Our Research Team

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Dr. Zachary D. Asher

Zach Asher headshot

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

Dr. Nicholas E. Brown

Dr. Nic Brown

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

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistants

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

Alumni

  • WMU Graduation year: Spring 2022
  • Employer After Graduation: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
  • Job title: Connected and Automated Vehicle Research Engineer
  • Connect with Goberville on LinkedIn
WMU Graduation Year: Spring 2022
Employer After Graduation: umlaut, an Accenture company
Job title: Test Engineer 1

Connect with Yara on LinkedIn 

  • WMU Graduation year: Spring 2020
  • Employer After Graduation: Plastic Omnium
  • Job title: Project Quality Lead
  • Connect with Gaikwad on Linkedin

 

  • WMU Graduation year: Spring 2020
  • Employer after graduation: Reno Sub-Systems Inc.
  • Job Title: Thermal and Mechanical Design Engineer
  • Connect with agdale on LinkedIn
  • WMU Graduation year: Spring 2020
  • Employer After Graduation: HP Tuners LLC
  • Job title: Controls Algorithm Engineer
  • Connect with Patil on Linkedin

 

  • WMU Graduation year: Spring 2020, Spring 2023
  • Employer After Graduation: Torq Robotics
  • Job title: Controls Algorithm Engineer
  • Connect with Amol on Linkedin

Interested in joining the team?

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