAD tool; familiarity with image processing, machine learning, and pattern recognition
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, unofficial transcripts, faculty interview, interest in graduate school encouraged; email all application requirements to Domenic Forte, dforte@ece.ufl.edu, to request an interview
Application Deadline: none
Website: dforte.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: Reverse engineering (RE) of electronics can be both reassuring and concerning. globalization of IC and PCB industries has resulted in well-documented concerns such as counterfeiting and hardware Trojan insertion. For such instances, RE represents an important tool for validating the performance, quality, authenticity, and integrity of electronics. Similarly, many of the critical systems and infrastructures in use today are decades old. Maintaining them requires electronic components that are no longer available. Replacing or redesigning the entire system may be too time consuming or expensive. However, through RE one can study the particular component/board in order to reproduce it and/or replace it with an alternative in the legacy system. On the other hand, RE can be responsible for just as many threats as solutions. RE can also be exploited to generate unauthorized clones or find weaknesses in the system. As part of this project, students will analyze 3D images of PCBs and develop a tool that processes the image (assigns different pixel values to traces, vias, etc.), stiches together results, extracts the PCB netlist, and converts the resulting images/netlist into a CAD file. Students should be able to program/script in Matlab or similar language. Familiarity with PCB design tools and pattern recognition would be useful but is not required.

Project Title:Hardware Security Primitive Design, Simulation, and Evaluation
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Domenic Forte, dforte@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Digital Logic/Computer Systems or Electronic Circuits 1
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Depends on available resources unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, unofficial transcripts, faculty interview, interest in graduate school encouraged; email all application requirements to Domenic Forte, dforte@ece.ufl.edu, to request an interview
Application Deadline: (preferred) March 1 for Summer, August 1 for Fall terms, and November 1 for the Spring term.
Website: dforte.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: Integrated circuits(ICs) have access to more sensitive information (i.e., assets) than ever before. Such assets should be protected because their leakage can lead to fraud, extortion, and blackmail. Physical attacks to extract assets from ICs are becoming more prevalent, but few countermeasures exist to prevent them. This project involves development of circuits and sensors to detect such attacks and destroy assets when they are under attack. Interested students should have interest or experience with one or more of the following: analog circuit design, digital circuit design, SPICE simulation, PCB design, VHDL/Verilog, FPGA development and programming, Matlab or Python programming, machine learning and classification, and lab measurements. Students may learn how to use commercial CAD tools as part of this project, which can be helpful for future jobs.

Project Title: Modeling of Monolayer Transistors for Flexible Electronics
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jing Guo, guoj@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Runlai Wan, wanrunlai@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: Circuit 1, computer programming, physics for electrical engineers
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Jing Guo, guoj@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: none
Website: n/a
Project Description: Two-dimensional (2D) monolayer semiconductor materials beyond graphene, such as layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), are promising for many potential applications in nanoelectronics, flexible electronics, and optoelectronics due to their mechanical bendability, atomically thin thickness, and excellent intrinsic carrier transport properties. The student will be engaged on working together with the Ph.D. students in the PI’s group to develop computer-aided design (CAD) tools for electronics based on 2D monolayer materials. The CAD tools will be deployed and widely disseminated to users worldwide through the nanoHUB (www.nanohub.org)

Project Title: Quantum Computing
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jing Guo, guoj@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Tong Wu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Linear Algebra and Python programming
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Paid position (NSF REU) available based on qualification and time of application
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Jing Guo, guoj@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: none
Website: N/A
Project Description: The research project involves develop modeling, simulation, and visualization tools for quantum computing technologies. We are specifically interested in spin-based quantum computing. The project is supported by National Science Foundation.

Project Title: Machine Learning and Wave Motion
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Joel Harley, joel.harley@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, 2 student per semester
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Faculty Interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Prof. Harley, joel.harley@ufl.edu, with the subject line: “Potential Undergraduate Researcher: Machine Learning and Wave Motion.”.
Application Deadline: December 1
Website: http://smartdata.ece.ufl.edu/
Project Description: In this research project, we learn to apply machine learning to physical problems that utilize waves. These may be acoustic waves, ultrasonic waves, or electromagnetic waves. Student researchers will learn to define problems, perform experiments, and design machine learning algorithms.

Project Title: Validating the use of wearable technology and machine learning for exposure assessment of workers to uneven surfaces
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, & Computer and Information Science and Engineering,
Faculty Mentor: Boyi Hu, boyihu@ise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD based on project and availability
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1-2 students per semester.
Prerequisites: Project details can be developed based on student’s interest and background. Students considering graduate school are especially courage to apply. Prerequisite skills include: 1) at least 1 year of programming experience (Matlab or Python preferred); 2) signal processing fundamentals; 3) machine learning fundamentals
Credit: 0-3credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $12/hour up to 20 hours per week
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest, faculty interview, email one pdf file of requirements to Boyi Hu, boyihu@ise.ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: N/A
Project Description: The two main goals of this pilot project proposal are to: 1) determine if workers’ gait behavior as measured by wearable sensors in real workplace differs significantly on different walking surfaces experienced by typical workers; and, 2) determine if artificial deep learning network algorithms can detect walking surface categories using signals from wearable sensors mounted on workers’ body during typical walking tasks.

Project Title: Low-light robot perception
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Md Jahidul Islam (jahid@ece.ufl.edu)
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Boxiao Yu; (boxiao.yu@ufl.edu)
Terms Available: Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior
Number of Students: 2 students a term
Prerequisites: Basic understanding on Python/C++ programming, embedded systems, and/or machine learning. Your curiosity and willingness to learn is the most important requirement!
Stipend: Contact Dr. Islam
Credits: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, and UF unofficial transcripts
Application Deadline: None
Application Process: Email one pdf file with all application requirements to jahid@ece.ufl.edu
Website: https://robopi.ece.ufl.edu/research.html#LLP
Project Description: We are working on developing robust sensing and estimation capabilities of on-device cameras in thermal, acoustic, and spectral domains. In particular, our focus is on low-power cameras used by autonomous underwater robots, firefighters wearables, and sky-quality-meters. We are launching projects with both hardware and software components as well as their domain implementations. The research areas intersect the fields of robotics, computer vision, and deep learning.

Project Title: Low-light robot perception
Department:Long-term remote monitoring
Faculty Mentor: Md Jahidul Islam (jahid@ece.ufl.edu)
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Catalina Murray; (catalinamurray@ufl.edu)
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior
Number of Students: 2 students a term
Prerequisites: Basic understanding on Python/C++ programming, embedded systems, and/or machine learning. Your curiosity and willingness to learn is the most important requirement!
Stipend: Contact Dr. Islam
Credits: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, and UF unofficial transcripts
Application Deadline: None
Application Process: Email one pdf file with all application requirements to jahid@ece.ufl.edu
Website: https://robopi.ece.ufl.edu/research.html#LTRM
Project Description: Focusing on the Florida coastlines, we are working toward developing technological solutions to address the practicalities of important subsea applications such as monitoring water quality, surveying seabed or seagrass habitats, and farming artificial reefs. We are exploring deployable systems for both passive sensing and prediction (of hazards or salient events) as well as coordinated active tracking by autonomous mobile robots. To achieve this, we are trying to solve several research problems in the domains of robot vision, deep visual perception algorithms, and thermal/sonar imaging literature.

Project Title: Electromechanical Energy Conversion, Power Electronics, and Renewable Energy
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Baoyun Ge (baoyun.ge@ece.ufl.edu)
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior and Senior
Prerequisites: Varied by projects, circuits, electromagnetic field, signals and systems, power electronics
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Paid positions are available based on qualifications
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, and statement of research interest
Application Deadline: none
Website: https://gem.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: Research interests include electric machines, power electronics, and feedback control. Applications include electric vehicles, electric airplanes, space exploration, renewable energy, etc. Please visit the website for descriptions of specific openings.

Project Title: Wireless Powering Brain Implants
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Adam Khalifa (a.khalifa@ufl.edu)
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Various
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Prerequisites: Designing PCBs, Basic circuits, Electromagnetic field
Stipend: Paid positions are available based on qualifications
Credits: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Application Requirements: Resume, Statement of Interest
Application Deadline: None
Application Process: Email Professor Khalifa (a.khalifa@ufl.edu) with application materials. Priority for students considering graduate research.
Website: https://khalifa.ece.ufl.edu/projects/wireless-microdevices/wireless-powering/
Project Description: The major goal of this project is to develop the next generation of brain stimulation devices for understanding and treating mental health illnesses and brain disorders. This project seeks to develop chronic ultra-small microdevices which are minimally-invasive, wireless, battery-less, and injectable. These devices are distributed across the brain to form a wireless network system for precise neural modulation. Since the harvested power is scarce for ultra-small receiver (Rx) coils, the efficiency of a 2-coil wireless link must be optimized. In this project the student will design a miniaturized flexible PCB to efficiently deliver power to the Tx coil. Students involved in this research project will learn about the field of neuroengineering, PCB design, and RF circuits. Please visit the website for more details.

Project Title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Adam Khalifa (a.khalifa@ufl.edu)
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Various
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Prerequisites: Electromagnetic Field
Stipend: Paid positions are available based on qualifications.
Credits: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Application Requirements: Resume, Statement of Interest
Application Deadline: None
Application Process: Email Professor Khalifa (a.khalifa@ufl.edu) with application materials. Priority for students considering graduate research.
Website: https://khalifa.ece.ufl.edu/projects/magnetic-stimulation/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/
Project Description: The clinical use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been a prominent achievement in the field of neuroscience in the past two decades. In this research, to improve stimulation depth and focality, we propose a novel TMS technique which we call magnetic temporal interference (MTI). Students in this project will build a solenoid that will eventually be used to stimulate and target deep brain regions of large animal models (non-human primate, sheep, pigs).

Project Title: Artificial Fovea Cameras and Sensors
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sanjeev Koppal, sjkoopal@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 3 students per semester
Prerequisites: Calc 2, Python/C/C++ programming or equivalent, Matlab literacy, any hands-on experience (woodshop, metalshop, glass working, art studio, set design, etc.).
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $10 per hour up to 10 hours per week
Application Requirements: Basic Online Application, Resume, Faculty Interview, email CV to Sanjeev Koppa, sjkoopal@ece.ufl.edu, to request a meeting time
Application Deadline: none
Website: focus.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: Our eyes “foveate” or place sensitivity of the highest resolution at important locations in a scene. I am interested in (a) Building cameras/sensors that do the same, (b) Creating algorithms to control such cameras and (c) Demonstrating compelling applications.

Project Title: Simulation of Semiconductor Devices
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Mark Law, mlaw@honors.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Computer programming is a plus, but not required.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Varies – depending on experience
Application Requirements: Resume, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Mark Law, mlaw@honors.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: rolling deadline (you can apply at any time, however course credit is based on standard university enrollment deadlines)
Website: n/a
Project Description: We have developed software that predicts semiconductor device behavior in a wide range of conditions and applications. We have opportunities to work with sensors, high performance, and nano-device applications.

Project Title #1: All-Optical Naval Aircraft Networks
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Janise McNair, mcnair@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: One or more of these courses: EEL4598, EEL4599, CNT 4007C
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $15 per hour up to 10 hours a week
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Janise McNair, mcnair@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: August 15 for fall; January 15 for spring; April 15 for summer
Website: http://wam.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: We are designing high-speed fiber optic networks to replace current copper wire networks on navel aircraft (and later standardize the process for commercial aircraft). We need students to help us test different network designs by doing short-term research studies, hands-on hardware projects for proof-of-concept tests, or software/programming projects for network simulations.

Project Title #2: Distributed Space Networks
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Janise McNair, mcnair@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Allen Starke
Terms Available: Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 – 2 students in the summer
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior level. Some programming in C/C++
Credit: 3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: TBD
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Letter(s) of recommendation, Statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Janise McNair, mcnair@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: April 15
Website: http://wam.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: Space is the new frontier for data collection, processing and dissemination. In this project, researchers will study how to deliver data from a heterogeneous set of nodes (space craft, space station, satellites, etc.) to the appropriate destination with the requested bandwidth and quality of service. This project also allows the student to do multi-disciplinary research with astronomers, remote sensing engineers, aerospace engineers and physicists.

Project Title #3: Distributed Cross Layer Networking for Smart Grid Security
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Janise McNair, mcnair@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 student
Prerequisites: EEL4598 or EEL5718 pre-requisite or co-requisite.
Credit: 3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $500
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, and apply to the University Scholars Program; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Janise McNair, mcnair@ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: As the traditional power grid transitions into the use of smart grid technology, real-time system monitoring becomes more vulnerable to cyber-attacks like false data injection. This project pursues a cross-layer approach to smart grid security that includes power analysis, machine learning, and software defined networks. Students on this project will work on skills for developing network management policies using SDN, traffic monitoring and anomaly detection/identification.

Project Title: Distributed Control Design for Balancing the Grid Using Flexible Loads
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sean Meyn, meyn@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Neil Cammardella, ncammardella@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 1 or 2 per semester
Prerequisites: Signals & Systems is essential, and some exposure to control desirable. Enrollment in ECE Smart Grid for Sustainable Energy is highly recommended!
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912, Negotiable
Stipend: NSF REU support is a possibility
Application Requirements: Resume, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Sean Meyn, meyn@ece.ufl.edu, and cc Neil Cammardella, ncammardella@ufl.edu.
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: http://www.meyn.ece.ufl.edu/publications/current/ancillary-service-to-the-grid-using-intelligent-deferrable-loads/
Project Description: Inexpensive energy from the wind and the sun comes with unwanted volatility, such as ramps with the setting sun or a gust of wind. Controllable generators have managed supply-demand balance of power in the past, but this is becoming increasingly costly with increasing penetration of renewable energy. The goal of this project is to create a science for “demand dispatch” that will create virtual energy storage from flexible loads. By design, the grid-level services from flexible loads will be as controllable and predictable as a generator or fleet of batteries. The potential economic impact of these new resources is enormous. California plans to spend billions of dollars on batteries that will provide only a small fraction of the balancing services that can be obtained using demand dispatch. The potential impact on society is enormous: a sustainable energy future is possible with the right mix of infrastructure and control systems.

Project Title: High Power Radio Waves in the Ionosphere
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Robert Moore, moore@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): AJ Erdman, ajerdman@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: Matlab programming exposure required. Physics 2, Circuits 1, Signals and Systems, and Electromagnetic Fields & Waves are recommended.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Robb Moore, moore@ece.ufl.edu, to request an interview.
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer term; August 1 for Fall term; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.vlf.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: The HAARP observatory is located in Gakona, Alaska, and it operates a high power transmitter to perform ionopspheric heating experiments. These high power radio waves interact with the lower ionosphere and produce interesting nonlinear effects that mimic natural activity. A large number of high power heating experiments were performed between 2010 and 2014, and we are interested in searching our vast database for unexpected discoveries.

Project Title: MIST Makers
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Toshi Nishida (nishida@ufl.edu), David Arnold (darnold@ufl.edu), Y.K. Yoon (ykyoon@ece.ufl.edu), Bill Eisenstadt (wre@tec.ufl.edu)
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 3-10 students per term
Prerequisites: Self-motivated; responsible; creative; team-oriented
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Toshi Nishida, nishida@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Aug. 15 for Fall; Jan. 15 for Spring; April 15 for Summer
Website: www.mist-center.org
Project Description: The MIST Makers is an undergraduate effort within the UF’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students volunteer to work in teams to develop creative smart systems that integrate sensors, computing, wireless connectivity and power management, commonly known as the Internet of Things. Now in its second year, students can develop practical, problem-solving and design skills while working on hardware projects to improve quality of life or address real-world problems. Students also gain exposure to the MIST Center’s member companies looking to recruit top talent.

Project Title: Predicting Stimulation and Recording Performance of Neural Interfaces
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Erin Patrick, erin.patrick@ece.ufl.edu, Jack Judy, jack.judy@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Various
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman-Senior; Number of Students per Semester Varies
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of coding. Experience with the Python language is preferred but not necessary.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest, email one pdf file with all application requirements to Erin Patrick, erin.patrick@ece.ufl.edu, and Jack Judy, jack.judy@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: N/A
Project Description: The ability of amputees to control state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs (e.g., like Luke Skywalker’s arm) and doctors to deliver deep-brain-stimulation (DBS) therapy to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are dependent on the design and operation of neuro-electronic interfaces. In this project, students will combine finite-element-method (FEM) simulations with software-based models of neuron excitability to quantitatively predict the performance of state-of-the-art neuro-electronic interfaces. This effort will use an established modeling framework to explore the parameter space of electrode design and inform the improved design of future neural interfaces. Students involved in this research project will learn about physics-based computational modeling in the field of neuroengineering.

Project Title: Visualization for Software Defined Radio
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: John Shea, jshea@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Javascript programming, basic knowledge of HTML and/or CSS
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none at this point, but potential for pay beginning in spring
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email resume to John Shea, jshea@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: any time
Website: n/a
Project Description: Students will work with Javascript, CSS, HTML, and Python to build tools that help visualize the usage of spectrum and flow of information in wireless networks.

Project Title: Measurement of Nanodevices
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Ant Ural, antural@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior; Senior 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: N/A
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Ant Ural, antural@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/ant-ural/
Project Description: Set-up and perform electrical measurements on nanodevices

Project Title: Variable Frequency Drive Systems EMI Modeling and Reduction
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Shuo Wang, SHUO.WANG@ECE.UFL.EDU
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Le Yang (yangleMike@ufl.edu) and Hui Zhao (zhaohui@ufl.edu)
Terms Available: Summer
Student Level: Senior; 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: 1) Power electronics I, 2) One of the following circuit simulation softwares: Pspice, Saber, Ansys Maxwell, HFSS, Matlab
Credit: 3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Shuo Wang (SHUO.WANG@ECE.UFL.EDU) to request an interview
Application Deadline: March 1
Website: N/A
Project Description: Learn research skill with PhD students in ongoing research on the EMI Modeling and Reduction for Grid Tied Variable Frequency Motor Drive Systems.

Project Title: FFT on GPU
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Tan Wong, twong@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): David Greene, djgreene@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Junior; 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Faculty interview; email Tan Wong, twong@ece.ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: March 1
Website: none
Project Description: Develop and implement a FFT in C Cuda to run on a GPU. The FFT should provide a significant speed increase over CPU FFT applications.

Project Title #1: Extracting Configuration Parameter Interactions using Static Analysis
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Tuba Yavuz, tuba@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall
Student Level: Senior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Advanced programming skills
Credit: 0 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email required documents to Tuba Yavuz, tuba@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: This project has terminated
Website: http://www.tuba.ece.ufl.edu/
Project Description: This project involved using static program analysis to identify configuration parameters that interacted through on data-flow and/or control-flow dependency. The static analysis has been implemented using the WALA analysis framework. As a case study we chose Apache Hadoop as tuning configuration parameters is a real challenge for this system. Experimental results showed that static analysis could infer some of the known interactions among performance related parameters.

Project Title #2: GUI for SMACK Models
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Tuba Yavuz, tuba@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Farhaan Fowze, farhaan104@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Data Structures, Intermediate to Advanced GUI programming skills
Credit: 3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, Faculty interview; email required documents to Tuba Yavuz, tuba@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Website: N/A
Project Description: This project involves designing and implementing a GUI for a new modeling language, SMACK, that is based on state machines with callback mechanism. The GUI should facilitate creating new SMACK models and navigating existing ones. SMACK is integrated with automated verification and the GUI should also support navigation of counter-example paths that explain erroneous executions.

Project Title: Health Monitoring and Biting Force Detection Using a Smart Mouthguard
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: YK Yoon, ykyoon@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Todd Schumann, fhghfjk@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2-4 students per term
Prerequisites: Electronic Circuit and ECE Junior Design
Credit: 0-2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, UF unofficial transcripts; email one pdf with all application requirements to Prof. Yoon at ykyoon@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer term, August 1 for the Fall terms and November 1 for the Spring term
Website: http://www.img.ufl.edu/mnm
Project Description: A smart mouthguard integrated with multiple sensors is utilized for multiple purposes such as dental protection from nocturnal Bruxism and during sports and fitness, which is its original function, and health monitoring via integrated sensors, which is an advanced function. The sensing module is integrated with a microprocessor, a Bluetooth wireless module, and a battery. A prototype module has been demonstrated while sensor refinements for a strain gauge sensor for biting force detection and an infrared (IR) sensor for vital sign monitoring are under investigation. A strain gauge sensor can be used. Biting during Bruxism produces a pressure of about 100lbs to 200lbs i.e, 2000kPa. Hence, the sensor should be able to withstand this pressure level with a reasonable resolution.
For IR sensing, a commercial product is accommodated. Efforts for signal processing will be needed.

Project Title: Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Alina Zare, azare@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, number needed per semester varies
Prerequisites: Strong programming background (with preference for Python and/or Matlab), Calculus, Linear Algebra, Statistics
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Paid positions available based on background and qualifications
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Statement of research interest, email one pdf with all application requirements to Aline Zare at azare@ece.ufl.edu. Priority for students considering Graduate Research at UF.
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/alina-zare/
Project Description: The Machine Learning and Sensing Laboratory develops machine learning methods for autonomously analyzing and understanding sensor data. We investigate and develop machine learning, pattern recognition, computational intelligence, signal processing, and information fusion methods for application to sensing. Applications we have studied include landmine and explosive object detection, automated plant phenotyping, sub-pixel target detection, and underwater scene understanding. We have developed algorithms for ground-penetrating radar, hyperspectral imagery, electromagnetic induction data, synthetic aperture SONAR, and minirhizotron imagery. Our specific projects vary from semester to semester. Please see our website for a listing of current projects: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/alina-zare/machine-learning-sensing-lab/

Project Title #1: Package security & Backside protection
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Navid Asadi, nasadi@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Chengjie Xi and John True
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Familiarity with basic semiconductor and polymer material knowledge
Stipend: Limited OPS Positions Available
Application Requirements: Email Dr. Asadi with your resume; faculty interview required.
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: nasadi.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: Since the inception of mass-produced electronic devices in the 1970s, IC packaging has been a vital piece of the electronics supply chain. Packaging reliability has been discussed widely in both industry and academia. However, packaging security assessment is barely addressed in such communities. Malicious changes in packaging parameters by a manufacturer can result in undetected features that cause chip failure. This results in disastrous consequences when these changed chips go to critical applications such as space, military, hospitals, powerplants, etc. In this project, the first step is to understand the structure and material composition of different kinds of IC packaging. To achieve such understanding, the project involves evaluating the packaging with the physical inspection methods in our lab to see how the security vulnerabilities of IC packaging can be generated and exploited. Based on security issues, different kinds of protection methods will be developed later. One such attack vector is a backside attack, which is both cheap and simple. With a device as simple as a laser pointer, attackers can hack into the chips. By applying a certain wavelength laser on the chip backside, hackers can easily extract useful information or inject fault. This project aims to prevent this kind of attack happens. In the project, learning and understanding of backside attack will be the first step, and students will get a chance to do backside attacks by themselves in the lab. Based on their own background and knowledge, they can develop their own backside protection methods.

Project Title #2: Automated Volumetric Analysis via X-Ray Computed Tomography
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Navid Asadi, nasadi@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): John True
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior or Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Familiarity with Circuits 2, Image Processing, MATLAB or Python; Preferred: CAD Design, Machine Learning
Stipend: Limited OPS Positions Available
Application Requirements: Email Dr. Asadi with your resume; faculty interview required.
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: nasadi.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: X-Ray Computed Tomography (X-Ray CT) is a rapidly advancing field due to the advent of next-generation tools such as Micro-CT & Nano-CT. In addition to hardware advances, there are software improvements that offer increased speed and resolution for fast failure analysis. Auto-3D is the refining and incorporation of these advanced techniques into the hardware assurance and reverse engineering processes and flows used in the cybersecurity industry. The current methods of hardware verification for microelectronics involves destructive techniques such as cross sectioning and delayering to analyze with visual methods. Non-destructive volumetric methods such as X-ray analysis has been adequate for simple electronics designs. However, smaller internal circuitry and its increasing complexity creates many x-ray imaging issues for non-destructive internal analysis. These imaging issues include artifacts such as photon starvation due to the entire absorption of x-rays by dense materials such as metals from circuitry, components, or heat/EMF shields. The Auto-3D project is focused on improving computational runtime speed and resolution of the reconstruction of 2D images into 3D volumes, optimizing the scan parameters of x-ray imaging for electronics through laboratory testing and computer simulation, and automated segmentation of 3D volumes and performing analysis of noise and errors via machine learning. As part of this project: students will work together to research and develop solutions, facilitate learning outcomes aligned with future academic research or industry requirements, build data-driven designs and proposals that improve upon known research in the field, and interact with F.I.C.S. faculty and facilities through presentations and lab experiments.

Project Title #3: Automated Bill of Material Extraction
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Navid Asadi, nasadi@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Nathan Jessurun and Olivia Paradis
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior or Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Familiarity with any PCB design or CAD tool; image processing, computer vision, machine learning, and pattern recognition
Stipend: Limited
Application Requirements: Email Dr. Asadi with your resume; faculty interview required.
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: nasadi.ece.ufl.edu
Project Description: The goal of AutoBoM is to automatically extract a Bill of Materials (BoM), the list of all components on a printed circuit board (PCB) given an image of the board. The extracted BoM can then be used for reverse engineering and hardware assurance purposes. For instance, such a BoM can be compared to the known list of materials for the same sample, showing any discrepancy resulting from malicious tampering. When no reference BoM is present, verification becomes much more difficult. In these cases, AutoBoM can generate a tentative circuit schematic and cross-reference it against common design metrics. In these cases, Trojans or other manipulations will appear as violations to these standards. AutoBoM involves two primary research domains: the initial stages of image acquisition and preprocessing, followed by the use of machine learning models for component detection, classification, and identification.
Image acquisition and processing inputs to the AutoBoM process include several 2D optical images of PCB surfaces. Various image processing and computer vision algorithms then extract information from these images necessary to train machine learning networks. Several subdomains are important in this stage to analyze the image data.
Image segmentation, or breaking an image into distinct regions, assists in gathering ground truth data which trains machine learning models in how to detect components on a PCB image. Next, standard preprocessing procedures such as morphological processing, bandpass filtering, structural analysis, and more determine which portions of the image may require in-depth evaluation. This feedback serves two important functions. First, it determines which neural network architectures are appropriate for different stages of the AutoBoM process (e.g. component detection, defect analysis, etc.). Second, it assists in formatting the data as inputs to these networks, which speeds up learning and processing times.
Machine learning models for detection, classification, identification Inputs to the machine learning side of the AutoBoM process include the important computer vision features extracted from the PCB images (e.g. colors, shapes, and textures). Then, a multi-stage machine learning methodology is applied. First, the machine learning algorithms detect the location of the components within the PCB images. Then, the algorithm determines the type of each component (e.g. resistor, capacitor, IC). Finally, AutoBoM leverages information such as on-component text, board text, and colors to uniquely identify each component. The end result is a BoM specific enough to purchase all required components necessary to reverse engineer the PCB.

Undergraduate students interested in working in these areas should have knowledge of general image processing, computer vision, and machine learning procedures. Additionally, familiarity with array computing (e.g. broadcasting, GPU/CUDA arrays, etc.) in python is strongly desired.

Project Title: Integrated Radio-Frequency Filters for 5G Wireless
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Roozbeh Tabrizian, rtabrizian@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Various
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior or Senior; Number of Students Varies
Prerequisites: Varies by project. No background in electro-mechanics required. Just interest in math and physics, strong curiosity, and willingness to learn.
Stipend: Paid positions are available based on qualifications
Application Requirements: Email Prof. Tabrizian (rtabrizian@ufl.edu) your application material. Priority for students considering graduate research.
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: https://www.img.ufl.edu/research-groups/roozbeh-tabrizians-research-group or https://phonon.ece.ufl.edu/
Project Description: We are an multi-disciplinary research group targeting creation of novel integrated filters for the modern wireless commination systems. This project includes design and analysis chip-scale filters operating at ultra- and super-high frequencies. These filters are essential for operation of our smart-phones, by enabling secure access to wireless spectrum for high-speed data communication.
The filters are operating based on exciting low-loss mechanical resonance in nano-scale silicon structures. The mechanical vibration will be converted to electrical domain using piezoelectric transducers. The role of the candidate will be designing the equivalent circuit models for these electro-mechanical filters, and also help with measurement of actual filter chips.

Project Title: Machine Learning and Data Science
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Catia Silva, catiaspsilva@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior or Senior; 2 Students a Term
Prerequisites: Programming background (with preference in Python and/or Matlab), Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Linear Algebra
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Email one PDF with Resume to Catia Silva at catiaspsilva@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: catiaspsilva.github.io/
Project Description: Students will work with Python to perform data collection and curation with the goal to develop machine learning algorithms in different applications. Students will learn about experimental design in machine learning, develop technical skills such as version control, Python and machine learning.

Project Title: Remote Access to Side Channel (RASC) v4 System Design
Departments: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Domenic Fort,dforte@ece.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 4-Feb
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3
Stipend: Depends on availability of funds
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Faculty interview E-mail applications materials to Dr. Forte, dforte@ece.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website(s): https://dforte.ece.ufl.edu/
Project Description: Remote access to side-channel (RASC) systems have been developed and tested in our group to detect malware and other anomalies on critical systems from power and EM measurements in real-time. To date, RASC has monitored side-channels on an Arduino UNO running at 1MHz. This project involves development of a new version of RASC that can monitor more complex microcontrollers , e.g., 32 bit running at 200MHz+. The design shall be broken down into 3 parts: (1) hardware design where a new PCB and bill of materials will be created resulting in a system with higher sampling rate, resolution, and/or processing capabilities; (2) machine learning and classification algorithm development where captured side-channels will be used to classify instructions being run on a microcontroller; and (3) hardware description language (HDL) design where the algorithm(s) will be mapped to digital signal processors and/or FPGAs. Students need only have the experience and/or interest in one part of the project in order to participate.

Project Title: Neural Electrode Design
Departments: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Adam Khalifa,a.khalifa@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $15 per hour
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Faculty interview,a.khalifa@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website(s): N/A
Project Description: This project aims to design a device for simultaneous D wave monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in spinal cord injury, similar to intracranial pressure monitoring in brain injury. The D wave, which reflects descending action potentials in corticospinal tracts after cortical stimulation, is a key marker for predicting neurological outcomes. Since D wave monitoring requires accessing the subdural space, this project explores the potential of combining it with CSF diversion, an intervention increasingly used in managing ischemic and traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Engineering Education

Project Title: The Ability to Address Complex Socio-Technical Systems
Department: Engineering Education
Faculty Mentor: John Mendoza-Garcia, jmendozagarcia@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2 students a term
Prerequisites: Interest in Engineering Education
Credit: 1-2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Faculty interview, email one pdf file with all application requirements to John Mendoza-Garcia, jmendozagarcia@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms and November 1 for the Spring Term
Website: http://www.johnmendozagarcia.com
Project Description: This project is investigating the Ability to Address Complex Socio-Technical Systems.
This ability encompasses what an engineering student needs to learn to be able to create engineering solutions that satisfy the needs and expectations of different stakeholders (e.g. customers, regulation entities, boards of directors, etc).
Research questions: What is this ability? How is it learned or developed? How can it be assessed? How can it be effectively taught?
Research methods: Qualitative to understand its learning and generate the assessment tools (phenomenography and content analysis). Quantitative to assess the effectiveness of its teaching, and standardize its assessment.

Project Title: Engineering communities enacting transformational change addressing the social implications of the engineering practice
Department: Engineering Education
Faculty Mentor: Sindia Rivera-Jiménez, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2 students a term
Prerequisites: Interest in Engineering Education and acquiring research skills
Credit: 1-2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars. Benefit: Potentially getting a publication.
Application Requirements: Basic online application. Send an email to Dr. Rivera at rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu with the following: 1) your resume; 2) a cover letter or statement (2 pages max) describing your qualifications and motivation for the job; and 3) UF unofficial transcripts. Interviews via Zoom are expected to start as soon as applications are received.
Application Deadline: Open until the drop add period for each semester until all positions are filled.
Website: https://theengineeringprofessor.org/research/
Project Description: Our group is looking for an undergraduate student to develop a rigorous systematic literature review summarizing the best practices for engineering communities enacting transformational change for social justice. Transformational change refers to a frame-breaking change that completely alters the current operating structure, such as processes, people, and technology. A systematic review is defined as a review of the evidence on a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant primary research and extract and analyze data from the studies included in the review. Social implications in the engineering practice may involve concepts of peace/non-peace, gender equality, care for the environment, poverty, and public safety, and social justice. The research will include an in-depth literature review using commonly known databases (e.g., Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, Scopus), the use of analysis software (e.g., Endnote, MAXQDA, Covidence), and dissemination (i.e., journal publication and presentation). This opportunity will require the student to manage an undergraduate research project by dedicating around 10-15 hours per week. The participant will also gain valuable experience that will make them a more qualified candidate upon graduation. The student will end this experience with a written research portfolio including but not limited to a research proposal, report, literature review, and blog pieces.

Project Title: Systematic Review on the social implications of the engineering practice
Department: Engineering Education
Faculty Mentor: Sindia Rivera-Jiménez, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2-3 students a term
Prerequisites: Interest in Engineering Education and acquiring research skills
Credit: 1-2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars.
Application Requirements: Basic online application. Send an email to Dr. Rivera at rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu with the following: 1) your resume; 2) a cover letter or statement (2 pages max) describing your qualifications and motivation for the job; and 3) UF unofficial transcripts. Interviews via Zoom are expected to start as soon as applications are received.
Application Deadline: The last day of drop add period for all terms.
Website: https://theengineeringprofessor.org/research/
Project Description: Goal: Complete a systematic Review for publication submission in February on the topic of social implications of the engineering practice

Our group is looking for an undergraduate student to develop a rigorous systematic literature review summarizing the best practices for engineering communities enacting transformational change for social justice. Transformational change refers to a frame-breaking change that completely alters the current operating structure, such as processes, people, and technology. A systematic review is defined as a review of the evidence on a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant primary research and extract and analyze data from the studies included in the review. Social implications in the engineering practice may involve concepts of peace/non-peace, gender equality, care for the environment, poverty, and public safety, and social justice.

The research will include an in-depth literature review using commonly known databases (e.g., Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, Scopus), the use of analysis software (e.g., Endnote, MAXQDA, Covidence), and dissemination (i.e., journal publication and presentation).

This opportunity will require the student to manage an undergraduate research project by dedicating around 10-15 hours per week. The participant will also gain valuable experience that will make them a more qualified candidate upon graduation. The student will end this experience with a written research portfolio including but not limited to a research proposal, report, literature review, blog pieces, and summarizing findings in a report and assist in editorial elements of papers as needed.

Research Format: virtual or in person.

Project Title: Influence National Professional Societies in Facilitating Chemical Engineering Faculty Agency
Department: Engineering Education
Faculty Mentor: Sindia Rivera-Jiménez, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2-3 students a term
Prerequisites: Interest in Engineering Education and acquiring research skills
Credit: 1-2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars.
Application Requirements: Basic online application. Send an email to Dr. Rivera at rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu with the following: 1) your resume; 2) a cover letter or statement (2 pages max) describing your qualifications and motivation for the job; and 3) UF unofficial transcripts. Interviews via Zoom are expected to start as soon as applications are received.
Application Deadline: The last day of drop add period for all terms. Contact Dr. Rivera to verify if all positions were filled.
Website: https://theengineeringprofessor.org/research/ or https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2106206&HistoricalAwards=false
Project Description: Our group is looking for an undergraduate student to coordinate a new NSF-funded qualitative research project exploring the strategic agency of chemical engineering faculty involved in professional societies (e.g., AIChE) as they transform their teaching practices. The student will directly assist the principal investigator in the literature review, ethically validate data collection methods, recruit the study faculty participants through AIChE, facilitate a workshop with the PI during AIChE national, and meet with the project advisory board.

Research Format: virtual or in person. Students will report directly to the Principal investigator.

Project Title: NSF International Research Experiences for Students in South Korea
Department: Engineering Education
Faculty Mentor: Gloria Kim, gloriakim@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 2-3 UF students in Summer
Prerequisites: 1 semester of undergraduate research experience, any engineering discipline.
Credit: 1-2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $4000 for 8 weeks + international travel support
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statement of research interest; Online at https://nsfirika.org/
Application Deadline: January 15
Website: https://nsfirika.org/
Project Description:Interdisciplinary Research in Korea on Applied smart systems (IRiKA) for Undergraduate Students will provide a cohort of five US undergraduate students per year with the opportunity to conduct research for 8 weeks at Korea’s top-ranked universities with state-of-the-art research facilities. IRiKA is a competitive program. Selected students will receive a stipend and international travel support. For more info, visit: https://nsfirika.org/

Environmental Engineering Sciences

Project Title: Developing methods to assess corals resilience to ocean deoxygenation
Department: Environmental Engineering Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Andrew Altieri, andrew.altieri@essie.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors; 1 student for the summer/fall/spring periods
Prerequisites: None, but experience with coral and aquarium systems a plus.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, Faculty interview, email one pdf file with all application requirements to andrew.altieri@essie.ufl.edu.
Application Deadline: None
Website: www.altierilab.org
Project Description: Ocean deoxygenation is a poorly understood but growing threat to coral reefs worldwide. The student will examine multiple stress responses in corals to determine how their onset is related to duration of exposure and whether they are reliable indicators of time until death.

Project Title: Fish Behavior in Coastal Wetlands
Department: Environmental Engineering Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Christine Angelini, christine.angelini@essie.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Julie Walker
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, statement of research interest, contact information for two references; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Julie Walker, Julie.walker@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: None
Website: https://www.uf-stri-marineconservation.com/
Project Description: Our research aims to compare the quality of fish habitat of saltmarsh and mangroves for feeding and refuge. This is important because with climate change mangroves are moving northward and intruding into saltmarsh. Although these systems have been attributed with many of the same ecosystem services little research has been done to compare how these systems are used by faunal communities. Fish are particularly important in coastal ecosystem by transferring nutrients from feeding in tidal inundated wetlands to the marine environment. Changing from a grassy to a woody vegetation may have important consequences on the ability of fish to successfully hunt for prey and inversely hide from predators, changing the flow of nutrients and ecosystem structures. To determine the effect of changing vegetation on fish feeding and refuge we will be conducting mesocosm and field experiments. Mesocosms will be set up as a choice arena with Spartina alternaflora (smooth cordgrass), Avicennia germinans (black mangroves), and Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove). Arena will be used to test prey fish affinity for each habitat both with and without the presence of a predatory fish, as well as predatory fish ability to successfully hunt in each vegetation type. In the field we will be capturing prey fish in Spartina, Avicennia, and Rhizophora to determine any species changes from habitat types. We will also be tethering prey in field at these different habitat types to compare relative predation rates in each.

We are looking for someone for 10-15 hours a week to analyze fish behavior from videos that we will be collecting, helping with fish identification, and potentially help with some of the fieldwork.

Project Title: Evaluating human impacts on salt marshes at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Department: Environmental Engineering Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Christine Angelini, christine.angelini@essie.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Hallie Fischman, halliefischman@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, statement of research interest, interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Hallie Fischman, halliefischman@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: February 1
Website: https://www.angeliniecologylab.com/
Project Description: The student will assist with ongoing research at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM NERR) in Ponte Vedra, FL through both lab and fieldwork. Research includes monitoring salt marsh disturbance by invasive hogs through camera traps, field measurements, and analysis of aerial imagery and assessing the downstream effects of this disturbance on mussels and marsh sediment accretion. Student will also assist with the collection and processing of bivalve, sediment, and water samples for analysis of copper concentrations caused by the use of copper-based algaecides in Florida ponds. Student may be asked to assist with other Angelini Lab research as needed, including research in sand dune restoration and/or the preparation of samples from other salt marsh projects. Student will be expected to work 5-15 hours/week and must be able to work odd hours pending the fieldwork schedule (weekend, early mornings, etc.). A positive attitude, willingness to get muddy and ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain is required.

Project Title : Engineering Education Collaborative
Department: Environmental Engineering Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Elliot Douglas, edouglas@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; students per term varies depending on current projects
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: varies depending on current projects or via University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, Faculty Interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Professor Elliot Douglas, edouglas@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: None
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/elliot-douglas/
Project Description: The Engineering Education Collaborative conducts research in various aspects of engineering education, including engineering problem solving, diversity and inclusion in engineering, and engineering ethics/environmental justice. Research is conducted using qualitative methods such as analysis of interviews and documents. Availability of undergraduate research positions depends on the state of current projects in any given semester. Contact Professor Elliot Douglas, edouglas@ufl.edu, to find out what specific projects are currently available.

Project Title: Development of a Laser-Based Water Level Sensor for Fine-Scale Ecohydrological Measurements
Department: Environmental Engineering Sciences
Faculty Mentor: David Kaplan, dkaplan@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Kevin Henson, kevinh1212@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Dr. Kaplan, dkaplan@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: www.watershedecology.org
Project Description: Evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical component of the global water cycle. It is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from soil and other surfaces (evaporation) and from the stomatal surfaces of plants (transpiration). It is a critical process, but one that is difficult to pinpoint due to a lack of accurate and affordable sensor technology. One low-cost approach to measuring site-specific ET is to take advantage of the diurnal fluctuations in surface water and groundwater driven by ET in areas where the water table is close to the surface. This method requires highly sensitive equipment that is able to accurately quantify water table variation. The goal of this work is to develop and test a laser-based water level sensor (LB-WLS) to improve the estimate of ET via diurnal variation in water level.

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Project Title: VA Clinic Process Improvement
Department: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Xiang Zhong, xiang.zhong@ise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1 student per semester.
Prerequisites: COP 2271 Computer Programming For Engineers, STA 4322 Introduction to Statistics Theory
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, email one pdf file of requirements to xiang.zhong@ise.ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: N/A
Project Description: The objectives of this project were to model patient flow in Gainesville VA Medical Clinics, evaluate resource utilization rate and waiting times, identify major areas of inefficiency within the VA clinic system, and improve patient flow and the scheduling of resources. A simulation model will be developed, which is capable of transforming inputs into objective data-driven outputs. These objective data-driven outputs can include queue length, clinic utilization rate, and provider utilization rate. Policy makers could use the data to recognize areas of inefficiency within the clinic and exploit those areas with new policies.

Project Title: Nonprofit Decision Analytics
Department: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Aleksandr Kazachkov, akazachkov@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior; 2 Students per Term
Prerequisites: Understanding of analysis of algorithms, experience with linear or integer optimization preferred but not necessary. Python or Julia programming experience helpful.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial Transcripts, and Faculty Interview; To request an interview, email one pdf file with all application requirements to akazachkov@ufl.edu.
Application Deadline: March 1 for the summer term, July 15 for fall term, and November 1 for spring term
Website: akazachk.github.io
Project Description: There is an opportunity to partner with a local Gainesville nonprofit to explore improvements to their operational efficiency and/or analyze the fairness of their current allocation or logistics strategies. This would begin with a data-gathering phase and a cost-benefit of analysis of technological interventions compared to the organization’s existing approach. A key focus of this work is to investigate if there exist better policies to improve allocations over time. Another avenue is exploring the nonprofit’s responses when facing disaster scenarios.

Project Title: Inclusive Design of Automated Vehicles for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairments
Department: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Wayne Giang, wayne.giang@ise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Mahtab Eskandar, m.eskandar@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior; 2 Students per Term
Prerequisites: none, tasks may differ based on previous experience and courses taken
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF Unofficial Transcripts, and Faculty Interview; To request an interview, email one pdf file with all application to Dr. Wayne Giang (wayne.giang@ise.ufl.edu) with an email title “Inclusive AV Design Undergraduate Research Application”
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: N/A
Project Description: Automated vehicles have the potential to be a great resource to improve independence and quality of life for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who may no longer be able to drive themselves anymore or feel unsafe doing so. However, current automated vehicles may be especially difficult for those with MCI to use due to how they change the driving task and the complexities of the systems. In this project, you will be assisting with the design and evaluation of an inclusive automated vehicle of the future focused on supporting those with MCI. In this project you will learn skills about human factors engineering, cognitive science, human-computer interaction, and user experience design.

Project Title: Human factors data analysis of Advanced Driver Assistance System usage by individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Department: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Wayne Giang, wayne.giang@ise.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior; 2 Students per Term
Prerequisites: programming (any), statistics (good to have)
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF Unofficial Transcripts, and Faculty Interview; To request an interview, email one pdf file with all application to Dr. Wayne Giang (wayne.giang@ise.ufl.edu) with the title “PD AV Undergrad Student Application”
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: N/A
Project Description: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, and In-Vehicle information Systems (IVIS), such as blind spot monitors, are new safety features that has potential benefits for driver safety, particularly for older adults or individuals with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In this project, we are evaluating whether individuals with PD have improved driving performance when using ADAS and IVIS technologies in an on-road study. A variety of data (video, vehicle telemetry, experimenter notes) are collected as part of this study. We are looking for students who are interested in helping with the organization, data cleaning, and data analysis of this data to answer human factors questions about ADAS and IVIS usage (i.e., how do individuals with PD benefit from these technologies, how well do individuals with PD understand these systems, and what can we change about the human-machine interface to improve the usability of these systems?). You will learn skills in human factors engineering, statistics, R, Python, computer vision and machine learning as part of this project.

Project Title: Deep learning framework for modeling and predictive analysis of industrial and engineering systems
Departments: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Minhee Kim,mkim3@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: Experiences in machine learning and coding (preferably in Python or R).
Credit: N/A
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Resume , UF unofficial transcripts , Faculty interview. Please email your CV and transcript to mkim3@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: N/A
Website(s): https://sites.google.com/view/mh-kim/minhee-kim
Project Description: This project will explore the development, implementation, and validation of deep learning algorithms for modeling and predictive analysis of various industrial and engineering systems. Here, systems can mean different things, such as manufacturing machines or even human subjects. Based on the targeted applications, unique research challenges will be set, such as heterogeneity or data sparsity. The student will develop, implement and validate the deep learning algorithms in addressing these challenges.

Materials Science and Engineering

Project Title #1: Electrospun Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Josephine Allen, jallen@mse.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2-3 students a term
Prerequisites: None – just an interest in biomedical research
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Josephine Allen, jallen@mse.ufl.edu to schedule an interview
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: allen.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description: Nano fibrous polymer scaffolds created by electrospinning. Project involves both material and biological characterization.

Project Title #2: Aptamer Mediated Differentiation of Adult Stem Cells
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Josephine Allen, jallen@mse.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 student a term
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, letter(s) of recommendation, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Josephine Allen, jallen@mse.ufl.edu to schedule an interview
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: allen.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description: This project involves using aptamer molecules to target specific receptors on vascular stem cells and promote their differentiation. This project will involve culturing stem cells and assessing their differentiation down and endothelial cell pathway.

Project Title: AI-Accelerated Design of Synthesis Routes for Metastable Materials
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Richard Hennig, rhennig@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; about 2 students per term, prefer longer term commitment
Prerequisites: Interest in computational work is required. Knowledge of linux and experience in a programming language such as python is helpful but not required.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $12 per hour up to 10 hours a week; potential University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Richard Hennig, rhennig@ufl.edu, to request an interview. awebb@mse.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Apply Anytime
Website: http://hennig.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description(s): One of the grand challenges in materials science and physics is the control and processing of matter away from equilibrium. An example is the challenge of room-temperature superconductors. The recently discovered high-pressure hydrides have reached the longstanding goal of room temperature superconductivity. However, they are considered useless for technology because they decompose when returned to ambient pressure. Similar problems are encountered with other materials such as magnets and superhard systems. Metastable materials offer a promising way forward. In this project, we will use machine learning methods and genetic algorithms to train models of the energy landscape of materials. We will apply these techniques to search for novel phases, determine their thermodynamic stability, and study their phase transformations. The student will gain experience in machine learning, condensed-matter physics, materials science, and computer simulations.

Project Title #1: ENERGY: Advanced Functional Materials
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Juan Claudio Nino, jnino@mse.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Strong work ethic, independence
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; future stipend depending on initial performance
Application Requirements: Email Prof. Nino at jnino@mse.ufl.edu with statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts, and schedule availability.
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: nrg.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description: Students will work collaboratively with the member of the Nino Research Group on the synthesis and characterization of advanced functional materials for fuel cells, batteries, and related applications.

Project Title #2: Non-Volatile Memory: Advanced Functional Materials
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Juan Claudio Nino, jnino@mse.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Strong work ethic, independence
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; future stipend depending on initial performance
Application Requirements: Email Prof. Nino at jnino@mse.ufl.edu with statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts, and schedule availability.
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: nrg.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description: Students will work collaboratively with the member of the Nino Research Group on the synthesis and characterization of advanced functional materials for non-volatile memory, memristors, and related applications.

Project Title #3: Adsorbent Materials for Water and Soil Remediation
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Juan Claudio Nino, jnino@mse.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Strong work ethic, independence
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; future stipend depending on initial performance
Application Requirements: Email Prof. Nino at jnino@mse.ufl.edu with statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts, and schedule availability.
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: nrg.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description: Students will work collaboratively with the member of the Nino Research Group on the synthesis and characterization of advanced functional materials for the adsoprtion and release of chemicals compounds for the remediation of water, soil, and the environment.

Project Title #1: Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Department: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites: Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume and statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@bme.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/rinaldi/
Project Description: The Rinaldi lab is interested in biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine particle synthesis, modification, and characterization and fundamental understanding of response to magnetic actuation to advance applications in biomedical imaging, therapeutic delivery, and nanoscale thermal therapy. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering.

Project Title #2: Nanoparticle Science and Engineering
Department: Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume and statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@bme.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/rinaldi/
Project Description: The Rinaldi lab has projects in the area of nanoparticle science and engineering. We aim to develop and scale-up methods of nanoparticle synthesis, apply state-of-the-art instrumentation to characterize nanoparticle properties, and explore novel applications of nanoparticles. Current projects focus on ferrite and ceramic particles with magnetic or electronic properties suitable for a wide range of applications.

Project Title: Superhydrophobic Coatings
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Wolfgang Sigmund, sigmund@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring
Student Level: Senior; 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites: Declared engineering major
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email one pdf file of application and resume to Wolfgang Sigmund, sigmund@ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: sigmund.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description(s): We fabricate and test superhydrophobic coatings and characterize them. Such coatings repel water and oil, reduce ice formation and have many more exciting properties.

Project Title #1: Flexible Solar Cells
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jiangeng Xue, jxue@mse.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students a term
Prerequisites: Declared engineering major; MSE major preferred
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars or selected as REM students (Fr./So.) in MSE dept.
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; For Fr./So. applying for the REM program, see MSE academic office (108 RHN); otherwise contact Dr. Xue directly by emailing one pdf file with all application requirements to Jiangeng Xue, jxue@mse.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Nov. 15 for REM otherwise March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: http://xue.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description(s): Flexible solar cells based on organic electronic materials have the potential to drastically reduce the manufacturing and installation costs for solar cells, thus making solar electricity competitive against conventional fossil-fuel based electricity generation. In this project, we will develop new organic semiconductors to improve the power conversion efficiency of the organic solar cells.

Project Title #2: Quantum Dots for Lighting and Displays
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jiangeng Xue, jxue@mse.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 Junior and 1 Senior per term
Prerequisites: Declared MSE major
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Jiangeng Xue, jxue@mse.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: http://xue.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description(s): Colloidal quantum dots have unique size-dependent optical properties. In this project, we are interested in developing tailored quantum dots to produce high-performance light-emitting devices (LEDs) for lighting and display applications.

Project Title: Modeling the co-evolution of microstructure and properties
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Michael Tonks, michael.tonks@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior or Senior; 1-4 students a term
Prerequisites: Declared engineering major and EMA 3010: Materials
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, letter(s) of recommendation, statement of research interest, and faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to schedule an interview with Michael Tonks, michael.tonks@ufl.edu.
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Website: n/a
Project Description(s): The microstructure of materials in harsh environments evolve over time, causing their performance to degrade. We model the evolution and resultant degradation to make better predictions of the engineering-scale performance and to design optimal materials. Application Examples: Nuclear reactor fuel, Nuclear rocket fuel, Thermal tiles for atmospheric entry, Corrosion prevention, material fabrication, anti-fouling for ship beds.

Project Title: Designing for fast Li-ion transport for battery materials
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Megan Butala; mbutala@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior; 2 Students
Prerequisites: Materials, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering majors
Credit: 1 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: Varies
Application Requirements: Resume, Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Research Interest, Faculty Interview; Email resume and description of experience and interest to Dr. Butala, mbutala@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: N/A
Project Description(s): A research student will support group efforts in making, characterizing, and testing new battery materials. This will involve solid state and chemical synthesis, using and analyzing X-ray diffraction data, and building and testing battery behavior.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Project Title: New Classes of Fluid Instabilities in 3D Printing of Soft Matter
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Thomas E. Angelini, t.e.angelini@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Tapomoy Bhattacharjee, tapomoy@ufl.edu, Christopher O’Bryan, csobryan@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: none
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file of your application materials to Thomas E. Angelini, t.e.angelini@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: http://plaza.ufl.edu/t.e.angelini/people.html
Project Description: Technology for 3D printing with hard materials is in a very mature state; hobbyists can 3D print hard thermoplastics with high precision at low costs. Many important applications in medicine require the use of soft materials, like hydrogels and elastomers, which have the feel of Jell-O or soft rubber. The recent invention of a soft matter 3D printing technique at the University of Florida has opened the door to 3D printing precise objects made from soft matter. However, the new combinations of complex soft materials involved in this 3D printing technique have generated unanticipated fluid instabilities. The physical principles that control these instabilities have not yet been determined, limiting the ability to advance the technology.

Project Title: Center for Compressible Multiphase Turbulence
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Sivaramakrishnan “Bala” Balachandar, bala1s@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: Fluid Mechanics, >3.80 GPA
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $10 per hour up to 10 hours per week
Application Requirements: Basic online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to bala1s@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: none
Website: https://www.eng.ufl.edu/ccmt/
Project Description: Center for Compressible Multiphase Turbulence (CCMT) is one of the six new PSAAP-II centers of excellence whose primary focus will be on the emerging field of predictive science The intellectual objectives of the proposed work are To radically advance the field of compressible multiphase turbulence (CMT) through rigorous physics-based understanding and To advance very large-scale predictive simulation science on present and near-future platforms. We are looking for outstanding undergraduate students interested in fluid mechanics and large scale modeling and simulations.

Project Title: Understanding the Physics of Heat Transfer Using Atomistic Simulation
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Youping Chen, ypchen2@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Spring
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Calculus II, Thermodynamics, Computer Programming
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to ypchen2@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www2.mae.ufl.edu/chenlab/
Project Description: Advances in time-resolved experimental studies of phonon transport have opened a new realm of phenomena and posed a great challenge for the simulation community to interpret the experiments. This project uses atomistic and multiscale simulation methods to simulate, visualize, and predict phonon transport processes and phenomena in nonmetal materials.

Project Title: Development of Autonomous Mobile Agents (Robots)
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carl Crane; ccrane@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 5-15 students per semester
Prerequisites: A desire to learn and work with others
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Faculty interview; visit Dr. Crane at MAE-B 326
Application Deadline: None
Website: www.mil.ufl.edu
Project Description: CIMAR and MIL provide cross-disciplinary synergistic environment dedicated to the study and development of intelligent, autonomous robots. We conduct research in the theory and realization of autonomous mobile agents covering topics such as machine learning, real-time sensor integration (including computer vision, LADAR, sonar, radar, IMU, etc.), optimization, and control. Applications of MIL research (that have produced functioning robots) include autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), autonomous water surface vehicles (ASVs), autonomous land vehicles (ALVs), and autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs).

Project Title: Device fabrication for microfluidic studies and applications
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Hugh Fan, hfan@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): PhD Students or Postdocs
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore or Juniors, 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: University Scholars, REU, SURF, or others
Application Requirements: resume, unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; a brief email stating your research interest, with attached resume and unofficial transcript, to hfan@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Anytime, generally at the beginning of the semester
Website: https://mae.ufl.edu/hfan/
Project Description: Microfluidics and BioMEMS lab involves (1) the fabrication of microdevices using semiconductor fabrication approaches and both traditional (e.g., molding) and nontraditional (e.g. printing) manufacturing processes; (2) the study of fluid behavior in the micro-scale, including flow controls, mixing, and simulation; or (3) the applications of microfluidic devices, including chemical analysis, environmental, and biomedical applications. You will be paired with a PhD student, working on a project related to your interest and lab needs.

Project Title #1: Surface Finishing of Medical Components Made with Direct Metal Laser Sintering
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Hitomi Greenslet, hitomiy@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): none
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1 student a term
Prerequisites: Mechanics of Materials, Materials, Design and Manufacturing Laboratory
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email one PDF file with all application requirements to Hitomi Greenslet, hitomiy@ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: None
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/non-traditional-manufacturing-laboratory/
Project Description: Additive manufacturing technology enables the manufacture of complex-shaped components. Selective laser melting (SLM) attracts a high level of interest in medical and aerospace industry because of the process capability and flexibility. This project involves polishing metallic components made using SLM and studying the polishing characteristics.

Project Title #2: Interaction Between Needle Surfaces and Tissues During Biopsy
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Hitomi Greenslet, hitomiy@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): none
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1 student a term
Prerequisites: Mechanics of Materials, Design and Manufacturing Laboratory
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email one PDF file with all application requirements to Hitomi Greenslet, hitomiy@ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: None
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/non-traditional-manufacturing-laboratory/
Project Description: Needle-biopsy procedures are used to extract tissue samples for cancer diagnosis. This project aims to clarify the mechanism that determines the needle-insertion force by analyzing the interaction between the needle surface and the tissue during the biopsy using a newly developed coaxial needle biopsy system called the Aspiration-Assisted End-Cut Coaxial Needle Biopsy System.

Project Title #1: Machining of Advanced Engineering Materials
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Yong Huang, yongh@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD per research topics
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; Up to 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: N/A
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; future stipend depending on initial performance
Application Requirements: Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Yong Huang, yongh@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Best before the end of preceding semester or within the first two weeks of each semester
Website: http://plaza.ufl.edu/yongh/
Project Description: Machining, in particular, turning is the most versatile material removal process. At the Florida Advanced Manufacturing and System Integration Lab, we are particularly interested in 1) machining of advanced engineering materials such as 3D printed metals, and 2) study of chip formation process during turning using high speed imaging. Each student may study one of the above topics.

Project Title #2: Process and Material Development for 3D Printing Applications
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Yong Huang, yongh@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD per research topics
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; Up to 4 students per semester
Prerequisites: N/A
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; future stipend depending on initial performance
Application Requirements: Resume, Statement of research interest, Faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Yong Huang, yongh@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Best before the end of preceding semester or within the first two weeks of each semester
Website: http://plaza.ufl.edu/yongh/
Project Description: Additive manufacturing (AM), the process of joining materials to make objects from three-dimensional (3D) model data, usually layer by layer, is distinctly a different form and has many advantages over traditional manufacturing processes. Commonly known as “3D printing,” AM provides a cost-effective and time-efficient way to produce low-volume, customized products with complicated geometries and advanced material properties and functionality. At the Florida Advanced Manufacturing and System Integration Lab, our AM/3D printing interest includes: 1) printing process automation (for intersecting jets printing or laser-induced forward transfer), 2) material development for the printing of engineering structures and biological constructs, and 3) organ-on-a-chip development using 3D printing. Each student may study one of the above topics.

Project Title: Biological Control Systems
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Amor Menezes, amormenezes@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Project-Dependent
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Interest in Robotics/Mathematics/Biology/Space
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Explanation of student interest in a single project area that is described on the SYBORGS lab website, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file of your application materials to Dr. Amor Menezes, amormenezes@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: None
Website: https://syborgs.mae.ufl.edu/
Project Description: Talented and capable undergraduate students are always sought to help realize SYBORGS, which are SYstems/SYnthetic Biological Optimization, Regulation, or Generation Systems. The SYBORGS lab engineers novel regulation and autonomy into biological processes for medical and science applications. We use modeling, system identification, control, and optimization methods to address open problems in the fields of systems biology and synthetic biology, thereby developing robotic biological systems (cybernetic organisms or cyborgs). We have four active project areas: (1) coagulation control; (2) evolutionary processes; (3) genetic control modules; and (4) space synthetic biology.

Project Title #1: Graphene Oxide Nano-laminates for Energy, Water Filtration and Biomedical Applications
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Saeed Moghaddam, saeedmog@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Richard Rode, rpr2@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Senior; 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $500 per semester
Application Requirements: Resume, letter(s) of recommendation, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Saeed Moghaddam, saeedmog@ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://web.mae.ufl.edu/saeedmog/
Project Description: We have recently developed a very comprehensive understanding about the transport characteristics of species through graphene oxide (GO) laminates. Our results (e.g. Paneri and Moghaddam, Carbon, 2015) suggest that GO laminates have exceptional transport properties and can be very suitable for energy, water filtration and biomedical applications. Under this research, we evaluate the effect of different synthesis conditions on membrane characteristics.

Project Title #2: Impact of Micro- and Nano-textured Surfaces on Physics of Heat and Mass Transfer in Microchannel Flow Boiling Process
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Saeed Moghaddam, saeedmog@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Abdy Fazeli, abfazeli@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Senior; 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $500 per semester
Application Requirements: Resume, letter(s) of recommendation, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to request an interview to Saeed Moghaddam, saeedmog@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://web.mae.ufl.edu/saeedmog/
Project Description: In this research, a new measurement approach in utilized to understand the physics of different microscale heat transfer mechanisms involved in flow boiling in microchannels and to measure their relative contributions to the overall surface heat transfer. Such knowledge is essential to advancing the science and technology of compact and high performance two-phase flow heat sinks for applications such as cooling high performance electronics. The measurement approach involves a high-resolution measurement of the thermal field (temperature and heat flux) at the fluid-solid interface in microchannels. The unique aspect of the measurement approach (Bigham and Moghaddam, Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer, 2015 and Bigham and Moghaddam, Applied Physics Letters, 2015) is the implementation of a composite wall with embedded micro-sensors that allow the surface heat flux to be determined. The thermal field measurements are synchronized with the high-speed imaging of bubbles as well as the thickness of the liquid film formed between the vapor and solid phases. The laser interferometry method is utilized in measuring the liquid film thickness.

Project Title #3: Nanostructured Graphene Oxide Based Electrolyzer for Renewable Energy Storage
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Saeed Moghaddam, saeedmog@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Richard Rode, rpr2@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Senior; 1 students per semester
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, letter(s) of recommendation, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to request an interview to Saeed Moghaddam, saeedmog@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://web.mae.ufl.edu/saeedmog/
Project Description: In this research, a graphene oxide laminate developed in Nanostructured Energy Systems (NES) Laboratories will be utilized to develop the next generation electrolyzer membrane electrode assembly for H2 production. This high efficiency system allows to store intermittent solar and wind energies to H2 fuel.

Project Title #4: Wearable Kidney System Design and Fabrication
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Saeed Moghaddam, saeedmog@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Richard Rode, rpr2@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Senior; 2 students per semester
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $500 per semester
Application Requirements: Resume, letter(s) of recommendation, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Saeed Moghaddam, saeedmog@ufl.edu to request an interview
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://web.mae.ufl.edu/saeedmog/
Project Description: Under an NIH project, we have developed nanoengineered membranes that promise to transform dialysis systems reducing their size from a large cabinet to a device that can fit in palm of hand. We are currently in the system design, fabrication and testing stage and can benefit from talented students with great interest in nanoscience, microfluidic, multiphase flow and flow systems engineering.

Project Title: Drug Delivery and Fluid Flows in the Brain
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Malisa Sarntinoranont, msarnt@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Magdoom Kulam, mkulam@ufl.edu, or Julan Rey, jrey1009@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Mechanics of Materials or Fluid Mechanics
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars; will assist with process
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email your resume to Malisa Sarntinoranont, msarnt@ufl.edu and drop by my office hours
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: http://web.mae.ufl.edu/~msarnt/
Project Description: The brain is buoyant within and surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid has similar properties to water, protects the brain from impacts, and acts to transport molecules into and out of the brain. In the fields of Alzheimer’s disease and sleep, there is increasing interest in how interior brain flows contribute to drug delivery and waste clearance into cerebrospinal fluid. Student projects will focus on some aspect of delivering drugs through interior flows or investigating the role of brain pulsations on flows. Computational models of the brain are developed from magnetic resonance images. Experimental models are developed with hydrogels. Students can focus on either computational or experimental studies. Since tissue flows are too slow to be measured non-invasively, these studies will provide one way to better understand the physics driving flows and drug delivery.

Project Title: Flow Analysis in a Mach 6 Inlet
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Corin Segal, cor@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall
Student Level: Senior, 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Thermodynamics
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Faculty interview; email expressing your interest to Corin Segal, cor@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: None
Website: None
Project Description: This project will use Solidworks Flow package to analyze the 3-D flowfield inside a generic hypersonic inlet at Mach 6. angle of attack effects will also be evaluated. The purpose of the project is educational to introduce undergraduate students to aspects of internal compressible flow.

Project Title: Atomistic Simulation of High Rate Behavior of Materials
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Douglas Spearot, dspearot@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): none
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites: Core courses in Materials, Engineering Mechanics and Mechanics of Materials; programming experience is highly useful
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: resume, faculty interview; email resume to Douglas Spearot, dspearot@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://web.mae.ufl.edu/~dspearot
Project Description: Atomistic simulation is a computational technique used to study the mechanical behavior of materials with atomic scale resolution. This project involves an analysis of dislocations and grain boundaries in metallic materials under high-rate loading conditions.

Project Title: Cancer Mechanics, Imaging, and Nanotechnology
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Xin Tang, xin.tang@ufl.edu, PI of Integrative Mechanobiology Laboratory
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Duy Nguyen, nguyenduy2308@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file of your application materials to Dr. Xin Tang, xin.tang@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website: http://www.mae.ufl.edu/node/1256
Project Description: Our interdisciplinary projects with focus on cancer research are at the interface of mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. We aim to train the next generation of leaders in mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and biophysics. We combine quantitative fluorescent imaging, nanofabrication, electrophysiology, computational modeling, and genome editing tools to tackle important problems in cancer, but also have other available projects towards other human diseases, including cardiovascular malfunction, tissue regeneration, and brain disorders. We apply our discoveries to developing of innovative technologies and medicines to improve human health.

Project Title: Examination of the Dynamics of Large Scale Structures in Turbulent Shear Layers and Their Control
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Lawrence Ukeiley, ukeiley@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites: Preference given to MAE students interested in graduate school who have taken Fluid Mechanics or Aerodynamics
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, Faculty interview; email one pdf file of your application materials to Lawrence Ukeiley, ukeiley@ufl.edu to request and interview
Application Deadline: N/A
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/unsteady-fluid-dynamics-group/
Project Description: Examination of turbulent shear layer flow to understand how the dynamics of large scale structures can generate detrimental characteristics like noise and drag. Experimental studies augmented with the development of reduced order modeling of the turbulent flows. Applications can include free shear layers such as jets and cavities of bounded shear layers such as high Re turbulent boundary layers. Experimental efforts will involve particle based optical diagnostic techniques and analysis involves stochastic and probabilistic techniques such as Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Stochastic Estimation among others.

Project Title #1: Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Department: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites: Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume and statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/rinaldi/
Project Description: The Rinaldi lab is interested in biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine particle synthesis, modification, and characterization and fundamental understanding of response to magnetic actuation to advance applications in biomedical imaging, therapeutic delivery, and nanoscale thermal therapy. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering. Current efforts focus on developing tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI), an exciting new biomedical imaging modality that allows for non-invasive, unambiguous, and quantitative imaging of the in vivo distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle tracers. This research involves nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, cell culture, animal studies, image analysis, 3D printing, and computer programming. Students interested in any of these aspects are encouraged to apply.

Project Title: Bio-nanotechnology for Medical and Environmental Applications
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jing Pan, jingpan@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Samantha Harris (harris.samantha@ufl.edu)
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior; up to 2 students per term
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Please send application materials through email to Dr. Pan. In your email, please also state your research interests and how you envision your interests align with the lab’s research
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: www.pan.group
Project Description: Undergraduate research positions are available under the broad topic of molecular/nanorobotics and bio-inspired diagnostics/therapeutics. In the Pan Lab, we aim to create and program molecular robots using biopolymers and nano-materials. We use the most state-of-the-art tools, such as computational microscopy and next-generation sequencing, to study these tiny machines and robots. We currently have projects focusing on DNA-encoded molecular robots, synthetic minimal cells, and real-time sensor platforms for health monitoring. All projects in our lab involve wet-lab experiments, advanced imaging, statistical analysis, and stochastic modeling. The outcome of the projects will be translational to applications in healthcare, the environment, and agriculture. You will learn knowledge and skills in molecular programming, optical instrumentation, biophysics, biochemistry, and medical technology.

Project Title: Operation and Control of Experimental Mechanics in Tribology
Departments: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentors: Alison Dunn,alisn@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2-4 students per term
Prerequisites: Declared engineering major, demonstrated self-starter
Credit: N/A
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars; will assist with process
Application Requirements: Resume, Faculty interview, contact Prof. Dunn
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline
Website(s): https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/bio-materials-tribology-laboratory/
Project Description: Surface contact and sliding performance are often influenced by the properties of the materials in contact. In this project, students can help tailor instrumentation to measure friction appropriately for the materials of interest such as soft gels, metals, or ceramics. Tasks can include component design, hardware/software integration and control of motors, and GUI interface design using Python.

Nuclear Engineering Sciences

Project Title: Backscatter Radiography for Non-Destructive Examination
Department: Nuclear Engineering Sciences
Faculty Mentor: James Baciak, jebaciak@mse.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Shuang Cui, cuishuang413@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: The undergraduate student must be willing to take the University of Florida’s radiation safety course, and be willing to work in the Surge Area. Student should be in Nuclear Engineering Program, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Information Science and Engineering.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $10/hr up to 8 hrs/wk; can be increased through University Scholars Program
Application Requirements: resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email pdf file to Jim Baciak, jebaciak@mse.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: n/a
Project Description: In this project, students will develop the use of backscatter x-ray radiography as a non-destructive examination technique for the identification of flaws and features in materials and components. The undergraduate student selected for this project will work with a PhD student to acquire data, generate images, and identify any features of interest in the images. The student may also get involved with computational modeling and radiation transport simulations associated with the project.

Project Title: Chemical Interaction Between FeCrAl Cladding and Fission Products
Department: Nuclear Engineering Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Yong Yang, yongyang@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Summer
Student Level: Junior, 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: With a good understanding on materials science basis.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: $500 per semester
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts; one pdf file with all application requirements to Colin Paulbeck, cpaulbeck@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms
Website: n/a
Project Description: This project is aimed to find out whether FeCrAl is subject to the chemical attack from iodine and cesium during a normal reactor operation.

Project Title: National and Nuclear Security
Department: Nuclear Engineering Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Hartig, kyle.hartig@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Emily Kwapis, Kyle Latty, James Totten
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 Students Per Term
Prerequisites: Some programming experience in addition to completion of calculus, physics, and chemistry courses that are commonly pre-requisites for higher-level science and engineering courses.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: May be paid $15 an hour for up to 10 hours a week
Application Requirements: Email resume and short statement of interest to kyle.hartig@ufl.edu for screening and setting up an interview.
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: Rolling deadline until positions are filled.
Project Description: Unlike many groups on campus in which undergraduate researchers are expected to contribute to an on-going project, if you decide to do research with me, you will have the opportunity to lead your own project that you will conduct with my tutelage/assistance/encouragement/interference. If you so choose, you may be partnered with a graduate student on an existing project that will allow you to gain experience with the research process and build skills necessary to lead a successful individual effort.

Students participating in research in my group will have the unique opportunity to perform research in support of national and nuclear security and interact directly with federal agency sponsors as well as national laboratory and government agency stakeholders. As a member of my group, you will have the opportunity to leverage my groups connections and success to achieve your education and career goals.

Drone-based radiation detection: Under a Department of Defense grant we are developing a student grand-challenge (competition) related to radionuclide plume tracking. To enable this challenge, we are developing a radiation detection system that will be ultimately be implemented on a drone platform for detection, characterizing and tracking the radionuclide plume released by the University of Florida Training Reactor (UFTR). Students on this project will get experience in radiation detection, drones, system integration, electronics, data acquisition, machine learning, and research collaboration among many others.

Special projects: As stated earlier, students working in the group are more than welcome to lead their own effort and several existing ideas exist that you may be interested in leading.
Sensor fusion – Fusing of multiple sensors for extracting features of interests and anomalies.
Optical sensing – Analysis of spectra using machine learning and ab initio modeling.
Detonation modeling – Assisting in a collaboration with MAE Department on laser produced plasma modeling and simulation.