Independent Study Students
As a CU Denver student, you are able to perform undergraduate
and graduate research for credit in the form of an independent study. Independent studies can be taken for 1-6
credit hours (typically 3 per semester) and count towards up to two mechanical
engineering elective courses.
Independent research can be incredibly rewarding (and frustrating at
times) and can serve as a valuable complement to your coursework.
Suggested Requirements for Independent Study Students
- GPA ≥ 3.25
- Junior Level Standing or Greater
- Coursework completed in some the following
areas:
- Materials
Science, Numerical Methods, FEA, Biomechanics, Mechanical Behavior of
Materials, Polymers
- A self-motivated personality with desire to
independently explore new areas and subject matter.
If interested, please contact Professors Carpenter or Yakacki
before the next semester begins.
Master’s Students
Research is a requirement for many graduate programs. As a CU Denver student, you have the option
to complete your Master’s degree by performing a research project or thesis. Master’s
Projects are typically completed in 1-2 semesters, while a Master’s Thesis is typically
completed in 3-4 semesters.
As a graduate student, you should have completed or be enrolled in the
following courses before initiating a project or thesis with Professors
Carpenter or Yakacki
- Introduction to Biomechanics, Advanced Biomechanics,
FEA (Carpenter)
- Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Polymers
(Yakacki)
Professor Yakacki is not accepting Master’s Projects
students at this time.
PhD Students
The SMAB Lab does not have any additional funded
positions for PhD students at this time.
The
Smart Materials and Biomechanics (SMAB) Lab is run by Professors Dana Carpenter
and Christopher Yakacki and is located in North Classroom 2405. The mission of the SMAB Lab is to perform
fundamental and translational research at the interface of mechanical
engineering, materials science, and biomedical technology. Research projects include developing
finite-element models from patient specific data, determining the mechanical
effects of exercise and pharmaceuticals on bone, the synthesis and
characterization of shape-changing polymers, and the design and testing of
biomedical devices.