Hi, my name is Abylaikhan Mukhamejanov. I am a Mechanical Engineering student and Undergraduate Researcher at Lehigh University, working in the Unsteady Flow Interactions Laboratory under Prof. Keith Moored and PhD mentor Ata Ardıç.

My research focuses on uncovering the fluid–structure interactions underlying bio-inspired propulsion using cyber-physical fluid dynamics. I design and build robotic experimental systems integrating precision mechanical hardware, embedded sensors, and real-time control to investigate propulsion physics and enable next-generation autonomous underwater vehicles.

My broader research interests include:

• Bio-inspired robotics and propulsion
• Fluid–structure interactions
• Cyber-physical experimental systems
• Mechatronics and control
• Autonomous underwater and space systems

I am originally from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿, where I developed my passion for engineering through hands-on building and fabrication from a young age.

News

Nov 2025 — Received Best Poster Award at the ASME IMECE Undergraduate Research Expo.

Oct 2025 — Presented Cyber-Physical Fluid Dynamics research at the DoD MURI Meeting.

Sept 2025 — Research accepted to APS Division of Fluid Dynamics and ASME IMECE conferences.

May 2025 — Awarded Rossin Research Fellowship for Wave-Assisted Propulsion research.

Dec 2024 — OSPREY CubeSat secured $200K in funding.

Aug 2024 — Presented propulsion testbed at Lehigh Research Symposium.

Dec 2023 — Started research at the Unsteady Flow Interactions Laboratory.

Research

Research Vision

My research aims to uncover the physical mechanisms governing bio-inspired propulsion through tightly integrated cyber-physical experimental systems.

By combining mechanical design, embedded sensing, and real-time control, I develop robotic experimental platforms that enable controlled investigation of propulsion physics and fluid–structure interactions.

Cyber-Physical Fluid Dynamics System

This cyber-physical system integrates:

• Mechanical propulsion hardware
• Embedded sensing systems
• Real-time control architecture
• MATLAB and Simulink integration

This platform enables precise experimental validation of propulsion physics.

Bio-Inspired Propulsion Experiments

This experimental system enables investigation of fluid–structure interactions in robotic propulsion systems.

My contributions include:

• Mechanical system design
• Sensor integration
• Control system development

Projects

OSPREY CubeSat — Lead Mechanical Engineer

OSPREY is Lehigh University’s first nanosatellite selected by NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative.

My responsibilities include:

• Structural design
• Mechanical integration
• CAD design and validation
• Spaceflight hardware development

Funding secured: $200,000+

Cyber-Physical Propulsion Testbed

Designed and built robotic propulsion experimental platform integrating:

• Mechanical hardware
• Sensors and actuators
• Embedded control systems

Formula SAE Suspension Design

Designed lightweight suspension components to improve vehicle performance using CAD design and structural analysis.

Teaching

Senior Teaching Assistant

Applied Engineering Computer Methods
Lehigh University

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching MATLAB programming
• Supporting robotics laboratories
• Assisting student engineering projects
• Guiding computational engineering exercises

Hobbies

Outside engineering, I enjoy building, traveling, and outdoor activities.

From a young age, I built physical structures including gazebos, greenhouses, and mechanical systems.

I also enjoy:

• Playing guitar
• Traveling
• Outdoor construction
• Campfire cooking

These experiences inspire my creativity and engineering mindset.