Daniel Cooper

Daniel Cooper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Integrative Systems and Design at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, leading the Resourceful Manufacturing and Design group (ReMaDe). Promoted effective September 1, 2024, he maintains active roles in research, teaching, and mentoring within sustainable manufacturing systems.

His research targets emissions and cost reduction across manufacturing scales—from material supply chains to factory processes—with core expertise in design, mechanics, recycling, and environmental impact modeling. He emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches intersecting manufacturing systems, product design, and sustainability analytics to address electrification and advanced materials challenges.

Key recognitions include:

• 2022 ASME McDonald Mentoring Award
• 2020 SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award
• 2019 ASME Ben C. Sparks Medal Award

As a mentor, Cooper employs structured weekly PhD meetings with slide-based progress tracking, transitioning from guided instruction to collaborative partnership. He expects three journal publications for graduation (typically 4.5+ years), funds conference attendance at ASME/SME MSEC and CIRP events through research grants, permits four weeks of annual vacation, and encourages optional GSI teaching roles. Lab operations feature subgroup meetings, journal clubs, and social events fostering teamwork in recycling innovation and sustainable systems design.