Amir Mirzendehdel: 2025 Early Career Award recipient

MSME ’14, PhDME ’17 (BS aerospace engineering ’12, Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran)
Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering, University of Kansas

A mechanical engineer and educator who develops state-of-the art computational methods and tools that ultimately help companies more easily and quickly design and manufacture advanced products.

When Amir Mirzendehdel left his home in Iran to attend UW-Madison for graduate school, he was unsure of what the future would hold.

Today, he is an innovative and highly productive researcher who develops state-of-the-art computational methods and tools for automated computer-aided design, analysis and manufacturing.

He is grateful that UW-Madison provided him with a welcoming, supportive and rigorous academic environment, where he was able to work with outstanding teachers and mentors and pursue exciting collaborative research opportunities.

“My time in the College of Engineering was truly transformative,” he says. “My education at UW-Madison shaped my passion for research and provided me with a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical skills. The ability to approach complex problems systematically combined with the collaborative skills developed through research has been crucial for my success in working with interdisciplinary teams on projects funded by government and industry.”

After earning his PhD, Mirzendehdel worked as a researcher at the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), where he was technical lead or principal investigator on multiple projects funded by the DOD, DOE and industry.

In 2023, PARC merged with SRI International, an independent nonprofit research institute, and Mirzendehdel became senior computer scientist in SRI’s future concepts division and then at its Artificial Intelligence Center. In July 2025, he started a new role as an assistant professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Kansas.

Which engineering professor made the greatest impact on you?

I really appreciated working with Professor Krishnan Suresh, because he was a great teacher both in class and as my graduate advisor. He maintained an open-door policy and was always available to discuss ideas or troubleshoot challenges, which made a huge difference in feeling supported. On the other hand, he gave me the space to explore different topics and methods independently. That balance of guidance and autonomy made him an especially impactful mentor and helped me grow both technically and professionally.

What do you enjoy about your career?

Most importantly, I get to constantly learn new things and grow. I also deeply enjoy harnessing creativity and innovation, solving challenging problems, exploring uncharted research territories, and meeting and collaborating with new people. Additionally, I find it very fulfilling and motivating to be able to teach and mentor the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Which do you prefer?

Fun on the Terrace or fun on Lake Mendota?
I love the Terrace. I spent so much time there just relaxing, working or reading a book. It’s fantastic.

Bascom Hill or Observatory Hill?
I love Observatory Hill. A lot of times I drove up there just for the view and to enjoy a sunset.

State Street or Lakeshore path?
State Street. I love all the shops and the vibrant scene.

Flamingos or Badgers?
Badgers.

Favorite Babcock ice cream flavor?
I like pistachio ice cream.