January 19, 2024
Name
Kianoosh Sattari
Area of Study
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
Jian Lin
Where did you complete undergraduate studies and additional graduate studies?
Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnique) received my bachelor and Saint Louis University received my master’s in ME.
Why did you choose Mizzou for your graduate program?
Engaging in multidisciplinary research within Dr. Lin’s group involves a spectrum of activities, ranging from experimental research in materials and polymer science to leveraging data- and physics-driven modeling techniques for accelerating materials discovery.
Tell us about your graduate research. What are some potential outcomes?
During my graduate research, I had the privilege of enrolling in several courses offered by the statistical department at Mizzou. Applying the knowledge gained from these courses to my research in materials discovery, I acquired valuable insights into effectively utilizing machine learning models on real data obtained from experiments. This encompassed mastering techniques for data cleaning and identifying the most suitable modeling approaches for existing datasets. One notable aspect of my research involved integrating physics-based information into the modeling process, significantly enhancing the accuracy of the models. This unique combination allowed me to leverage my prior experiences in physics-based modeling and seamlessly integrate them with data-driven approaches. As a result, my research holds the potential for impactful outcomes, offering applications in the optimization of materials discovery processes through advanced and accurate modeling techniques.
What are some accomplishments you’ve achieved at Mizzou that you’re especially proud of?
Upon joining Dr. Lin’s group, my academic journey began with zero publications and citations. Over the course of my four years at Mizzou, I had the privilege to engage in numerous captivating projects within the research group. Dr. Lin not only facilitated collaboration within our group but also provided opportunities to work with peers from other universities, including esteemed institutions such as Rice University and the University of Massachusetts. I am proud to share that my dedication to research has resulted in the publication of approximately six papers in top-ranked journals, garnering a total of 207 citations. Additionally, I had the honor of presenting my research at the ACS conference, a prestigious gathering hosted by the American Chemical Society, underscoring the significance and impact of my contributions to the field. This transformative experience has not only enriched my academic portfolio but has also shaped my growth as a researcher during my time at Mizzou.
What do you hope to do after you complete your degree?
Upon completing my degree, my aspiration is to embark on a career as a machine learning engineer, ideally within a Research and Development (R&D) team. In this role, I aim to engage in the experimentation and development of machine learning models tailored for predicting experimental outcomes. The ultimate objective is to optimize the results of experiments by strategically tuning input parameters, thereby avoiding the exhaustive exploration of all possible parameters. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to advance the field of machine learning and enhance the efficiency of experimental processes.
What would you tell others considering Mizzou Engineering for graduate school?
For those contemplating Mizzou Engineering for graduate school, I would highlight the wealth of resources and support available. The faculty members are not only exceptional but also enthusiastic about providing guidance and support for your research endeavors. Mizzou Engineering offers a diverse range of engineering majors, complemented by the Statistics and Mathematics departments, fostering an environment conducive to interdisciplinary research. This unique combination equips individuals to undertake a variety of research projects aimed at solving real-world problems. The collaborative and inclusive atmosphere at Mizzou Engineering makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive and supportive graduate school experience.