EE - Electro-mechanical Systems Simulations and Hardware Development

The AMPERE Lab develops high-performance electromechanical systems for applications including electric vehicles, aerospace, clean/renewable energy, and robotics.

Undergraduate researchers will work closely with graduate students and the principal investigator to understand electromechanical energy conversion in practical systems of interest and develop simulation workflows. Eventually the projects will include design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of electro-mechanical system hardware.

No prior research experience is required.

Keywords: Electric motors, actuators, power electronics, motor drives, microcontrollers, fabrication, batteries.




 

Name of research group, project, or lab
AMPERE Lab
Website
https://ampere-lab.github.io/
Why join this research group or lab?

Students in the AMPERE Lab can expect hands-on training and mentoring and frequent research discussions. Undergraduate researchers will have more opportunities for direct feedback, 1:1 meetings, and close involvement in design, project planning, implementation, and potential publications.

Because the lab is newly established, students will have the opportunity to help shape a growing research environment and work closely with the PI and other lab members. Based on their interests, students have the flexibility to choose tasks that are computational, hardware development, or a mix of both.

Since electromechanical systems are needed across several applications, the skills acquired through participating in this project will be valuable for for graduate school and industry careers in engineering. 

Logistics Information:
Project categories
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Graduate Student
Student qualifications
  • Passionate about acquiring new skills and contributing to projects.
  • Self-motivation and ownership of assigned tasks to ensue that they are completed efficiently and in time.
  • Ability and interest to work in a team as well as make individual contributions.
  • Experience with one or more of the following is a plus but not required:
    • Programming (Python / MATLAB)
    • Embedded systems/microcontrollers
    • Machine shop use (Mill / lathe / waterjet / 3D printers)
    • CAD (Solidworks/other)
    • Soldering & PCB design (Altium/other)
       
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours
2 credits / 6-12 hours
3 credits / 12+ hours
Compensation
Research for Credit
Number of openings
6
Techniques learned

The techniques learned include but are not limited to:

  • An understanding of how electro-mechanical systems are designed and analyzed.
  • Hands-on skills with hardware development, going from concept to prototype.
  • Electro-mechanical system design and optimization workflows.
  • Component selection and hardware development.
  • Scientific communication, teamwork, and project planning
Project start
Fall 2026 or later
This project will use an Expectations and Structure agreement.
Expectations and Structure

Expectations: 

  • Students should apply only if they believe that they can devote the expected number of hours (corresponding to the number of credits) and keep pace with tasks to ensure the project meets the timeline. 
  • Students commit to follow the university's policies on research integrity and all laboratory safety protocols.
  • The PI will commit to be available during scheduled office/lab hours and weekly meetings.
Contact Information:
Mentor
Nishanth Gadiyar
ngadiyar@nd.edu
Assistant Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Nishanth Gadiyar
Email address of project director or principal investigator
ngadiyar@nd.edu
6 sp. | 0 appl.
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours (+2)
1 credit / 3-6 hours2 credits / 6-12 hours3 credits / 12+ hours
Project categories
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (+1)
Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringElectrical Engineering