Hwan-Sik Yoon

Dr. Hwan-Sik Yoon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Alabama, where he focuses on applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to automotive, transportation, and manufacturing systems. His research spans modeling, simulation, and control of dynamic systems, with a strong emphasis on connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), energy-efficient routing, and sensor fusion technologies.

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 2002
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 1998
• B.S., Physics Education, Seoul National University, Korea, 1994

Dr. Yoon’s research integrates AI/ML into applications such as traffic signal control, excavator manipulator pose estimation, hybrid electric vehicle powertrain control, and factory floor safety monitoring. He is also involved in additive manufacturing, vision-based control systems, and reinforcement learning-driven automotive innovations.

Recent publications highlight trends in deep reinforcement learning for vehicle energy efficiency, sensor fusion for traffic surveillance, and neural networks for dynamic system control. His work addresses challenges in multi-component failure analysis and real-time edge computing platforms.

• NSF Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award (2019)
• College of Engineering Faculty Productivity Award, Tennessee Tech University (2012)

Dr. Yoon leads the Intelligent Structures and Systems Laboratory and serves as the lead CAVs faculty advisor for the University of Alabama’s EcoCAR student team, which has achieved national recognition in advanced vehicle technology competitions.