Younger Members

EMI Student Competition Winners

• 2026 Winners

  Computational Mechanics Student Paper Competition

  1st Place
  Development of Surrogate Models for Predicting Thermal and Mechanical Responses in Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum Plates
  Surendra Bhatta, University of Connecticut

  2nd Place
  Damage Mechanics of Hafnia-Silica Nanolaminate Coatings Under Extreme Conditions
  Fariha Haque, The Ohio State University

  3rd Place
  Extended Finite Element Method for Buckling Analysis of Folded Plate Structures
  Athanasios Zisimos, Columbia University

  Distinguished Finalist
  Beyond Scalar Surrogates: High-Dimensional and Spatially Explicit Reliability Assessment of Transmission Towers via Graph Neural Networks
  Mazin Al-Mahrouqi, The Ohio State University
  

  Distinguished Finalist
  A Nonlinear Finite Element Framework for Dynamic Thin-Film Lubrication Modeling
  Spencer Otero, Brigham Young University

  Dynamics Student Paper Competition

  1st Place
  Fall Risk Estimation through Footstep-Induced Floor Vibrations
  Adem Taiyr, Stanford University

  2nd Place
  Residual Basis Unscented Kalman Filter (RB-UKF): Hybrid Residual Learning for Unscented Kalman Filters
  Shayan Mazloom, The Ohio State University

  3rd Place
  Enhanced Matrix Interpolation for Dynamic Analysis of Metamaterials
  Jesús Pereira, Univ. of Michigan–Dearborn

  Experimental Analysis and Instrumentation Paper Competition

  1st Place
  Hybrid Experimental-Computational Framework for Modeling Deployable Ground Anchors
  Khuzaima Hummad, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  2nd Place
  Real-time Adaptive Control for Robotic Construction 3D Printing
  Muhammad Arslan, University of Houston

  3rd Place
  Phase-Minimized Adaptive Filtering Framework for Real-Time Hybrid Simulations
  Minyeop Kim, Seoul National University

  Fluid Dynamics Committee Student Paper Competition

  1st Place
  Experimental Study of Compact Debris Flight Under Varying Turbulence Characteristics and Building Configurations
  Kimia Yousefi Anarak, Colorado State University

  2nd Place
  LES-Based Modeling of a 15-MW Floating Wind Turbine Exposed to Non-Stationary Hurricane Winds
  Hossein Babaei, Louisiana State University

  3rd Place
  Modeling the Influence of Real-World Upstream Morphometry on Site-Specific Wind Gust Structures
  Muhammad Ammar Hussain Siddiqi, Florida State University

  Finalist
  Baoheng Li, Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo

  Finalist
  Arezoo Bakhshizadeh, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering

  Granular Materials Student Video Competition

  Computational - 1st Place
  High-performance, high-precision Ray-Tracing Immersed Moving Boundary Method for Arbitrarily-Shaped Particles in LBM-DEM
  Yecheng Qian, Tsinghua University

  Experimental - 1st Place
  Highly stretchable and tough Pantograph-inspired Lattice metamaterials
  Mohammad Hodeai, Tennessee State University

  Theoretical - 1st Place
  A Micromechanics-based Hyperelastic Framework for Adaptive Elastic Anisotropy of Granular Materials with General Particle Shapes
  Hongwei Wu, Northwestern University

  Machine Learning in Mechanics Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  ϕ−DeepONet: A Discontinuity Capturing Neural Operator
  Sumanta Roy, Johns Hopkins University

  Winner
  Microstructure informed data-driven damage model for ductile materials under dynamic loading conditions
  Indrashish Saha, Johns Hopkins University

  Modeling Inelasticity and Multiscale Behavior Committee Student Competition

  1st Place
  Homogenization of 2D networks
  Angelina Shen, Columbia University

  2nd Place
  Habiba Eldababy, NYU Tandon School of Engineering

  3rd Place
  Hooman Dadras, University of Colorado Boulder

  Objective Resilience Student Paper/Presentation Competition

  1st Place
  Scalable and Physics-Aware Graph-Based Surrogate Modeling for Regional Storm Surge Hazard Estimation
  Parisa Toofani Movaghar, University of Notre Dame

  2nd Place
  Topology-Aware Power Flow Prediction for Grid Resilience Under N-1 Contingencies
  Wenwen Han, University of Southern California

  3rd Place
  Field-Calibrated Reliability and Resilience Framework for Tornado Design of Residential Buildings
  Pramodit Adhikari, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

  Poromechanics Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  I-FENN: An Integrated Finite Element Neural Network Framework with DeepONets for Large-Scale Coupled Multiphysics Simulations
  Fouad M. Amin, New York University

  Runner-Up
  Multiscale analysis of volumetric deformation behaviour of plastic clays in the context of geological disposal of radioactive waste
  Vidushi Toshniwal, Delft University of Technology

  Runner-Up
  Origin, General Definition, and Implications of Cryosuction in Frozen Soil
  Lingyun Gou, University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Probabilistic Methods Committee Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  Operatorial Stochastic Dynamics for Efficient Time-Dependent Uncertainty Propagation and Reliability Analysis in Nonlinear Systems
  João Gabriel C. S. Duarte, University of Minnesota

  Properties of Materials Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  Effective mechanical properties of foam concrete transitioning from continuous matrix to cellular microstructure
  Xinhuan Deng, Columbia University

  Runner-Up
  Computational Investigation of Pull-Out Behavior of Steel Fibers Embedded in UltraHigh-Performance Concrete
  Seda Mursel, University of Texas at Austin

  Structural Health Monitoring and Control Committee Student Paper Competition

  1st Place
  Observing Shock Waves generated by the High-Speed Rail passing Tunnel through Telecommunication Optical Fiber Cables
  Jatin Aggarwal, Stanford University

  2nd Place
  Monitoring Method for a Spread Footing Foundation Using Embedded Crossed Long-Gauge Sensors
  Yitian Liang, Princeton University

  3rd Place
  Complexity-Aware Curriculum Learning with Iterative Annotation and Refinement for Damage Segmentation
  Vahidreza Gharehbaghi, University of Kansas

  Structural Stability Student Paper Competition

  1st Place
  Nonlinear analysis of steel deck diaphragms using the instantaneous center method and geometry specific fasterner models
  Firaol Fekadu, Washington State University

  2nd Place
  Structural stability considerations of a tensegrity structure with shape morphing capabilities from an octahedron to a tetrahedron
  Lukas Lehmann, OTH Regensburg, Department of Mechanical Engineering

• 2025 Winners

  Congratulations to the EMI 2025 Student Competition Winners. Students received their certificates at the Student Awards Ceremony, held at EMI 2025 on Thursday May 29th in Anaheim, CA.

  EMI Computational Mechanics Student Paper Competition

  First Place
  “Machine Learning-Assisted Multi-Time-Step Coupling Methods in Structural Dynamics”
  Sunbeom Kwon, Purdue University

  Second Place
  “Multi-stage calibration framework for continuum damage mechanics models”
  Roshan Philip Saji, New York University

  Third Place
  “Coupled Lattice Discrete Particle Model for simulating chloride transport in cracked concrete members"”
  Yingbo Zhu, University of Pittsburgh

  Finalist
  “Multimaterial topology optimization of elastoplastic composite structures”
  Yingqi Jia, University of Illinois

  Finalist
  "Efficient Analysis of Cracked Beams using a global-local XFEM approach”"
  Gopal Agrawal, Columbia University

  EMI Dynamics Student Paper Competition

  First Place
  “Accelerated Dynamic Response Computation in Metamaterials via Parametric Reduced Order Models”
  Jesus Pereira, University of Michigan

  Second Place
  “Survival probability determination of multi-degree-of-freedom oscillators with fractional derivatives and subject to non-stationary excitation”
  Joao Gabriel C. S. Duarte, University of Minnesota

  Third Place
  “Unmasking noise bias in finite element model updating: Bayesian inference for joint parameter-input-noise estimation”
  Abdelrahman Taha, University of Nevada

  EMI Fluid Dynamics Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  "Machine Learning-Based Optimization for Enhancing Aerodynamic Performance of Multi-Row Ground-Mounted Solar Trackers"
  Pejman Fatehi, Colorado State University

  EMI Granular Materials Technical Committee Student Paper Competition

  First Place (Experimental)
  “Rapid Compaction in Granular Materials - In-situ Experiments and Mesoscale Modeling”
  Sohanjit Ghosh, Johns Hopkins University

  First Place (Theoretical)
  “Generalized Granular Micromechanics Approach to Predict Performance of Particulate Products”
  Abhinav Ramkumar, Purdue University

  EMI Machine Learning in Mechanics Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  “Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models for Predicting Pixel-Wise Uncertainty in Full-Field Material Response”
  Purna Vindhya Kota, John Hopkins University

  Winner
  “Conditional Generative Models for Data Assimilation of Dynamical Systems”
  Brianna Binder, University of Southern California

  EMI Modeling Inelasticity and Multiscale Behavior Student Paper Competition

  First Place
  “Modeling the Swelling-Shrinkage-Swelling Response of Mesoporous Materials from Vacuum Dry to Full Liquid Saturation”
  Mohammadali Behboodi, University of Colorado Boulder

  Runner-Up
  “Homogenization of Viscoelastic Composite with Spherical Inclusions under Harmonic Excitation”
  Jinming Zhang, Columbia University

  Runner-Up
  “A General Acceleration Scheme for Localizing Gradient Damage Modeling”
  Shqipron Shala, Columbia University

  EMI Objective Resilience Student Paper Competition

  First Place
  “A Novel Framework for Detecting Disaster-Induced Power Outages Globally via Satellite Observations and Physics-Guided AI”
  Prateek Arora, New York University

  Second Place
  “Collective Emotional Response to Hazards: A Statistical Physics Perspective for Human-Centric Community Resilience”
  Xiaolei Chu, University of California, Berkeley

  Third Place
  “Uncertainty-Aware Fragility Modeling of Urban Building Exteriors Subjected to Hurricane-induced Windborne Debris with Conditional Generative Adversarial Nets”
  Ziluo Xiong, Colorado State University

  EMI Poromechanics Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  “Impact Cratering in Sandstones: Effect of Porosity and Atmospheric Pressure”
  Shachi Singh, Johns Hopkins University

  Winner
  “Multiscale 3D characterization of the hierarchical porous structure in SBA-15”
  SeoYoung Ahn, The University of Utah

  EMI Probabilistic Methods Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  “Multi-resolution Score-Based Variational Graphical Diffusion for Causal Disaster System Modeling and Inference”
  Xuechun Li, Johns Hopkins University

  Winner
  “Multi-fidelity Stratified Sampling with Adaptive Backpropagation Transfer Learning for Small Probability Estimation under Rare Events”
  Liuyun Xu, University of Michigan

  EMI Properties of Materials Student Paper Competition

  First Place
  “Particle Packing Factor (PPF) - A Novel Parameter for Systematic Refinement of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) Microstructure and Properties”
  Bayezid Baten, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  Second Place
  “Strain Localization and Damage Mechanics in Copper: A Combined Experimental and Numerical Study”
  Amin Tabaei, Louisiana State University

  Third Place
  “Thermoelectric Properties of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers: Exploring Ionic and Electronic-based thermoelectricity”
  Jeon Sangbum, Nanyang Technological University

  EMI Structural Health Monitoring and Control Student Paper Competition

  First Place
  “Vibration-based Damage Assessment Enhanced by Integrating Deep Support Vector Description with Convolutional Autoencoder”
  Soyeon Park, Seoul National University

  Second Place
  “Damage Classification of Deployable Origami Structure Using Supervised Machine Learning”
  Angshuman C Baruah, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Third Place
  “Automated Text and Defect Detection in Radiographic Images of Pipeline Welds: A Noise-Robust Approach for Enhanced Inspection”
  Abhishek Subedi, Purdue University

  EMI Structural Stability Committee Student Paper Competition

  First Place
  “The Effect of Lateral Restraining Plate Width on the Experimental Lateral Torsional Buckling Loads of Simple Beams with Arbitrary Layups”
  Mohammad S. Bani Hani, Kansas State University

  Second Place
  “FORCE STABLE RECONFIGURABLE TRUSS STRUCTURES USING QUADRILATERAL LINKAGE PRINCIPLES”
  Hardik Y. Patil, University of Michigan

   

   

• 2024 Winners

  Congratulations to all the winners of the EMI student competitions. Winners were recognized at the Student Awards Ceremony held on May 30th during the EMI/PMC 2024 Conference at Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL , May 28-May 31, 2024.

  EMI Computational Mechanics Student Poster Competition

  1st
  Yuxiang Gao
  Vanderbilt University
  "CNN-based Surrogate for the Phase Field Fracture Model and Its Application in Inverse Design of Composite Materials"

  2nd
  Mohamed Habeebulla Khazi
  University of Texas at Austin
  "Topological Optimization of Metamaterials for Wave Control"

  3rd Place
  Elaheh Mehdizadeh
  University of Pittsburg
  "A Shape-based Computational Approach for In Vivo Cardiac Tissue Property Estimation from Clinical Imaging Data"

  3rd Place
  Zhi Zhao
  University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
  "Architected Magnetic Soft Materials via Topology Optimization"

  EMI Dynamics Student Competition

  1st
  Jia-Xin Zhu
  Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  "Equivalent formulation and EM technique for Bayesian two-stage structural system identification with model error"

  2nd
  Anna Arcaro
  University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
  "Detection and localization of internal damage in sealed spent nuclear fuel canisters using a multi-task convolutional neural network (CNN)"

  EMI Elasticity Student Paper Competition

  Winner
  Guowei Wayne Tu
  University of Michigan
  "Origami of multi-layered spaced sheets"

  Winner
  Jinchen Xie
  Stanford University
  "Nanoscale Cylindrical Defects in Flexoelectric Solids"
  

  EMI Granular Materials Student Video Competition

  Winner-Experimental
  Aizhan Zhakupova
  University of Houston
  "Understanding the Controls of the Transient Friction of Granular Materials"

  Winner-Theoretical
  Shubjot Singh
  Northwestern University
  "Effect of Particle Shape on the Elastic Anisotropy of Granular Materials Theoretical"

  EMI Modeling Inelasticity & Multiscale Behavior (MIMB) Student Competition

  1st
  Guangyuan Yang
  National University of Singapore
  "A Localizing Gradient Damage Model for the Dynamic Fracture of Quasi-brittle Materials and its simple implementation in ABAQUS"

  1st Runner-Up
  Yanrong Xiao
  Johns Hopkins University
  "Uncertainty Quantified Parametrically Upscaled Continuum Damage Mechanics (UQ-PUCDM) model: Multiscale Analysis of Unidirectional Composites with Physics Infused Machine Learning Strategy via Uncertainty Quantification"

  Second Runner-Up 
  Shqipron Shala
  Columbia University
  "A three-dimensional anisotropic localizing gradient damage model for transversely isotropic materials: With emphasis on timber"

  Second Runner-Up 
  Rogelio Muneton-Lopez
  University of Missouri
  "A Phase-Field Formulation for Fracture Modeling of Rate- and Temperature-Dependent Materials"

  EMI Objective Resilience Student Paper/Presentation Competition

  1st
  Raul Rincon
  Rice University
  "Coupling Effects of Fragility Fidelity and Network Resolution in Infrastructure Resilience"

  2nd
  WoongHee Jung
  University of Notre Dame
  "Selection of Storm Ensembles Consistent with Storm Surge Hazard Maps Across Large Geographic Regions"

  EMI Poromechanics Student Paper Competition

  1st
  Mohammadali Behboodi
  University of Colorado Boulder
  "An analytical model for hygroscopic bilayers based on surface poromechanics theory"

  Runner-Up
  Micaela Mercuri
  Northwestern University
  "Normal stress variation and pore pressure rate effect on a rate and state frictional fault"

  Runner-Up
  Alexandre Sac-Morane
  Universite catholique de Louvain
  "The competition between dissolution, precipitation and diffusion during pressure-solution creep in porous materials: a PFDEM investigation"

  EMI Probabilistic Methods Committee Student Paper Competition

  1st place
  Leila Naderi
  Colorado State University
  "Multi-fidelity Subset Simulation for Rare Event Simulation"

  1st place 
  Elsayed Eshra
  Pennsylvania State University
  "Inverse Importance Sampling-based Framework for Reliability Estimation in Complex, High-dimensional Spaces"

  EMI Structural Health Monitoring and Control Student Paper Competition

  1st
  Mona Shaheen
  University of Kansas
  "Wind-induced Vibration Monitoring and Mitigation of High-Mast Illumination Poles"

  2nd
  Manuel Salmeron
  Purdue University
  "Real-Time Hybrid Simulation for Infrastructure Degradation Assessment: Conceptual Framework and Illustrative Application"

  3rd
  Bozhou Zhuang
  University of Southern California
  "Impurity Gas Monitoring of Spent Nuclear Fuel Canisters Using a Variational Auto-encoder (VAE)"

  EMI Structural Stability Student Paper Competition

  1st place
  Emile Naous
  University of Texas at Austin
  "Progressive wrinkling and collapse of lined pipe due to repeated winding/unwinding on reel"

  2nd place
  Mohammad Bani Hani
  Kansas State University
  "Experimental lateral torsional buckling of simply supported anisotropic laminated web beams subjected to a single mid-span loading"