SERE: Summer Engineering Research Experience
SERE is a faculty-mentored, paid summer program where Ivy Tech's top engineering students tackle real computational research — and publish it. Rigorous analysis, professional software, and results worthy of a national conference.
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12 |
$4K |
| Week Program | Student Researchers | Publications | Stipend / Student |
The Program
A research experience built for Ivy Tech engineers
Each summer, two high-performing students from Engineering and Green2Gold are selected for an eight-week, paid research experience under direct faculty supervision — engaging in meaningful engineering research, computational modeling, and professional skill development that culminates in a formal presentation and a conference paper.
Applied Research |
Faculty Mentorship |
Real Deliverables |
| Physics-based modeling, finite element analysis, and topology optimization on industry-relevant mechanical design problems. | Weekly technical meetings, structured milestones, and progress reviews with a PhD faculty mentor throughout the program. | A formal end-of-summer presentation, a co-authored conference paper, and a conference presentation if accepted. |
2026 Research Focus
Topology Optimization of Multibody Systems Undergoing Dynamic Loading
Extending an Equivalent Static Displacement method to incorporate multi-load cases, engine duty-cycle weighting, and exploratory AI/ML-enhanced topology refinement — bridging classical FEA with next-generation, AI-assisted design.
The People
Meet the Research Group
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Aakash Gupta, PhDFaculty Mentor |
Skye WarrenPiston Analysis Lead |
Teagan BensheimerConnecting Rod Lead |
Applications for Summer 2027 open soon
The Summer Engineering Research Experience returns next summer — with new research themes and opportunities for Ivy Tech's next cohort of engineers.
Engineering & Green2Gold students with a 3.5+ GPA and a drive to do real research — this one's for you.