Department of Mechanical Engineering

Chair: Professor Gerard A. Ateshian, 220 Mudd, 212-854-8602

Opportunities

  • cell mechanics
  • tissue mechanics
  • tissue engineering
  • design of instrumentation for testing soft tissues
  • software development for cell, tissue and joint modeling
  • modeling of growth
Student participants are involved in the testing of biological soft tissues for the determination of material and tribological properties, testing of cells for the assessment of their biophysical properties, design of instrumentation for performing such measurements, tissue engineering of cartilage, software development for modeling cells, tissues and joints, and modeling studies of tissue growth.
Contact: Professor Gerard A. Ateshian, ateshian@columbia.edu, 220 Mudd, 212-854-8602
 

Opportunities

  • nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS)
  • carbon nanotubes: synthesis, device fabrication, and applications
  • nanotechnology for solar energy and fuel cells
  • nanofabrication for biological applications
Activities include a variety of experimental work, including nanofabrication, materials synthesis, and electronic/mechanical texting, in the four areas listed above. A commitment of 10 hours per week term-time and 20–35 hours per week during the summer is expected. Students interact with graduate students, faculty, and staff. The opportunity may provide academic credit (MECE E3900) or hourly wages during the summer.
Contact: Professor James Hone, jh2228@columbia.edu, 240 Mudd, 212-854-6244
 

Opportunities

  • nanoporous metals with applications to sensing and actuation
  • mechanical properties of nanocrystalline thin films
  • fracture and deformation phenomena
Opportunities exist to be involved with laboratory work to develop novel nanostructured materials for use in active devices as well as to understand the mechanics of material deformation and failure at the micrometer and nanometer length scales. Students can participate for academic credit or for financial remuneration. Minimum time requirement is 10 hours per week during the academic year and more during the summer.
Contact: Professor Jeffrey Kysar, jk2079@columbia.edu, 244 Mudd, 212-854-7432
 

Opportunities

  • superresolution live cell imaging
  • dynamics of molecular motors in living cells
  • modeling of molecular motors
The Single Molecule Dynamics Laboratory is focused on understanding mechanics of molecular motors in biology. Two major research areas are (1) superresolution live cell imaging of dynamics of molecular motors, and (2) computational modeling and simulation of molecular motors to understand the underlying mechanics. Possible credit or remuneration, 12 hours weekly commitment during the academic year, and 20–35 hours per week during the summer.
Contact: Professor Jung-Chi Liao, jcliao@columbia.edu, 228 Mudd, 212-851-0782; 
http://www.me.columbia.edu/liaolab
 

Opportunities

  • data visualization for energy using software and sensing
  • programming cell phones for data gathering/monitoring/payments
  • programming cell phones for data gathering/monitoring/payments
These opportunities involve one or more of analysis, computer programming, database management, data visualization, and library research. They may carry academic credit and/or remuneration, possibly through the Federal Work-Study Program. The weekly time commitment is 10 hours per week term-time and 20–35 hours in the summer. Long-term involvement of at least two semesters and a summer is desirable.
Contact: Professor Vijay Modi, modi@columbia.edu, 220 Mudd, 212-854-2956
 

Opportunities

  • material characterization of soft biological tissue
  • biochemical analysis of soft tissue
  • fabrication and design of mechanical testing instrumentation and fixtures
Opportunities exist for juniors and seniors to participate in experimental biomechanics research. Research projects include material characterization, engineering design, and biochemical analysis. During the semester, a commitment of 10 hours per week is required for academic credit. During the summer, paid opportunities are available for full- or part-time work.
Contact: Professor Kristin Myers, kmm2233@columbia.edu, 220 Mudd, 212-854-2957
 

Opportunities

  • computer simulation of friction and lubrication in multiphase systems
  • measurement of wear and fatigue of materials under sliding and rolling contact
  • surface and materials characterization
Research work in the Energy and Tribology Laboratory may encompass literature review, numerical and/or analytical analysis, experimental setup and/or testing, and reporting of research findings through technical presentations or reports. These opportunities are eligible for academic credit or remuneration. The minimal time commitment required is approximately 10 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, and more during the summer. A long-term engagement (i.e., multiple semesters plus summer work) is preferred.
Contact: Professor Elon J. Terrell, eterrell@columbia.edu, 220C Mudd, 212-854-0407; 
http://terrell.wikischolars.columbia.edu
 

Opportunities

  • photonic crystal nanostructures for optics
  • nanoelectromechanical devices for photonics and electronics
  • nonlinear and nonclassical optics in nanostructures
  • silicon nanophotonics
  • metamaterials nanofabrication
  • nanostructures for photovoltaics and energy
Significant opportunities for motivated junior and senior students who are willing to commit 10 hours per week, for academic credit (MECE E3901: Honors tutorial) or possible remuneration. Research projects include numerical computations, engineering design, nanofabrication, experimental characterization, and physical measurements. Students will interact with our team of faculty, staff, and graduate students.
Contact: Professor Chee Wei Wong, cww2104@columbia.edu, 220 Mudd, 212-854-4275; 
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/nanohv
 

Opportunities

  • laser micromachining and laser shock processing
  • laser forming
  • nontraditional manufacturing
Paper study, analytical and experimental work, and computer analysis. A minimum time commitment is 10 hours per week, more in the summer, which may entail academic credit and/or work-study eligibility.
Contact: Professor Y. Lawrence Yao, yly1@columbia.edu, 248 Mudd, 212-854-2887; 
http://www.columbia.edu/mrl

 

500 W. 120th St., Mudd 510, New York, NY 10027    212-854-2993