Team

The SEA Lab is recruiting!

Want to join the SEA Lab team? Check out available projects and corresponding contact information here. Projects include marine microplastic removal, co-located wave and wind energy farms, offshore carbon sequestration, and more!

Faculty

Prof. Maha Haji joined Cornell University in 2021 as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Systems Engineering. At Cornell, her lab develops designs for symbiotic offshore systems to sustainably extract resources from the ocean such as power, water, and food, as well as mineral resources key to the progress of clean energy. Previously, Prof. Haji was an MAE Faculty Fellow at Cornell and a Postdoctoral Associate in the Engineering Systems Laboratory in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT where her research focused on utilizing multidisciplinary design optimization to develop a floating platform, known as PEARL, to provide recharging and data offloading capacity for autonomous underwater vehicles. She received her Ph.D. in Mechanical and Oceanographic Engineering in 2017 from the Joint Program between MIT and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution where she focused on the design and prototyping of a symbiotic system to harvest uranium from seawater. Prof. Haji has worked in industry as an engineering consultant at ATA Engineering, where she used analysis-driven design to solve problems ranging from aircraft and rockets to robotics and rollercoasters. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.A. in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley.

Post-Doctoral Associates

Alaa Ahmed joined Cornell University in 2024 as a postdoctoral associate at the SEA Lab. She is currently working on a project focused on wind-wave hybrid systems, integrating offshore wind turbines with wave energy converters. Her research aims to develop a comprehensive framework for selecting the most suitable configurations of wave energy converters and wind turbines. This includes considering the unique characteristics of each site, analyzing the dynamic responses within hybrid wind-wave systems, and incorporating cost considerations and stakeholder engagement within the realm of these systems.

Alaa earned her PhD in Ocean Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2023. She received her bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2014 and her master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2017, both from Cairo University in Egypt. Her doctoral research focused on the hydrodynamic performance of wave energy converters. Alaa implemented multi-fidelity simulations for full-scale analysis of a dual-flap floating oscillating surge wave energy converter, based on model-scale validation in a wave tank. She also performed system identification to develop state-space models and implemented active control strategies to maximize power generation.

Doctoral Students

Nate is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering interested in research relating to sustainable sources of energy, food, and clean water. He earned his Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Valpo in 2022. Throughout undergrad, Nate had the opportunity to research in the Markiewicz Solar Research Facility with Dr. Peter Krenzke and Dr. Luke Venstrom. Outside of Mechanical Engineering, Nate enjoys ultimate frisbee, hiking, and playing bass guitar.

Matt is a Ph.D. student in Systems Engineering focusing on the design optimization of Integrated Pumped Hydro Reverse Osmosis (IPHRO) systems. He received his B.S. and M.Eng. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University in May of 2020 and December of 2020, respectively. As an undergraduate and M.Eng student, Matt conducted research with Professor Avedisian on biofuel droplet combustion in microgravity. He also played the trumpet in Cornell’s Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and occasionally in Cornell’s Chamber Orchestra. Outside of research, Matt enjoys playing the trumpet, golfing, hiking, and a good crossword puzzle.

Kapil is a Ph.D. student in Systems and is interested in the interdisciplinary research in Systems, Optimization, Computation and Mathematical modeling. In his free time, He enjoys hiking, traveling and playing/watching/analyzing soccer. Originally from Nepal, he received his B.S degree in Mathematics and Data Science from Winona State University, MN in Aug 2020 and worked as a Data Analyst for a year. During his undergrad, he worked with Prof. Carl Ferkinhoff on analyzing emission lines from early galaxies and later as a part of summer REU with Prof. Kostas Pelechrinis on improving xG model for soccer event data. His current research interests involves Complex Systems, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization and Scientific Machine Learning.

Becca is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering interested in the design of renewable energy systems. She enjoys solving integrated mechanical, electromagnetic, fluid, and controls problems through simulation, systems design, and prototyping. Becca graduated from MIT in June 2021 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. At MIT, she focused on electric vehicles, writing her bachelor’s thesis on electric motor optimization for Formula SAE cars. Her current research involves offshore wind and wave energy. In her free time, she enjoys running, swimming, and tinkering with side projects.

Olivia is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering interested in offshore integrated wind-wave energy systems, sustainable mineral extraction, and green hydrogen production. She graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in May 2020 and an MS in Engineering in August 2021. As an undergraduate research student, she studied scaffold designs for bioinspired craniofacial bone implants and optimal axis orientation for offshore wind turbines. Her master’s thesis investigated biofuel secondary breakup processes through parametric and comparative analyses of secondary breakup models. In the SEA Lab, Olivia is working on modeling and analyzing an offshore wind-powered system that extracts hydrogen and critical minerals from seawater. Outside of the lab, Olivia is a proud plant mom who enjoys tending to her plants. She also enjoys walking trails, traveling, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Collin is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering interested in the dynamics, controls, and design optimization of offshore renewable energy. He double majored in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics at the University of Rhode Island where he focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and NASA’s centrifugal nuclear thermal rocket. Following this, he received his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and researched nonlinear dynamics and vibrations. In his free time, Collin enjoys scootering, rock climbing, and going to the gym.

Olivia is a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering studying the hydrodynamic interactions of wave energy converter arrays for various sustainability applications. She graduated from the University of Missouri in May 2022 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Aerospace Engineering. During her undergraduate years, Olivia studied the supersonic compressible flows under the guidance of Dr. Hongbin Ma. In her free time, Olivia enjoys playing soccer, hiking, baking, and spending time with her two cats, Phoebe and Juniper.

Master’s Students

Ziad Mosalam is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. His research at SEA Lab focuses on optimizing renewable energy-powered aquaculture systems. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys swimming, weightlifting and rock climbing for fun, which help him unwind and stay active.

Kunj Nilesh Patel, currently pursuing MEng in Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University with focus on Clean Energy Systems and Renewable energy Technologies. At SEA Lab I will be working on the project of Carbon sequestration Harvesting energy from Waves. I have worked on the project on Wind and solar energy Assessment for Green Hydrogen production in India. My Key interest lies in Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Mitigation. I am fitness Enthusiast and have high interest in powerlifting, Volleyball and Philosophy

Ruochong Zhu is a MEng student in Systems Engineering, currently involved in a wind and wave system project. In his free time, I enjoy reading novels, hiking, and cooking.

Research Assistants

Jiarui Yang is an research assistant in Systems Engineering. Jiarui is a coder, Amazonian, and aims to making life meaningful by helping others and making their life better.

Undergraduate Students

Kirti is a junior at Cornell University majoring in electrical and computer engineering and minoring in computer science. She is interested in PCB and sensor design and integration, embedded systems, and power systems. At Cornell, Kirti is also a part of Cornell Hyperloop, IEEE, and Cornell Nazaqat, the Kathak dance team.

Hope Best is a Computer Science major at Cornell University, expected to graduate in May 2026. With a background in software engineering, graphic design, and community engagement, Hope has actively contributed to various leadership roles, including co-publicity chair for the National Society of Black Engineers at Cornell and member of The Steminist Movement’s publicity committee. Proficient in various programming languages and tools, including Python, Java, and React, Hope is passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation.

Bimali is an undergraduate studying Engineering Physics. She is working with equations that efficiently model fluid forces, with the goal of building code to help optimize wind/wave power. Outside of the lab, she likes listening to math talks and writing for the D&D Club.

Madison is a freshman studying mechanical engineering with hopes of getting into the aerospace industry. She is currently on the systems team for the SEA Lab’s wave energy converter project, and she is also a member of Cornell’s Marine Energy Collegiate Competition team.

Elvin is an undergraduate student studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Energy Systems. He is from Columbus, Ohio. In lab, he is working on the lithium extraction project and looking at efficient ways of extracting precious metals from seawater. Outside of lab, he is also a member of Shimtah, a Korean drumming club.

Moho is an undergraduate student studying Environmental Engineering. In the lab, she is working on the energy systems analysis of a hybrid ocean renewable energy desalination system. Her other involvements include Engineers for a Sustainable World, Society of Women Engineers, and Energy Transition Club.

Natalie is a second-year Environmental Engineering student with a keen interest in designing and optimizing renewable energy systems. Currently, she is involved in a hybrid wind-wave energy project in the lab, where she applies her engineering skills to innovative solutions in renewable energy. Outside of her academics, Natalie is an active member of Cornell Sustainability Consultants and enjoys participating in various water-related activities.

Tina is an undergraduate student (Class of 2027) studying ORIE. In the SEA lab, she is working on multidisciplinary design optimization based on an iso-performance method. Outside of the lab, Tina is also a part of Engineering Peer Advising, Engineers in Action project team, and the Big Red Marching Band. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing the flute and piano, and traveling.

Cecily is an undergraduate student studying mechanical engineering. She will also be completing her MEng in mechanical engineering at Cornell. She is working on the CASHEW project to develop a conceptual design for a carbon sequestration system powered by marine energy. Beyond the classroom, she is a captain of the varsity soccer team and enjoys reading, learning languages, and creating travel itineraries in her free time.

Aitzaz is a sophomore pursuing a dual major in Computer Science and Mathematics, with a concentration in Physics. He is currently working on a project that implements a physics-inspired neural network for hydrodynamic simulations of large offshore systems. Outside of the lab, Aitzaz is actively involved in the Pakistani Students Association and enjoys playing cricket and meeting new people.

Kayoko is a sophomore in mechanical engineering aspiring to work in the renewable energy field. She is part of the Hybrid Wind-Wave Systems team. Outside of the lab, she enjoys practicing aikido, growing plants for the Botanic Gardens, and crocheting.

Alex is an undergraduate student studying Mechanical Engineering and minoring in business. He is interested in sustainable engineering and renewable energy. In the SEA Lab, he is researching Oscillating Water Column WEC optimization practices and working on the MDOcean project. He is also on Cornell’s cycling team and works as a campus tour guide.

Noam is a rising senior from Curaçao studying mechanical engineering. He is working on WEC generator optimization. He is interested in pursuing a PhD. in renewable energy after he completes his bachelor’s. Outside of the lab, he is a part of the Basic Needs Coalition and enjoys biking, photography, and playing guitar.

Alumni

Zhiyu (Iris) Ren

Undergraduate Student

Environmental Engineering

zr92@cornell

Ehina Srivastava

MEng Student

Mechanical Engineering

es924@cornell

Gabriel Ewig

Class of 2024 Undergraduate Student

Mechanical Engineering

gre27@cornell

Annie Stewart

Class of 2025 Undergraduate Student

Environmental Engineering

aes369@cornell

Wen-Jung “Joanna” Chien

Class of 2023 M.Eng.

Material Science and Engineering

wc524@cornell

Now Engineer at Pou Chen Group

Paul Young

Class of 2023 Undergraduate Student

Mechanical Engineering

pjy23@cornell