Thanks for visiting! Here’s a bit about me :)

I’m a second-year PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue’s Herrick Laboratories, working with Prof. Kevin Kircher. My research focuses on developing machine learning, optimization, and advanced control algorithms for HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings. I work on both modeling and field demonstrations, using model-based and data-driven approaches to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and improve occupant comfort.

So far, I’ve reviewed over 100 papers on field demonstrations of model predictive control and reinforcement learning in residential and commercial HVAC. I presented part of this work on commercial buildings at the 8th International High-Performance Buildings Conference (2024) and the Intelligent Building Operations (IBO) Workshop 2024. A journal review paper is currently under review. At Herrick, I’ve also helped upgrade the building automation system for real-time monitoring, built interactive dashboards for energy and comfort feedback, and compared traditional model-based control strategies with data-driven methods.

Before my PhD, I completed an MS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, where I worked with Prof. Sunny Ri Li. My thesis – “Mixing gaseous hydrogen into natural gas distribution pipelines” – supported Canada’s Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. This research resulted in a journal publication in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and three conference presentations. I’ve also received awards, including the Best Presentation Award at the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME) 2022 Conference and the Best Paper Award at CSME 2023 Conference.

Earlier, I earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with Honors and Highest Distinction in Iran.

For more, feel free to check out my CV.