Oklahoma State University recognized at AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition
Monday, February 3, 2025
Dr. Wei Zhao (far right) and Mohammed Abir Mahdi receive awards at the AIAA SciTech
Forum and Exposition
Oklahoma State University was well represented at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Science and Technology Forum and Exposition held in January 2025.
Abe Zarem Graduate Student Award for Distinguished Achievement
AIAA awarded Mohammed Abir Mahdi, an OSU mechanical and aerospace engineering alumnus and Shafi Romeo, a Ph.D. student in MAE the 2024 Abe Zarem Graduate Student Award for Distinguished Achievement for their paper Convolutional Neural Network and Homogenization based Hybrid Approach for Lattice Structures.
Mahdi is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering. He recently completed his master’s in MAE at OSU. Mahdi’s research focuses on composite manufacturing and the design of lattice structures. He holds a bachelor’s in naval architecture and marine engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Prior to his graduate studies, Mahdi worked as a lecturer at MAS Marine Academy in Bangladesh, gaining expertise in naval structure design and analysis. He is passionate about teaching and inspiring students in the field of science and technology. Mahdi states, “Receiving this award makes the nights, days and sacrifices for this novel work feel truly worthwhile.”
Romeo is pursuing his Ph.D. in MAE at OSU. His research interest lies in developing, analyzing
and applying physics-constrained deep learning models to tackle intricate scientific
challenges within fluid dynamics. Currently, his focus is on the innovative realm
of physics-guided multifidelity learning for characterizing the dynamic stability
of atmospheric reentry vehicles.
“Receiving the Abe. M. Zarem Graduate Award is a tremendous honor for me,” said Romeo. “This award recognizes my hard work and boosts my confidence and enthusiasm for future endeavors.”
Dr. Wei Zhao, an assistant professor at OSU in MAE received the 2024 Abe Zarem Educator Award. Zhao is the faculty advisor for Mahdi. Zhao earned his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Virginia Tech. Zhao’s research focuses on lightweight aerospace structures and materials created using advanced robotic automated fiber placement and 3D printing technologies. He is an AIAA Senior Member and a member of the AIAA Structures Technical Committee.
“As an advisor, witnessing the growth and development of my graduate students is extremely rewarding,” said Zhao. “From hands-on teaching to seeing them gradually conduct their work independently, this process not only advances our field but also helps shape the next generation of innovators and leaders. Their successes and discoveries drive the progression of aerospace engineering, particularly in next-generation fuel-efficient airplane design, and their unique perspectives and creativity continually inspire me. Advising graduate students is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about fostering a collaborative environment where both the mentor and mentee learn and grow together, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.”
Learn more about Dr. Zhao’s Research
Collier Aerospace HyperX/AIAA Structures Best Paper
Additionally, a team consisting of Zhao; Dr. Hadi Noori, assistant professor in MAE; Kathleen McNamara, a research engineer at Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education; Mahdi; and Adam Leicht, an MAE undergraduate research assistant received the 2024 Collier Aerospace HyperX/AIAA Structures Best Paper for their paper titled Design, Manufacturing, and Experiments of Additive Manufactured Stiffened Thin-walled Plates.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the world’s largest aerospace technology society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space and defense. For more information, visit https://www.aiaa.org/.