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Computational Optimization and Smart Systems Lab

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COSS LAB

System Modeling and Simulation

Introduction

This project is funded by the Department of Education grant P116S230007 “Developing Modeling and Simulation based Programs at the University of Houston” (01/01/2024-12/31/2026).

Through the collaboration between the Department of Industrial Engineering and the Department of Engineering Technology, we have received a grant from U.S. Department of Education Modeling and Simulation Program to develop and extend the System Modeling and Simulation (SMS) programs at UH. The research team includes Dr. Weihang Zhu (PI, Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology), Dr. Suresh Khator (co-PI, Professor of Industrial Engineering), Dr. Ying Lin (co-PI, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, Dr. Paige Evans (co-PI, Clinical Professor of teachHOUSTON), and Dr. Tomika Greer (evaluator, Assistant Professor of Human Resources Management). In this program, 

  1. We are developing course and curriculum on SMS. We will mainly use Simio and FlexSim simulation software. The covered courses include Simulation Modeling, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Simulation Application, and Digital Twin. Drs. Zhu, Khator, and Lin will develop the course modules assisted by the Postdoc.
  2. We have established a new System Modeling and Simulation (SMS) lab in Room 550 at the Science & Research Building II (SR2-550). The lab is equipped with multiple Alienware Workstations and Virtual Reality headsets to support SMS research.
  3. Dr. Evans, co-Director of the flagship teacher education program, teachHOUSTON, has hosted a workshop on Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP). We will incorporate CRP into our curriculum development in SMS.
  4. We will create SMS minor in IE and SMS certificate program to provide education to more students about SMS and its application.
  5. We will provide enhanced student support to help students succeed with SMS knowledge. 

This project funds a postdoc and two doctoral students.

In addition, each summer, we have 5 Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions for them to work on undergraduate research in the SMS lab at SR2-550.  In summer 2024, three students have participated REU research activities. The summer 2025 REU applications are now open. Interested students please send your recent (unofficial) BS transcript, resume, and the name and contact information of two references (e.g., professors or employers) to Dr. Weihang Zhu at wzhu21@central.uh.edu. 

 

REU students supported by this grant

  • Patricia Kurniawan, Computer Science, University of Houston, REU summer 2024
  • Harris Adnan, Computer Science, University of Houston, REU summer 2024 
  • Khoa Nguyen, Industrial Engineering, University of Houston, REU summer 2024
  • Natalia Freire, Industrial Engineering, University of Houston, REU fall 2024

Sponsor