WELCOME

Bio and Research Statement

I am an experienced Aerospace Research Engineer at the Remote Sensing Center, The University of Alabama. I am very passionate about numerical methods and algorithms, and I have several years of experience in uncertainty quantification, stochastic optimization, machine learning/deep learning, composite structures, finite element analysis, and wind energy (aero-structural aspects). 

Currently, I am working on a large scale aero-structural analysis of Twin-Otter and Basler aircraft with the installation of radar antennae for sounding ice using finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). I am also actively involved in developing novel algorithms for uncertainty quantification and optimization as well as the application of ML/DL algorithms to challenging engineering problems. Some of the ML/DL algorithms that I have implemented in my research are k-means and spectral clustering, support vector machines based classification, long-short term memory based time series forecasting, and manifold learning/autoencoders based dimensionality reduction.

To sum up, I am very inquisitive and passionate about computational approaches, and I want to grow more as a researcher and contribute to the paradigm shift from deterministic to probabilistic design in engineering. My long term goal is to join the academia so that I can impart my knowledge and train the new generation of engineers and scientists.

Dr. Mishal Thapa

Bevill Building, 1103L
The Remote Sensing Center,
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Email: mthapa@crimson.ua.edu
Phone: +12052390099
Linkedin, Researchgate, Google Scholar

CV_THAPAMISHAL2025_uniDownload

​​Academic/Research Interests

 Uncertainty Quantification, Stochastic Optimization, Sensitivity Analysis, Machine/Deep Learning,  Surrogate Modeling, Reliability, Data-Driven Modeling, Composite Structures (both computational and experimental), Aerodynamics, Wind energy (aerodynamics and structures), Self-Healing Composites, Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Stochastic Processes, Aeroelasticity.

Education and Research Experience

  • Post-doctoral Research Associate, The University of Arizona  (01/2020-12/2020), Advisor- Dr. Samy Missoum
  • Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Alabama (2015-2019, GPA: 4.0/4.0), Advisor- Dr. Sameer B. Mulani
  • M.S., Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Alabama (2015-2017, GPA: 4.0/4.0), Advisor- Dr. Sameer B. Mulani
  • B. Eng., Aeronautical Engineering, NUAA, China (2008-2012 GPA: 4.1/5.0), Advisor- Dr. Feng Xu
  • High School, Sagarmatha Higher Secondary School, Nepal (2006-2008, Grade: Distinction 78.0 %)

Academic Recognition and Awards

  • Graduate Council Fellowship, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (2018-2019)     
  • Graduate Student Conference Travel Funding (2019)
  • Full Attendance Award (2010-2011)
  • Second Prize Scholarship of Undergraduate International Students Scholarship (2009-2010)
  • Honor of Excellent Performance (2009-2010)
  • Second Prize Scholarship of Undergraduate International Students Scholarship (2008-2009)
  • Top 5 in the State, High School Examination (2008)
  • Excellence in Math Award (Topper), High School Examination (2008)

Academic Honors Fraternities/Societies

∎ The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
​∎ Golden Key International Honour Society
​∎ American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Professional Member)

​Academic Service as a Reviewer for Refereed Journals and Conferences

​∎ AIAA Journal;
∎ Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization;
∎ Applied Mathematical Modeling;
∎Thin-Walled Structures;
∎Smart Materials and Structures;
∎ Journal of Composites Science;
∎Materials;
∎ Fluids;
∎ Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements;
∎ Wing Energy Science;
∎2nd International Conference on Numerical Modeling in Engineering 2019;
​∎ International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition IMECE 2020 (ASME)

​Skills and Abilities

  • Engineering/ CAE Software-CAD/CAM: CATIA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MSC NASTRAN/PATRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS(Mechanical and Fluent)/APDL, XFOIL
  • Programming Skills- MATLAB, Python/PyTorch, MATHEMATICA, C++, FORTRAN, Latex, GitHub, Linux

Teaching experience

  • Fall 2022- Guest Lecture for Stochastic Mechanics
  • Topics covered: Global Sensitivity Analysis, Sparse PCE using regularized l1-minimization- Orthogonal Matching Pursuit,  Data-driven arbitrary PCE
  • Spring 2017- Instructor (Lab of Mechanics of Materials)
  • Fall 2016- Instructor (Lab of Mechanics of Materials)
  • Spring 2016-Teaching Assistant (Mechanics of Materials)
  • Fall 2015-Teaching Assistant (Statics)
  • Summer 2015-Teaching Assistant (Dynamics)
  • Spring 2015- Teaching Assistant (Dynamics)