As a University of Dayton School of Engineering student, you won't just learn about engineering in the classroom — you'll get the chance to experience it firsthand. Our state-of-the-art facilities include 36 unique lab spaces where you can focus on developing real solutions that have a real impact on society.
Our Advanced Electronic Biosensor Fabrication Lab features scaled materials synthesis and high-speed fabrication tools for mass-production of adaptable electronic 2D sensor platforms suitable for rapid (30 second) and specific detection of viruses and biomarkers in biological samples.
Tools include vapor phase deposition systems, high-speed patterning lasers, an inkjet printer for application of coatings for specific detection, an electronic probe station and high-throughput wireless data acquisition systems.
The Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing Laboratory is dedicated to research in advanced materials development using various additive manufacturing techniques.
The primary objective of this research lab is to develop high-performance polymer, ceramic, and metal-based matrix nanocomposites with improved mechanical, tribological, thermal, electrical, optical or magnetic properties tailored for specific applications.
Equipped with diverse 3D printing technologies, this lab serves both research and teaching purposes. Advanced manufacturing technologies include laser powder bed fusion, vat photopolymerization, fused deposition modeling, direct ink writing and inkjet printing.
Using state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies, we aim to explore the inherent beauty and potential of materials, push the boundaries of material science and develop advanced materials with enhanced properties to address the needs of various applications.
The Advanced Nanomaterials Lab works at the rich interface of biomedical devices, drug delivery, next-generation quantum dot light emitting diodes, nano-enabled precision agriculture and nanotoxicology.
Uses novel nanochemistry approaches to engineer bio-inspired materials for applications in bioelectronics, point-of-care diagnostics, risk assessment, sustainable energy, and nanoagriculture. Also focuses on theoretical investigation of key nanoscale material properties through computational projects.
Engineered 3D human tissue models have emerged as a powerful tool for the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in infectious disease and cancer research. The Biomatter Manipulation Technology Group is focused on integrating advances from multiple disciplines to develop new technologies to address challenges in human health and performance-related research.
The group develops, improves and applies biomaterials and biofabrication tools to create in vitro tissue models with advanced architectures, improved reproducibility and reduced cost with the goal of accelerating bioscience research and medicine.
The group is developing novel biomaterials to support multiple 3D bioprinting technologies, as well as novel bioreactor designs to aid in 3D tissue fabrication, maturation and exposure to various and unique pathological challenges and pharmaceutical therapies.
Focused on the growth, fabrication and manufacturing of all kinds of nanomaterials with various chemical compositions, shapes and morphologies such as spherical, cylindrical, lamellar and undefined.
Three methods of preparation of nanocomposites are available using wet chemistry, precipitation and/or chemical and physical vapor deposition.
The lab contains state-of-the-art equipment for materials processing control. At each stage of the process, materials are characterized using multiple microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.
The lab also provides controlled conditions in which research experiments and measurement may be performed at multiple scales, from macro to nanometric.
The Cellular Evaluation of Bioengineering Applications Lab merges chemical engineering foundation with bioengineering and nanomaterial-bioeffects. Its central goal is to bridge the in vitro — in vivo gap through the generation and implementation of enhanced, physiologically-relevant cellular-based.
Endeavors have heavily focused on nanomaterial (NM) characterization and assessment, cancer therapeutic evaluation and evaluation of novel antibiotics.
The Molecular Simulations of Nanomaterial Surfaces Lab uses computational modeling to investigate the behavior of materials and interfaces at the molecular level. Problems such as these extend to many applications including reverse osmosis membranes and drug delivery.
Molecular simulation allows us to access information that may not be possible in experiments; our goal is to use this to enable more efficient design of nanomaterials for specific materials science and biomedical applications.
The NEMLab research group, led by Erick S. Vasquez, Ph.D., is focused on understanding the behavior and assembly of functionalized nanoscale materials, with an emphasis on magnetic nanoparticles, and translating this knowledge onto practical macroscale engineering applications.
The Polymers and Composites Lab showcases several types of processing equipment to make polymer and fiber-reinforced polymer samples, as well as extensive characterization equipment. Students of all levels get hands-on experience in the lab, including materials preparation, processing and testing.
Our research revolves around the development and testing of lightweight materials for aircraft and spacecraft applications, such as composites and adhesives. In collaboration with groups across campus, additional focus is on improved flame retardants for these materials.
The major research and system development projects investigated in this lab consist of flame speed on a porous fibrous bed, laser interferometric study of heat transfer in D.C. electric fields, emission of oxides of nitrogen from fluidized bed combustion of coal, thermodynamic simulation as well as heat and mass transfer analysis of an ideal hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell, carbon-carbon surface oxidation protection, chemical kinetics model of the pyrolysis of carbon-carbon composites and the various other research projects in the areas of fuel cells and lithium-ion cells/batteries.
Sarwan Sandhu conducts both the theoretical and experimental investigations. The experimental research work required for the validation of theoretical models has been conducted in collaboration with Joseph P. Fellner at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base since 1998.
The Applied AI and Sensing Lab (AIS Lab), led by Hui Wang, focuses on enhancing civil and infrastructure systems using AI, advanced sensing and data-driven technologies. Their research includes AI-powered tools for infrastructure monitoring, geotechnical analysis, risk-based decisions, and digital twins. Using technologies like drones, thermal imaging, and Bayesian inference, the lab develops practical, scalable solutions for complex engineering challenges. Collaborating with industry and government, AIS Lab aims to create smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.
When a building is built, it's too late to change the placement of something. This lab brings buildings to life before dirt is turned, allowing you to see if the way a building is intended to be built is the way it should be.
In the Greg and Annie Stevens Intelligent Infrastructure Engineering Lab, you can load blueprints, computer-aided design drawings or sensor data into the system, which goes beyond photo mockups to create a virtual facility where you can explore in all directions — even through walls.
The Transportation Engineering Lab provides necessary equipment and space for traffic control and analysis, system planning, model development and testing, intelligent transportation system evaluation, highway safety assessment and crash data analysis.
You'll work on challenging research projects that focus on solving, evaluating, or improving local, regional or statewide transportation-related issues.
If your agency or firm has an applied research or design project that would be appropriate for an undergraduate or graduate student, please contact lab director Deogratias Eustace, Ph.D.
The Applied Sensing Lab was created as a center for applied remote sensing research, with a focus on the research and development of signal and image processing, computer vision and pattern recognition algorithms.
This lab is particularly concerned with applied remote sensing in the electro-optical and infrared (EO-IR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, with a focus on student research in the areas of visible, infrared (IR), hyperspectral (HSI), polarimetric (PI), spectro-polarimetric, 3D imaging and data fusion.
These skills are highly desirable within the industry and will particularly impact engineering students who seek employment within Dayton's Air Force community (Wright Patterson Air Force Base, etc.) and Department of Defense in general.
Dedicated to research in biomedical engineering, medical imaging/healthcare electronics and additive manufacturing techniques for medicine and 3D printed electronics.
The lab features a variety of bioinstrumentation and equipment utilized for patient diagnostics in healthcare, including a telehealth virtual patient care platform received from Premier Health Network for collaborative clinical telemetry research.
The lab also features a Fusion3 F410 Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printer, a FormLabs Form2 stereolithography 3D Printer, benchtop test and measurement electronics, Bantam Tools Othermill Pro PCB milling machine, desktop computers, and associated computer software for circuit design/analysis, medical imaging and 3D CAD design. It also has access to a commercial-grade EOS M290 selective laser melting and open architecture SLM metal 3D printers through collaborative research efforts with the University of Dayton Research Institute.
The Integrated Microsystems Lab pursues pioneering engineering and technology research and development to translate into commercial products, as well as provide resources to industries and train highly-skilled engineers, scientists and technicians in micro- to nano-scale electronics, fabrication, integration and packaging.
The Intelligent Signal Systems Lab is a world-class research lab in image processing and computer vision.
Research focuses on three areas:
Research is aimed at understanding the increasingly large role that signal systems play in the real-world. We connect the applied design efforts with the first principle ideas of mathematics and statistics to enable new capabilities in image processing and computer vision.
Research in the Motoman Robotics Lab focuses on visual servoing, metrology and calibration, real-time control and other topics relevant to industrial robotics.
The lab also functions as the centerpiece of the robotics concentration for the Electrical Engineering (B.E.E.) and Computer Engineering (B.S.C.) programs.
Specializes in AI applications and hardware.
The lab is examining: deep learning algorithm and applications (medical imaging, image understanding and enhancement, cyber security), parallel algorithms for cognitive agents (with AFRL), spiking neural network algorithms for cognitive agents (with AFRL), and application development for spiking neural processors: Intel Loihi and IBM TrueNorth.
The Signal and Image Processing Lab conducts research on topics related to digital signal and image processing. Focus areas include super-resolution enhancement of digital video, medical image processing, image detector nonuniformity correction, atmospheric turbulence modeling and mitigation, and hyperspectral image processing.
The University of Dayton Research Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in battery and battery system technologies. Our groundbreaking work includes thin film coating; processing (small to large format); custom li-ion design, fabrication and testing; and independent evaluation of batteries and battery system technologies for application in wearables, drones, electronics, vehicles, space equipment and more.
The Hybrid Integrated Photonics Sensors Lab is engaged in state-of-the-art research integrating hybrid materials with large-scale silicon photonics circuits for novel applications in computing, communications and chem-bio sensing/spectroscopy.
The Intelligent Optics Lab focuses on controllable and adaptive optical systems and optical wave propagation through the atmosphere.
The lab's research and development team specializes in the development of intelligent optics laser and sensing systems with improved performance in harsh operating conditions.
The Nano-Fab Lab focuses on photonic and electronic device fabrication and optical thin film development.
Housed inside a class 100 cleanroom, this lab has all of the capabilities to go from raw substrates to completely packaged devices. Capabilities include: advanced thin film deposition, metrology, photolithography and chemical and plasma etching.
The Human Performance and Cognition Lab is a pioneering research facility dedicated to the investigation of mental workload analysis.
Leveraging eye-tracking technology, this lab seeks to push the boundaries of human cognition and productivity in order to elevate human performance. This lab's overarching mission is to expand the possibilities of human performance and well-being, whether through optimizing work systems or enhancing educational experiences for both our faculty and students.
Through a combination of educational initiatives, workshops and outreach programs, we are committed to disseminating our knowledge and fostering a deeper comprehension of mental workload analysis. Our goal is to contribute to the advancement of work design and ultimately improve the quality of life for the human-in-the-loop in the military and civilian sectors.
This teaching lab, established via an equipment donation through the United States Air Force Educational Partnership Agreement between the Air Force Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems Directorate and UD, serves as a cornerstone capability for educational materials research within the School of Engineering Department of Engineering Management, Systems and Technology — specifically in support of the Mechanical Engineering Technology (B.S.T.) program.
Students and faculty can use synthesis equipment to explore the production of energetic composites and carbon-based materials. They can also explore the testing and measuring of various material properties related to energy storage and conversion, and photo and electro catalytic response. Combined with existing materials characterization equipment and device assembly tools, students and faculty can explore the application of their composites, making the equipment a vital component of teaching in the area of materials processes.
Next-generation wearables have the potential to impact a numerous industries, including sensors and communication systems for healthcare, athletics, first responders and military biometric data monitoring, as well as haptic feedback for virtual and augmented reality applications.
Smart clothing that incorporates electronics into the textile requires a soft, electrically conductive material that can withstand flexing and stretching. This lab is studying a state-of-the-art conductive ink based on a liquid metal alloy of gallium and indium that was developed at the Air Force Research Lab. This room-temperature and non-toxic liquid metal ink shows exceptional tolerance to stretching and flexing, allowing traces for data and power to be incorporated directly into the textiles.
The Behavior of Advanced Materials and Structures Lab (BAMS Lab) research interests lie at the intersection of mechanics, materials and computational modeling.
This lab uses the principles of continuum mechanics with carefully-conducted experiments and novel computational approaches to develop innovative multi-physics predictive models for understanding the deformation and failure of a variety of advanced materials, from dielectric elastomers to additively manufactured soft materials. In so doing, we aim to develop robust predictive models — grounded in sound experimental data — that facilitate the design and optimization of novel materials and structures, and artfully link processing to performance.
The Dayton Thermal Applications Lab (DaTA Lab) pursues engineering solutions to real problems through the application of thermal sciences.
Faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students work collaboratively in this lab to create prototypes, experiments and mathematical models of energy systems.
Applications explored in the lab include: concentrating solar thermal systems, hypersonic vehicles, spacecraft thermal control, photovoltaic system optimization, solar thermal spacecraft propulsion, building energy conservation, solar desalination, biochar production, geothermal heat exchangers and radiative fin optimization.
In the Design of Innovative Machines Lab (DIMLab), creating, designing, building and testing novel machines and mechanisms for a variety of applications while generating the theory that supports these innovations.
Research projects involve shape-changing rigid-body mechanisms, spatial morphometric analysis and statically equivalent serial chains.
Our research has the potential to transform the clinical assessment and treatment of balance, gait and mobility problems.
More specifically, our research is intended to better identify factors that contribute to postural control, mobility and fall incidence, particularly in individuals who may be at especially high risk for these problems (due to disabilities and other underlying conditions).
We have received considerable attention for our work in the areas of fall prevention in older adults with dementia and in the evaluation of sensory integration therapy in children with autism.
Focuses on research in posture, balance, neuro-muscular control, computational modeling and rehabilitation.
This lab includes world-class equipment, including 3D motion cameras, wearable motion measurement sensors, a force-measuring treadmill, virtual reality systems, and a Caplex System, which provides a central platform to emulate wearable devices such as exoskeletons and prosthetics.
the Low-speed Wind Tunnel Lab is a research and teaching hub for engineering students to explore ways to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Exploration is achieved through an assortment of aerodynamic techniques: force-based experiments, pressure wake surveys, optical flow diagnostic techniques, hot-wire anemometry and flow visualization.
This lab supports graduate research projects, class projects and senior capstone design projects.
The Merlin Flight Simulator Lab consists of the flagship 521 engineering flight simulator and instructor station, UAV desktop station enabling flight in the same airspace as the 521, and an air traffic control station.
The simulator takes the outputs from a conceptual aircraft sizing details from existing aircraft and uses that information to model the handling characteristics. Students input their geometric, aerodynamic, weight and propulsion characteristics through an easy-to-use interface. Once entered, the details are used in a physics-based flight mechanics module to recreate an accurate representation of how their air vehicles would fly.
Included in the physics modeled is non-linear aerodynamic behavior based on real input airfoil performance data, thrust lapse with altitude, of lift shift in the transonic region, of gravity shift with dropped/deployed payload, basic aeroelastic effects and more.
The Smart Manufacturing Advancement and Logistics Technology Lab (SMALT Lab) is dedicated to pioneering advancements in additive manufacturing.
This endeavor seeks to enhance the quality of manufactured components, minimize energy utilization and enable the production of complex parts.
This lab's vision encompasses the integration of sensor data derived from diverse modalities (infrared camera, ultrasound, X-ray, electric field), coupled with advanced computational methods. This integration aims to create a real-time digital response of the manufacturing process, thereby facilitating comprehensive control over the part's quality, reliability, and sustainability.
This lab ardently focuses on high-performance computation, deep learning and data analysis involving sensor data interpretation. This multi-faceted approach is pivotal in refining the manufacturing process, contributing significantly to a more sustainable, energy-efficient manufacturing technique that has the potential to replace the conventional manufacturing process.
Offers a range of Reynolds numbers to test, which is far below what the Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Lab can offer. The water tunnel is predominantly a research facility established in collaboration with AFRL and fitted with equipment to design, develop, and test closed loop control system architectures to mitigate unsteady and gust loads on wings. The closed loop control system developed in the lab allows for lift tracking and control over a range of reduced frequencies and amplitudes, especially when subjected to external discrete and periodic disturbances. It also allows testing of many of the existing unsteady models for its robustness and accuracy.
