Kettering University Professor Secures $50,000 NSF Grant to Advance Industry Partnerships

Jan 13, 2025   ·  
Dr. Javad Baqersad also earns prestigious SEM award for his career contributions to structural dynamics

At Kettering University, innovation drives achievement. Dr. Javad Baqersad, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, exemplifies this ethos through two recent accomplishments: securing a $50,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to explore the commercialization of cutting-edge vibration measurement technology and receiving a top honor from the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for his contributions to the field.

Dr. Baqersad’s NSF I-Corps grant — Translation Potential of an Optical Vibration Measurement Technology for System Monitoring and Digital Twin Development — focuses on bridging academic innovation with industry needs. This one-year project will evaluate market demand for advanced vibration measurement tools with applications such as detecting misalignment or wear in industrial machinery, monitoring the structural health of bridges and aircraft, and optimizing the performance of wind turbines.  These innovations address challenges in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, such as improving vehicle noise and vibration performance, ensuring the reliability of jet engines, and predicting equipment failures to reduce downtime.

This NSF new grant builds upon a previous NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant of more than $577,000, which Dr. Baqersad secured in 2023 to acquire a 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (3DSLDV). The instrument uses coherent light to measure the velocity of vibrating objects, enabling high-fidelity analysis of vibrations in high-temperature, lightweight, and rotating structures.

“Our goal is to connect academic research with real-world challenges,” Dr. Baqersad said. “This grant allows us to engage directly with industry experts, identify their needs, and tailor our technology to address those challenges.”

Through the NSF program, Dr. Baqersad and his team interviewed more than 70 thought leaders at companies like Ford, GM, and Consumers Energy to assess market demand. Insights from these conversations will shape future initiatives, such as NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications, and may pave the way for establishing an Industry-University Research Center at Kettering.

Dr. Baqersad’s research does more than push boundaries; it prepares the next generation of innovators. Graduate student Arjun Gupta is integral to the project, connecting with industry professionals and bringing their needs into focus. “This experience is invaluable for students,” Dr. Baqersad said. “It prepares them to tackle industry challenges with confidence and expertise.”

Recognition from SEM further solidifies Dr. Baqersad’s place among the leaders in structural dynamics research. At the 2025 SEM International Modal Analysis Conference, he will be honored for his “outstanding research accomplishments in experimental structural dynamics.” It is one of only three awards SEM presents each year. 

“It’s an honor to see my work recognized by such a respected organization,” Dr. Baqersad said.

Dr. Baqersad's work has a tangible impact, from noise reduction in vehicles and seismic protection in buildings to potentially detecting skin cancer. With more than 100 publications, a patent, and a dedication to mentorship, his contributions embody Kettering University’s mission to produce accomplished leaders who influence global industries.

Looking ahead, Dr. Baqersad envisions creating new research centers at Kettering, strengthening partnerships, and giving students unmatched opportunities to lead and innovate. “We aim to create opportunities for students and industry partners to collaborate on projects that address practical challenges, deliver tangible results, and directly contribute to advancements in industries,” he said.

At Kettering University, where excellence is built into every project, Dr. Baqersad’s achievements showcase the power of relentless innovation and real-world application.