Our Research Team

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.

Brown earned his Ph.D. from Western Michigan University, working as a research associate candidate and perception/fusion research scientist. He evaluated and demonstrated autonomous vehicle technology while utilizing optimization, machine learning and neural networks to enable artificial intelligent agents to actively improve the operation and energy efficiency of autonomous vehicles.  Prior to pursuing his doctoral work, Brown’s experience includes being a certified automotive mechanic with training in gasoline, hybrid electric and electric vehicles with a specialty in diesel vehicles; and leading a team of U.S. Army infantrymen for over seven years and engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom 2009.

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Dr. Johan Fanas Rojas

Dr. Johan Fanas, PhD, senior research engineer, earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Western Michigan University. His research focus is on developing metrics to evaluate the performance of autonomous vehicles. He has more than seven years of experience as an autonomous vehicle research engineer and a power plant engineer. As a research assistant at WMU,  he worked in areas such as controls, perception and localization for autonomous vehicles.

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