Innovation with Impact
At ECST, research is a journey of discovery and impact, shared by faculty and students working side by side. Together we pursue bold ideas in engineering, computer science, and technology; ideas that confront urgent challenges, spark innovation, and imagine what comes next. Our work is about more than advancing knowledge. It prepares students to lead with confidence and makes a lasting difference in the communities we serve. Every project carries the power to shape a better future, together.
Faculty Research Labs
ECST faculty lead dynamic, interdisciplinary research labs where students gain hands-on experience and explore new ideas in engineering, computer science, and technology. These labs are vibrant spaces for discovery, collaboration, and innovation that prepare our students to lead and drive change in their communities and across industries.
- Environmental Sustainability and Pollution Control (ESPC) Research Lab ‒ Dr. Arezoo Khodayari, CE
- Geotech Research Lab - Dr. Welson Kwan and Dr. Mark Tufenkjian, CE
- Hydrology and Water Resources Lab ‒ Dr. Sonya Lopez, CE
- Shake Table for Seismic Simulation and Vibration Testing ‒ Dr. Tonatiuh Rodrigues-Nikl, Dr. Maryam Nazari, CE
- Sustainable Infrastructures Materials Research Lab (SIM-Lab) ‒ Dr. Mehran Mazari, CE
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Research Lab ‒ Dr. Mohammad Pourhomayoun, CS
- Computational Molecular Biology (COMB) Lab - Dr. Negin Forouzesh, CS
- The Experience Lab ‒ Dr. David Krum, CS
- Network Research Lab ‒ Dr. Huping Guo, Dr. Jiang Guo, Dr. Zilong Ye, Dr. Yuquing Zhu, CS
- Visual Media Lab ‒ Dr. Eun-Young Elaine Kang, CS
- Machine Learning and Sensing Lab ‒ Dr. Navid Amini, CS
- Internet of Things Research Lab (IoT) - Dr. Jung Soo Lim, Dr. Manveen Kaur, CS
- Aerodynamics and Optimization Laboratory ‒ Dr. Jim Kuo, ME and MSE
- Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Laboratory ‒ Dr. Mohsen Eshraghi, MSE and ME
- Applied Injury Biomechanics Lab ‒ Dr. David Raymond, ME
- Bio-Nano Materials and Interfaces Lab - Dr. Travis S. Hu, ME
- BioTiM: Biomedical engineering of soft Tissue and implants Modelling ‒ Dr. Mathias Brieu, ME and MSE
- Combustion Lab ‒ Dr. Jeffery Santner, ME
- High-Temperature Materials Laboratory, Dr. Adel Sharif, ME and MSE
- Mad Scientists Laboratory, Dr. Samuel Landsberger, ME
- Multi-Physics in Robotics Laboratory ‒ Dr. Arman Pazouki, ME
- Robotics Laboratory ‒ Dr. He Shen, ME
- Sustainable Technology Lab ‒ Dr. John Christopher Bachman, ME
- Thermo-fluids Systems Laboratory ‒ Dr. Arturo Pacheco-Vega, ME
Interdisciplinary Research Centers
Cal State LA offers students a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary research opportunities. This allows students to explore a subject by drawing on various perspectives and methodologies from other disciplines.
The concept of sustainable energy research, as realized by CATSUS, involves a multi-disciplinary effort to address issues of making existing energy technologies more efficient while pursuing emerging alternate energy technologies that are not reliant on fossil fuels. We conduct transformative research to promote energy diversity, efficiency, and sustainability while training talented engineering and science students to catalyze change in this field. We also engage policymakers, schools, and the public to ensure that technological advances are robust, widely understood, and adopted.
Located: ET C-253A
Visit NSF CATSUS: https://www.calstatela.edu/research/catsus
The Sikand SITI-Center enables the creation of infrastructure and an ecosystem to support many faculty members, and helps to facilitate the process of pre- and post-awards. The center director and staff will ensure that faculty can focus on their research and produce valuable scientific outcomes (with the engagement of undergraduate and graduate students) while relying on a research infrastructure within the College.
Located: ET C-253A
Visit the Sikand SITI Center: https://www.calstatela.edu/academic/sikand
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) and the Molecular Software Sciences Institute (MolSSI) at Virginia Tech collaborate to incorporate machine learning techniques in molecular simulation research and develop innovative pedagogical materials to train early-stage undergraduate students in computational science. The Cal State LA - MolSSI Partnership for Research and Education in Chemistry Pathway to Diversity Program (PREC) is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Cal State LA-MoISSI PREC aims to significantly contribute to the recruitment and training of the next generation of molecular simulation scientists, who will require a deep understanding of physical and chemical principles and computational techniques.
Contact: Email [email protected]
Visit Cal State LA MoISSI PREC: https://www.calstatela.edu/centers/prec
The NASA DIRECT-STEM Program has an overarching goal of recruiting highly competitive, historically underrepresented students, giving them direct NASA research experience in scientific computing and data analysis, and inspiring them to become future leaders in STEM-related professions.
Visit NASA DIRECT STEM: https://www.calstatela.edu/centers/NASA_DIRECT_STEM
NSF PREM Center for Bioinspired and Architectured Materials (CBAM) leverages the unique strengths of both Cal State LA and UC Irvine to drive scientific discovery and technological innovation in materials science and engineering while providing advanced research training to recruit, engage, and support students from diverse backgrounds. The focus of CBAM’s research includes the design of advanced materials that mimic the complex and dynamic structures and functionalities found in nature for applications in energy, human health, and environmental sustainability.
Contact: Email [email protected]
Visit Cal State LA PREM CBAM: https://www.calstatela.edu/prem-cbam
California State University – Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (CSU-LSAMP), is a comprehensive, statewide program dedicated to broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. It is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Office of the CSU Chancellor. Initiated in 1993-94, the CSU-LSAMP Alliance currently consists of all 23 campuses of the CSU. The types of activities offered to support each objective (listed below) have consistently been shown to facilitate the retention and progression of underrepresented minority (URM) students in STEM and represent a set of well-established "best practices." In the current Senior Phase (internally known as Phase V), substantial emphasis has been placed on engaging students in research activities and activities designed to enhance graduate school preparedness. CSU, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) currently has one of the largest LSAMP programs, with over 500 students participating each year. The CSU-LSAMP @ Cal State LA is supported by significant funding from the College of Natural and Social Sciences and the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology at Cal State LA. The program is open to all undergraduates majoring in the STEM disciplines and who plan to graduate in a timely fashion in a STEM discipline and then move into the STEM workforce.
Contact: Email [email protected]
Location: BS 154
Visit CSU SPA: https://www.calstatela.edu/csu-spa/about-csu-spa-and-former-lsamp-program
Research & Design Centers
The ECST Makerspace and CircuitSpace are innovation hubs where students bring ideas to life by designing, prototyping, and building real-world engineering projects. These creative spaces also power our IMPACT LA initiative, enabling students to apply their skills to support our local communities.
Empowering Faculty Driving Innovation and Opportunity
The Sikand SITI Center gives ECST faculty the support they need to pursue their research and mentor students. It creates an ecosystem that streamlines pre- and post-award processes and involves both undergraduate and graduate students, enabling faculty to advance research and deliver meaningful results. This strong foundation drives interdisciplinary breakthroughs in sustainable and intelligent infrastructure, turning research into practical solutions that strengthen communities and guide the development of future leaders.
ECST Makerspace
The ECST Makerspace encourages the thinkers & doers of the future by pushing boundaries to support student experimentation, innovation, and application. It has facilities for design and ideation, prototyping, computer-aided design and simulation, manual and CNC machining, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and welding. In addition, workshops are provided by faculty, staff, and lecturers. Check out the ECST Makerspace YouTube channel.
ECST Circuit Space
The ECST CircuitSpace is a place where students roll up their sleeves and turn ideas into real projects. It’s where circuits get built, systems come to life, and experiments with robotics, augmented reality, and virtual reality take shape. Working alongside the Makerspace, the CircuitSpace gives students room to be creative, collaborate, and learn by doing across engineering, computer science, and technology. Located: ET B-105
ECST CoLab
The Creative Collaborations Laboratory (CoLab) at ECST is where ideas turn into action. It’s a space where engineering, computer science, and technology students gather to experiment, solve problems, and support each other. More than just a study space, the CoLab is a hub of creativity and community that stays alive with energy well beyond class hours. Located: ET B-109
Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility
The Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (H2 Station) is the nation's largest university-located hydrogen fueling facility. It is capable of producing hydrogen on-site from renewable energy sources, using the process known as electrolysis. FCEVs' fueling at the station emits only water vapor emissions! The station is available to Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs).