Student Spotlight: Engineering Mechanics PhD Student Bhanugoban Maheswaran

Bhanugoban (Bhanu) Maheswaran’s time at UW-Madison has been nothing but rewarding. A PhD student in the Engineering Mechanics program, Bhanu is an accomplished researcher who focuses on advanced materials for traumatic brain injury prevention. Passionate about understanding the mechanical behavior of nanostructured material systems, Bhanu feels the ‘vibes’ at UW-Madison are perfect to challenge yourself and explore both professionally and personally.

What has your engineering journey been like?

My journey has been quite an adventure, full of challenges and deeply rewarding experiences. I’ve had numerous opportunities to be creative and engineer innovative solutions to research problems as a PhD student. For me, the thrill of pursuing a PhD in engineering lies in turning ideas into reality. From developing novel material systems to designing intricate experiments to test them, I’ve truly enjoyed the engineering side of my research.

How did you decide to pursue a PhD in Engineering Mechanics?

I earned my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. There, the courses I took helped me to develop a strong foundation in mechanics, giving me an understanding of how structures behave and fail under various types of loadings. It was during my time as an undergraduate researcher that I realized I wanted to explore the more fundamental aspects of these behaviors. I spoke with my undergraduate research advisor, Professor Hiran Yapa, about my interest in pursuing a PhD focused on mechanics, and he suggested I apply to the Engineering Mechanics PhD program at UW-Madison. That’s how I ended up here!

Engineering mechanics, more specifically, gives me the opportunity to study the science behind the principles I’d been applying in civil engineering. It bridges multiple disciplines, offering a more rigorous and analytical perspective on the mechanical behavior of material and structural systems that we encounter in both everyday life and complex engineering applications. What attracted me to this field is the opportunity for broader exploration that allows me to understand not only the “how” but also the “why” behind the mechanical behavior of these systems. This level of study encourages more in-depth problem-solving and opens doors to tackling more intricate engineering problems, beyond the scope of traditional civil engineering.

Can you describe your research with Professor Thevamaran?

Thevamaran Lab focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding of process-structure-property-function relations in structured materials and elastodynamic systems, with the aim of developing innovative material systems that offer superior mechanical properties and novel functionalities. One of the exciting projects I’m currently involved in is the development of next-generation combat helmet liners using vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) foams. The liner materials used in current combat helmets don’t provide adequate protection during extreme impacts. The VACNT foams we synthesize in our lab combine the ideal mechanical properties to better absorb these impacts and reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in soldiers. These materials are hierarchically structured, with features spanning from the nanoscale to the macroscale. We also synthesize architected versions of these foams, which offer superior mechanical performance due to their architecture while being much lighter in weight. I experimentally study their dynamic compression and compression-shear responses to understand their behavior under various impact loads. Additionally, I develop analytical and machine learning-based surrogate models to predict their mechanical behavior, with the ultimate goal of establishing design guidelines for VACNT foam-based helmet liners that can minimize the risk of TBIs.

Professor Ramathasan Thevamaran (Theva) is very passionate about research, and his enthusiasm has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my PhD journey. One of the qualities I truly appreciate about him is the trust he places in his students. He often gives research challenges that are outside my comfort zone, confident that I’ll figure them out on my own. Theva fosters a culture of learning from failure. He doesn’t expect things to be perfect right away and pushes us to experiment, knowing that mistakes are part of the process. This has taught me resilience and the importance of critically evaluating my own work. Through his mentorship, I’ve grown not only as a researcher but also as a more thoughtful and confident individual.

What has your experience as a graduate student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering been like?

My experience as a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UW-Madison has been incredibly enriching. Being part of such a prestigious research university with a top-ranked Mechanical Engineering department has given me access to top-notch research facilities and the chance to work with renowned faculty. The vibe here is just right—students are relaxed and friendly, but they also put in a lot of hard work and dedication to their research. With great resources and a supportive, collaborative atmosphere, I’ve found the freedom to dive into innovative ideas, making my time both challenging and fulfilling.

What is it like living in Madison? Do you enjoy it?

Madison is a really student-friendly city. Sure, the winters can be tough, but the calm atmosphere and lively community make it a fantastic place to live. In the summer, the city bursts with outdoor activities and there’s always something going on. Plus, Wisconsin has some fantastic spots for weekend getaways, like Devil’s Lake and Cave of the Mounds, so it’s easy to escape into nature when you need a breather from research. All in all, UW-Madison is a perfect place to pursue a PhD and grow both academically and personally.

What is a favorite memory or accomplishment you have from your time at UW-Madison?

My most memorable moment so far has to be when my research on the compression-shear response of VACNT foams got featured in the College of Engineering news and several other research blogs. In this study, we showed that VACNT foams could potentially attenuate both the normal shock and the shear to the head during oblique impacts, with shear component being a big factor in causing TBIs. The study was published in Experimental Mechanics, and shortly after, the journal even selected it as the cover for the corresponding issue. It felt amazing to get so much recognition, and having people congratulate me around campus made those weeks really special and memorable.

Are you involved with any student organizations? If so, what is your involvement?

Yes, I’ve been an active member of the Graduate Engineering Mechanics Society (GEMS) since 2021 and currently serve as vice president for the 2024-2025 academic year. One of our key initiatives is organizing a weekly, student-led seminar series where graduate students present their mechanics-related research. What sets these seminars apart is that they are exclusively attended by grad students, undergrads and postdocs, with no faculty involved. This creates a more relaxed environment for open discussion, feedback, and collaboration, while also giving students the opportunity to take on leadership roles. Plus, we provide food and beverages at the seminars to make things more enjoyable.  We also host several other events like 3-minute thesis competitions and social gatherings, often collaborating with the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Advisory Council (ME-GSAC). I strongly encourage any student interested in mechanics to attend GEMS’ seminars and get involved with GEMS.

What might you share with other UW/Engineering students coming up behind you?

Embrace the process of learning and don’t rush through it. One thing I’ve learned along the way is that discipline is key. Sticking to a routine, working through challenges, and staying consistent really makes a difference. Also, make time to connect with your peers. Those connections can lead to great collaborations and lifelong friendships. And lastly, enjoy the journey, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and experiments, but stepping back to appreciate the process will make your experience all the more rewarding.