Faculty Focus on Professor Kiran D'Souza

Faculty Focus introduces you to our talented scholars who continue to attract the best and brightest engineering students and whose insights and research keep us at the leading edge of innovation and discovery.

Kiran D'Souza

What is the focus of your research and why is it significant?

My research interests are in the field of dynamic analysis. Research topics I have explored include developing reduced order models for high dimensional cyclic structures (such as turbines and compressors), predicting the onset of bifurcations in nonlinear systems, creating damage detection and system identification methods for nonlinear systems, and creating parametric reduced order models for systems with variability. My current research is at the Gas Turbine Laboratory (GTL) and it is focused on the structural dynamics of turbomachinery. I am developing new modelling and analysis techniques that are then verified experimentally at the GTL using actual engine hardware operating at engine speeds. This work develops analysis methods that directly address the needs of our industrial partners in the aerospace and energy fields, such as ways to identify and measure damping and mistuning. I am also working on more fundamental research in nonlinear dynamics such as the control and analysis of bilinear systems which has many applications from vibration isolation to energy harvesting to modelling of bladed disks with cracks.

Why should a prospective student consider Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Engineering is a very broad field that provides great flexibility for future career prospects. At the undergraduate level it develops your critical thinking and analysis skills so that you are a sought after commodity in many industries including the automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, and medical device industries. It also prepares you for a graduate degree in most engineering fields as well as professional degrees such as those in medicine, business and law.

What do you like most about your job?

Working with bright and highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students to generate new knowledge through research.

What advice would you give students considering an engineering career?

Consider pursuing an undergraduate research thesis. It is a great opportunity to be able to conduct research at one of the top engineering schools in the nation and really distinguish yourself from your peers at other universities.

If you could be anyone from any time period who would you be and why?

Elon Musk because he is a very forward thinking individual and developing technology in a variety of industries to help the planet.