Helen Durand

Dr. Helen Durand is an Associate Professor in the College of Engineering at Wayne State University, where she holds a joint appointment in Electrical and Computer Engineering. With a PhD from UCLA (2017), she leads the Durand Lab focusing on cyberphysical systems for next-generation manufacturing.

• Current academic roles: Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (Primary), Secondary Appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Education: PhD, MS, BS in Chemical Engineering from UCLA

Research Interests span four key areas:

• Advanced Control Theory for nonlinear systems, including Lyapunov-based economic model predictive control (EMPC)
• Cybersecurity frameworks for industrial control systems, cyberattack detection/handling
• Quantum Computing integration in control algorithms and cyberattack prevention
• Digital Twin Development for dynamic process modeling and virtual testing

Recent Publications demonstrate her interdisciplinary approach combining chemical engineering, control theory, and quantum technologies. Key trends include

• Quantum algorithm applications for control optimization (2022-2024)
• Image-based control simulation environments using Blender (2024)
• CFD modeling for semiconductor manufacturing (2023)
• Directed randomization security architectures (2023)
• Lyapunov-based attack detection systems (2020-2022)

Scientific Recognition

• Featured in AIChE's 35 Under 35 list (2023)
• Invited speaker at 12 institutions (2023-2024)
• 5 keynote presentations at international conferences

Teaching includes graduate courses in Advanced Engineering Mathematics and undergraduate Product/Process Design. The lab recruits multiple funded PhD students annually, with active research in Detroit's manufacturing ecosystem.