Graduate Mechanical Engineering researcher (GPA 4.0/4.0) with hands-on experience in experimental fluid mechanics,
CAD design, and thermal-fluid systems. Conducting original thesis research on drag coefficients in particle-laden
supersonic flow using Schlieren imaging and PIV/PTV at the University of Toledo. Proficient in SolidWorks
(CSWA Certified), Ansys Fluent, LabVIEW, and Python-based data analysis. Industry background spans airport
mechanical engineering, automotive servicing, and EV system architecture. Published researcher open to roles
in mechanical design, thermal engineering, R&D, and aerospace.
Education
M.S. in Mechanical EngineeringJan 2025 – Dec 2026 (Expected)
University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
GPA: 4.0 / 4.0
Thesis: Study of Coefficient of Drag in Particle-Laden Supersonic Flow
B.E. in Mechanical EngineeringAug 2018 – May 2023
Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
GPA: 3.5 / 4.0
Experience
Graduate Research & Teaching AssistantJan 2025 – Present
University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
Research
Designing and operating a supersonic wind tunnel to experimentally investigate drag coefficients in particle-laden supersonic flow; applying Schlieren imaging for flow visualization and PIV/PTV for quantitative velocity field measurements; responsible for wind tunnel design, supersonic flow generation, optical alignment, and multi-modal data acquisition pipeline.
Developed data acquisition and automated control systems for the supersonic flow facility using LabVIEW, covering valve sequencing, safety interlocks, and real-time sensor monitoring; responsible for post-processing and statistical analysis of heterogeneous experimental datasets.
Designed a valve automation system for the supersonic flow simulator: selected components, developed control logic, defined safety interlocks, and produced complete technical documentation.
Teaching
Fluid Mechanics Laboratory: Guided students through experimental setups, data acquisition, and quantitative analysis; evaluated lab reports.
Thermodynamics: Assisted course instruction, held office hours, and supported grading for undergraduate sections.
Heat Transfer Laboratory: Supervised experiments, reinforced theoretical concepts, and ensured safe equipment operation.
Associate EngineerApr 2024 – Aug 2024
Mahavir Shree International Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal
Designed, relocated, and installed baggage handling and mechanical systems for the Domestic Terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA); coordinated vendors and site teams to minimize operational downtime.
Supervised scheduled maintenance of Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 fire vehicles at TIA, ensuring operational availability and full compliance with OEM procedures.
Engineering InternJan 2023 – Apr 2023
Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd., Lalitpur, Nepal
Supported service and maintenance of TATA vehicles; completed formal training on engine, transmission, and EV system architecture.
Assisted workflow organization in a high-volume service environment to improve turnaround times and documentation accuracy.
Research
Thesis: Study of Coefficient of Drag in Particle-Laden Supersonic Flow
Advisor: Dr. Omid Amili · Fluids and Imaging Innovation Lab, University of Toledo
Schlieren ImagingPIV / PTVSupersonic FlowLabVIEW
Experimentally investigating drag coefficients of particles in supersonic flow using a custom-designed wind tunnel facility at the Fluids and Imaging Innovation Lab, University of Toledo.
Flow visualization via Schlieren imaging; quantitative velocity field measurements via PIV and PTV.
Instrumentation: multi-sensor DAQ pipelines, optical alignment, pressure measurement, and real-time automated control via LabVIEW.
Statistical post-processing and analysis of multi-modal experimental datasets using Python.
Academic and Engineering Projects
Battery Thermal Management in Electric Vehicles (Comparative CFD)
Ansys FluentPythonEV Thermal
Built CFD models in Ansys Fluent to compare active cooling strategies and coolant concentration effects on EV battery pack temperature uniformity; post-processed and analyzed multi-parameter simulation datasets using Python to quantify thermal performance trade-offs relevant to EV pack design.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrain (Retrofitting a Maruti 800)
PublishedFuel CellPowertrain Integration
Specified and modeled integration of an H2 fuel cell powertrain into an ICE chassis; performed system-level modeling, packaging, and safety analysis. Results published in IOP Conference Series (2023).
Automatic Pipe Cleaning Crawler (Prototype)
SolidWorksPrototype FabricationMechanism Design
Designed and fabricated a link-and-spring mechanism enabling adaptive radial contact for self-centering navigation within variable-diameter pipelines; handled the full design-to-build cycle including part selection and assembly.
Regenerative Braking System (Kinetic Energy Recovery)
Energy RecoverySimulationDrivetrain
Analyzed and simulated a kinetic energy recovery system for automotive braking; evaluated energy recovery efficiency and drivetrain integration feasibility for a hybrid powertrain application.
CAD Design Portfolio (SolidWorks Assemblies)
SolidWorksAssembly3D Modeling
Complete parametric assemblies: V6 Engine (full moving assembly), PTO Gear Box, F1 Race Car, F-16 Fighting Falcon. Each project includes part modeling, assembly constraints, rendered imagery, and motion animations.
Technical Skills
ExperimentalSchlieren imaging; PIV/PTV; supersonic wind tunnel design and operation; LabVIEW (DAQ and control systems); instrumentation and data acquisition; flow measurement; lab setup and validationSimulationAnsys Fluent (CFD); Simulink; numerical methodsCAD / DesignSolidWorks (3D modeling, assemblies, drawings, surface modeling); CSWA Certified; prototype fabrication; mechanical assemblyProgrammingPython (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib); MATLAB; ML algorithms (supervised and unsupervised learning, regression, classification, clustering); Git/GitHub
Publication
Y. Shrestha, A. Subedi, M. Sapkota, P. Paudel, N. K. Yadav, and B. S. Thapa,
"Assessing the performance of a demonstrative hydrogen fuel cell power train in the chassis of an
internal combustion engine vehicle,"
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering,
vol. 1279, no. 1, p. 012003, Mar. 2023.
DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1279/1/012003
Awards & Recognition
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award
University of Toledo, Dept. of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering · Spring 2026
Training & Certifications
SolidWorks Associate in Mechanical Design (CSWA)
Dassault Systèmes · May 2023
Capacity Development Program on EV Technology
Kathmandu University · May 2023 · EV components, power electronics, charging systems, efficiency, design and simulation, grid integration
Data Science with Python
Broadway Infosys, Kathmandu · Apr to Jul 2024 · Supervised and unsupervised ML, regression, classification, clustering, data pipeline construction, visualization
Leadership & Service
Vice President, Association of Mechanical Engineering Students (AMES)May 2020 – Aug 2021
Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Served as Vice President of the departmental student association; supported organizational activities, coordinated events, and represented student interests within the Mechanical Engineering department.
Organizing Member, University Scholar Conference (1st Edition)2021
Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Contributed to organizing the inaugural University Scholar Conference at Kathmandu University; coordinated logistics and supported the event's execution.
Team Leader, Shell Eco-Marathon (Team Junkiri)Aug 2021 – Oct 2022
Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Led full vehicle chassis and surface modeling in SolidWorks; managed fabrication workflow and coordinated international competition logistics in Indonesia.