Javad Baqersad, Ph.D., a Kettering University associate professor of mechanical engineering, has been named the inaugural recipient of the D.L. Brown Award, a top honor presented by the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for outstanding research in experimental structural dynamics.
SEM is a global professional society that leads the development and application of experimental techniques to measure how materials, components, and structures perform under real-world conditions — an approach Kettering faculty and students bring to industries every day.
Established in 2025, the D.L. Brown Award recognizes groundbreaking research that advances experimental methods in structural dynamics — especially in the field of vibration analysis. Dr. Baqersad’s innovative work in expanding the use of optical methods to measure vibration and dynamic deformation has direct applications in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to biomedical devices and advanced sports equipment.
“I'm deeply honored to receive the D.L. Brown Award,” Baqersad said. “This award reflects years of research, collaboration, and dedication — not only my own, but also that of my colleagues, industry partners, and especially the Kettering students who have been integral to these projects.”
Named for Professor Donald L. Brown, a pioneer in experimental mechanics and vibration measurement, the award honors individuals whose work has set new standards in the field. Dr. Baqersad’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of Kettering University’s leadership in applied engineering research.
“To receive an award named for Professor Brown — whose research I have long admired and relied on — is incredibly meaningful,” said Baqersad, the award’s first-ever recipient. “He set the standard for experimental mechanics, and to be recognized in his name is humbling.”
Real-World Impact — Powered by Kettering Students
Dr. Baqersad’s research, much of it conducted in partnership with Kettering’s graduate and undergraduate students, focuses on laser-based and digital image correlation techniques to precisely measure how structures vibrate and deform — essential insights that make products safer, more durable, and more efficient.
Kettering students take on real roles in this research, applying advanced techniques to solve problems in industries in which performance and safety are non-negotiable. Together, they’ve tackled projects that measure:
Vibrations in automotive components, including electric vehicle (EV) systems.
Aerospace structures exposed to extreme stress and environmental conditions.
Vibrations in human skin, with potential applications in biomedical engineering.
The dynamic performance of sports equipment, informing how products feel, perform, and sound.
"At Kettering, we don’t just research in a lab — we solve real problems for real industries," Baqersad said. "These projects are driven by students, from building drones for vibration measurements on bridges to working with companies like Meritor to analyze heavy vehicle axles. Our students graduate ready to lead because they’ve already done the work that matters."
The D.L. Brown Award is one of only three major honors presented annually at SEM’s International Modal Analysis Conference (IMAC), the premier global forum for experimental mechanics and structural dynamics.
