Leading Innovation in Engineering & Research

Ross Smith leads the Innovation Design and Engineering Educational Laboratory (IDEELab) at Mississippi State University. He oversees cutting-edge R&D initiatives, fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation and economic growth.

Dr. Whittington focuses on enhancing workforce readiness and advancing mechanical engineering through research in system dynamics, mechanics of materials, and industrial outreach.

Dr. Gang Li is an Assistant Professor in the Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University, where he advances research in artificial intelligence for energy resiliency and sustainability, renewable energy technologies, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and advanced vibration and control theory.

Dr. Jian Zhao specializes in green energy technologies, focusing on carbon capture, hydrogen fuel cells, thermochemical energy storage, and AI applications in energy research.

Dr. Liu specializes in multiphase flow and thermal systems, with expertise in nuclear reactor hydraulics and cryogenic fluid dynamics for advanced energy systems.

Dr. Korivand’s research advances AI-powered robotics for manufacturing, industrial automation, and rehabilitation, enhancing human-robot collaboration through AI and machine learning.

Aidan Duncan plays a pivotal role in advancing engineering education as the manager of IDEELab’s manufacturing shop and coordinator for America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) programs.

Alejandro is passionate about teaching practical manufacturing skills, transforming the design and manufacturing curriculum through CAD/CAM instruction and CNC programming.

John Davis serves as Program Manager of Mississippi State University’s Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC) within the IDEELab.

Dr. Ke Yuan is an Assistant Professor in the Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University. His work focuses on advancing mechanical systems design, engineering mechanics, and innovation-driven approaches to engineering education. Through his involvement with IDEELab, Dr. Yuan integrates applied research with experiential learning, helping students connect foundational mechanical engineering principles to real-world challenges across industry and advanced manufacturing.