Aasifa Rounak

Dr. Aasifa Rounak is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD). She holds dual roles as a BE Automotive Engineering Programme Staff and Chair of the School’s EDI Committee. Her research focuses on nonlinear dynamical systems, particularly discontinuity-induced bifurcations in mechanical systems undergoing impacts and friction, with applications in automotive engineering, biomedical tools, and structural health monitoring.

Education:

• BTech from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla
• MSc in Applied Mechanics from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
• PhD in Applied Mechanics from IIT Madras

Research Themes: Nonlinear dynamics, stochastic bifurcations, vibro-impact systems, energy harvesting, neuromorphic computing for control systems. Her work bridges theoretical analysis (e.g., bifurcation maps, Lyapunov exponents) and experimental validation (e.g., modal testing of micro-drills, electronic circuit models).

Teaching: Coordinates modules like Solid Mechanics 1/2 and Vehicle Structural Analysis. Her pedagogy emphasizes hands-on learning and geometric intuition, as seen in her 2024 Teaching Excellence Award.

Awards & Grants:

• Recipient of 2024 Teaching Excellence Award (UCD)
• Principal Investigator on grants like "Stochastic Dynamics and Chatter in Metal Cutting Applications" (2022–2026)

Labs & Teams: Leads the Dynamical Systems and Risk Laboratory, overseeing projects on energy harvesting sensors and neuromorphic control systems. Collaborates with industry partners like Salt Medical on biomedical device dynamics.

Professional Activities: Peer reviewer for journals like Nonlinear Dynamics and Journal of Vibration and Control. Active in COST Action ODIN for inspection-optimization frameworks.