College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5314 USA
(269) 276-3111
Dr. Zachary D. Asher

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

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

Alumni
- Connect with Araghi on LinkedIn profile
- WMU Graduation Year: Fall 2022
- Employer after graduation: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
- Job title: Researcher I
- Connect with Carrow on LinkedIn
- 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
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
- Graduation from WMU: Spring 2025
- Connect with Masterson on Linkedin
- WMU Graduation year: Spring 2020
- Employer After Graduation: HP Tuners LLC
- Job title: Controls Algorithm Engineer
- Connect with Patil on Linkedin
- Employer after graduation: AVO Photonics
- Job Title: Mechanical 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