Get to Know Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Innovation, Design, and Engineering Education Laboratory (IDEELab) at Mississippi State University is to revolutionize workforce development by integrating transformative, hands-on engineering education with cutting-edge research and meaningful industry partnerships. IDEELab aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating a collaborative environment that equips students with the skills and experience needed to address real-world challenges. By fostering innovation and cultivating impactful partnerships, IDEELab strives to prepare the next generation of leaders in engineering and technology.
Our Vision
IDEELab envisions becoming a national leader in engineering education, research innovation, and workforce collaboration. Through its state-of-the-art facilities and programs, IDEELab is dedicated to driving economic growth, advancing technological solutions, and empowering students to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
A Legacy Built on Innovation
The IDEELab at Mississippi State University has a rich legacy rooted in excellence and innovation. Established in historic Patterson Hall in 1941, IDEELab initially served as a training facility for engineering students supporting the World War II effort. Its foundational mission was to combine academic rigor with practical applications—a principle that continues to define its work today. Over the decades, IDEELab has grown to become a hub for cutting-edge research, workforce development, and industry-academic collaboration.
Leadership
Dalton 'Ross' Smith
Director, IDEELab
Ross Smith leads the Innovation Design and Engineering Educational Laboratory (IDEELab) at Mississippi State University. He oversees cutting-edge R&D initiatives, fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation and economic growth.
Wil Whittington, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Solid Mechanics
Dr. Whittington focuses on enhancing workforce readiness and advancing mechanical engineering through research in system dynamics, mechanics of materials, and industrial outreach.
Shanti Bhushan, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Thermofluids
Dr. Bhushan is an expert in computational fluid dynamics, specializing in turbulence modeling and high-speed flow applications to address complex engineering challenges.
Gang Li, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Innovation Research
Dr. Li leads research on renewable energy systems and technology commercialization, integrating entrepreneurship with engineering innovation.
Jian Zhao, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Innovation Research
Dr. Jian Zhao specializes in green energy technologies, focusing on carbon capture, hydrogen fuel cells, thermochemical energy storage, and AI applications in energy research.
Qingqing Liu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Innovation Research
Dr. Liu specializes in multiphase flow and thermal systems, with expertise in nuclear reactor hydraulics and cryogenic fluid dynamics for advanced energy systems.
Soroush Korivand, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Innovation Research
Dr. Korivand’s research advances AI-powered robotics for manufacturing, industrial automation, and rehabilitation, enhancing human-robot collaboration through AI and machine learning.
Aidan Duncan
Advanced Manufacturing Shop Manager
Aidan Duncan plays a pivotal role in advancing engineering education as the manager of IDEELab’s manufacturing shop and coordinator for America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) programs.
Alejandro Martinez-Castellon
Advanced Manufacturing Instructor
Alejandro is passionate about teaching practical manufacturing skills, transforming the design and manufacturing curriculum through CAD/CAM instruction and CNC programming.