Mr. Gehendra Sharma | Mechanical Engineering | Rising Star in Research Award
Research Engineer at Mississippi State University, United States
Mr. Gehendra Sharma is an accomplished research engineer whose career reflects a blend of academic excellence, innovative research, and practical engineering expertise. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering from NIT Allahabad and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, he has advanced into a dynamic role at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University. His research spans robust design, finite element modeling, surrogate modeling, and machine learning applications, with impactful contributions in defense systems, additive manufacturing, lightweight vehicle design, and biomedical devices such as ventricular shunts. Widely published in IEEE, ASME, and Scopus-indexed journals and conferences, he demonstrates an ability to translate theoretical methods into applied solutions. Mr. Sharma has also shown leadership through teaching, mentoring, and active participation in student and community initiatives. Recognized with multiple awards and professional memberships, he continues to build a distinguished profile as a rising researcher and future thought leader.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile | Google Scholar
Education
Mr. Gehendra Sharma’s educational journey is marked by exceptional academic achievements and a pursuit of interdisciplinary learning in mechanical engineering. He began with a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (NIT) Allahabad, earning merit scholarships and early recognition for his talent. His undergraduate work included a noteworthy project on mechanization and prototyping of domestic appliances, reflecting his aptitude for innovation. He advanced his studies at the University of Oklahoma, USA, earning a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Guided by eminent professors such as Dr. Farrokh Mistree and Dr. Janet K. Allen, his thesis focused on designing coupled engineered systems under uncertainty. Through rigorous coursework, research, and project-based learning, Mr. Sharma built a solid foundation in design theory, data-driven decision-making, optimization, and systems engineering.
Experience
Mr. Sharma’s professional experience integrates industrial design practice with advanced research, shaping him into a versatile engineer. Beginning his career at Esco Couplings & Transmissions Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore, he worked as a Design Engineer, leading new product development projects and implementing innovative solutions that improved performance, reduced non-conformance, and optimized production processes. His transition to academia and research came through graduate research at the University of Oklahoma, where he developed robust design methods for coupled engineered systems and explored AI-driven optimization strategies. Currently, as a Research Engineer at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, he contributes to high-impact defense projects, including ballistic protection, blast-resistant systems, and additive manufacturing optimization. His work also extends to biomedical device design and lightweight vehicle structures. Through internships at Tata Research Development & Design Centre, he gained experience in composite materials and thermal power systems, adding depth to his multi-disciplinary expertise.
Research Interest
Mr. Sharma’s research interests reflect a strong alignment with solving real-world engineering challenges through advanced design and computational methods. His focus lies in robust design optimization, surrogate modeling, finite element simulations, and machine learning applications in engineering systems. He is deeply engaged in exploring uncertainty in design processes and developing strategies that enhance system resilience and efficiency. His current projects address critical areas such as additive manufacturing process optimization, lightweight protective systems for defense applications, and biomedical innovations like ventricular shunts for hydrocephalus treatment. He also pursues cross-disciplinary applications of artificial intelligence and data-driven decision frameworks to improve engineering outcomes. By combining classical engineering design with modern computational tools, Mr. Sharma’s work bridges theory and practice, enabling practical implementation of complex models. His long-term vision is to expand his research into globally collaborative projects that address societal needs, particularly in sustainable engineering, healthcare devices, and advanced defense technologies.
Award and Honor
Throughout his academic and professional career, Mr. Sharma has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors that reflect his dedication and impact in engineering research. At the University of Oklahoma, his paper titled “Robust Design of Coupled Engineered Systems” was awarded the Paper of Distinction at the ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conference, highlighting his pioneering work in robust design. He secured a cash prize as a winner of the Hydropower Operations Optimization (H2Os) Prize – Phases 1 and 2, organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, underscoring his ability to address critical energy challenges. His consistent academic performance earned him multiple merit scholarships during his undergraduate studies at NIT Allahabad and recognition for project-based competitions, including CAD and simulation design. These honors not only demonstrate his technical excellence but also showcase his innovative approach, problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities in both academic and professional domains.
Publication Top Notes
Title: An ontology for representing knowledge of decision interactions in decision-based design
Authors: Z. Ming, G. Sharma, J.K. Allen, F. Mistree
Year: 2020
Citation: 32
Title: A method for robust design in a coupled decision environment
Authors: G. Sharma, J.K. Allen, F. Mistree
Year: 2021
Citation: 17
Title: Template-based configuration and execution of decision workflows in design of complex engineered systems
Authors: Z. Ming, G. Sharma, J.K. Allen, F. Mistree
Year: 2019
Citation: 16
Title: Data driven integrated design space exploration using iSOM
Authors: R.R. Sushil, M. Baby, G. Sharma, A. Balu Nellippallil, P. Ramu
Year: 2022
Citation: 11
Title: Design of composite structures through decision support problem and multiscale design approach
Authors: R.K. Pathan, S.B. Beemaraj, A. Salvi, G. Sharma, J.K. Allen, F. Mistree
Year: 2019
Citation: 11
Title: A novel visualization enabled decision support framework for data-driven integrated design space exploration
Authors: R.R. Sushil, M. Baby, G. Sharma, A.B. Nellippallil, P. Ramu
Year: 2025
Title: Enhancing Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition Outcomes Through Tailored Dwell Time Allocation
Authors: G. Sharma, J. Basset, J. Xie, J. Storey, H-G. Kim, T. Stone, H. Dozier, S. Mun
Year: 2025
Title: A Finite Element Framework for Studying Mechanical Aspects of Blast Load Induced Traumatic Brain Injury in Humans
Authors: L. Peterson, M. Murphy, N. Lee, G. Sharma, D. Johnson, A. Bakhtiarydavijani, R. Miralami, Y. Hammi
Year: 2024
Title: A Hybrid Expert System for Estimation of the Manufacturability of a Notional Design
Authors: A. Sommers, S. Rahimi, T. McCall, E. Wall, A. Henslee, L. Dalton, P.D. Babin, N. Watson, G. Sharma, M.D. Parmar
Year: 2024
Title: Evaluation of Single Wall Builds Using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: E.S. Wall, G. Sharma, E. Freeman, W. Jarrell, J. Austin
Year: 2024
Conclusion
In summary, Mr. Gehendra Sharma exemplifies the qualities of a rising star in engineering research, blending academic brilliance, professional expertise, and a forward-looking vision for innovation. His educational foundation from NIT Allahabad and the University of Oklahoma established a strong base in mechanical and systems engineering, which he has expanded through impactful roles in industry and research. Currently at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, his contributions span defense systems, additive manufacturing, and biomedical device development, showcasing his ability to integrate multidisciplinary approaches. With a prolific record of publications in IEEE, ASME, and Scopus-indexed outlets, alongside awards such as the DOE Hydropower Optimization Prize and ASME Paper of Distinction, he has established himself as a thought leader in robust design and optimization. Beyond technical achievements, his mentoring, volunteering, and student leadership reflect a dedication to community development. Mr. Sharma’s trajectory strongly indicates his potential for global research leadership.