Last semester, during a largely remote learning environment, the College of Engineering and Computing’s (CEC) Dr. Kumar Singh started hosting faculty research seminars to engage colleagues with one another. 

In the fall, Dr. Singh, a professor in the department of mechanical and manufacturing engineering and director of the CEC’s graduate programs and research, helped identify thematic focus areas in an effort to organize the speakers at the seminars. 

Some of these areas, which include faculty from various CEC departments, include: 

• Advanced Communications and Networks
• AI and Machine Learning  
• Assistive Technology
• Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
• Engineered Advanced Materials
• Future of Manufacturing
• Robotics, Automation, and Control

A typical seminar hosts four faculty members, each with about eight minutes to present an elevator-pitch of their research. At the end of the presentations, the remaining time is open for the audience to ask questions or to discuss some of the research on a higher level. 

One of the main goals of these sessions, Dr. Singh said, is to promote a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment through the exchange of ideas among faculty. 

“We wanted to [create] a forum where faculty can come and share what they’re doing …” Dr. Singh said. “[So] when the other faculty joins these seminars, they think about, ‘Okay, what are the ways to collaborate?’”

CEC Dean Beena Sukumaran and Dr. Alicia Knoedler, new vice president for research and innovation at Miami, also attended the event. 

So far, there have been four different seminars, covering AI and Machine Learning, Engineered Advanced Materials, Future of Manufacturing, and Advanced Communications and Networks. The topics ranged from internet of things (IoT), 3D printing of biomaterials, nanotribology and mobile networking and cybersecurity. 

Because of COVID-19, all of the seminars have taken place virtually. 

To finish out the spring 2021 semester, Dr. Singh hopes to host two more seminars, one in late March and one in April. 

You can attend the next seminar on Assistive Technology on Tuesday, March 30 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Contact Dr. Singh at singhkv@miamioh.edu for a link to the seminar.

By Maggie Peña, CEC Reporter