Mechanical engineering graduate students showcase research, earn awards at ASC Conference

Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Team Akron at the ASC 40th Annual Technical Conference, from left: Rafsun Hossain Mridha, Faizan Mirza, Jason Mack, Isaac Sluder, Andrew Frankowski and Dr. K.T. Tan.

Dr. K.T. Tan, professor of mechanical engineering, and his graduate students from The University of Akron’s Department of Mechanical Engineering attended the 40th Annual Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites (ASC) in Dayton, Ohio, where the society was founded.

The team presented five research projects covering a range of topics, including computer simulation and machine learning approaches to predict impact damage in composites, experimental studies on recycling composite materials, and investigations of extreme environmental effects on composite performance.

The presentations included:

1. J.P. Mack, F. Mirza, Z.H. Duan, S. Hasebe, R. Higuchi, T. Yokozeki and K.T. Tan. “Prediction of Compression After Impact Strength Using Deep Learning on C-Scan Images of Composite Materials.”
2. F. Mirza, J.P. Mack, Z.H. Duan, S. Hasebe, R. Higuchi, T. Yokozeki and K.T. Tan. “Data-Driven Approach for Impactor Shape Classification in Composite Laminates Using Image Analysis.”
3. R.H. Mridha and K.T. Tan. “Influence of Cohesive Element Properties on the Impact Response of Hybrid Sandwich Composites.”
4. A. Frankowski and K.T. Tan. “Mechanical Recycling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites for a Circular Economy Through a Reduction of 3D Printed Waste.”
5. I. Sluder and K.T. Tan. “Predicting Mechanical Degradation in 3D-Printed Nylon-Based CFRP from Environmental Factors.”

Jason Mack, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering, received the 2025 ASC Ph.D. Research Scholarship Award.

In addition to their presentations, members of Tan’s group received several awards. Jason Mack, a fifth-year Ph.D. student, earned the ASC Ph.D. Research Scholarship Award, which includes a $1,000 research grant and $1,250 reimbursement for travel to the conference. The award recognizes doctoral students conducting research in composite materials.

University of Akron recipients of the ASC NSF Student Travel Award, from left: Rafsun Hossain Mridha, Andrew Frankowski, Isaac Sluder and Faizan Mirza.

Four students were also recognized with the ASC NSF Student Travel Award, which provides $1,000 to support conference travel and participation in professional development activities, thanks to funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation. Awardees from Tan’s research group included:

• Andrew Frankowski, second-year Ph.D. student
• Faizan Mirza, fourth-year Ph.D. student
• Rafsun Hossain Mridha, fourth-year Ph.D. student
• Isaac Sluder, second-year Ph.D. student

Participation in the ASC 40th Annual Technical Conference provided Tan’s graduate students with invaluable opportunities for professional growth, networking and exposure to the latest developments in composite materials research. By presenting their work and receiving national recognition, the students not only advanced their own education but also strengthened their skills in research, collaboration and communication — key components of continuing education and lifelong learning in engineering.