Vision Statement: To shape the future of intelligent engineering systems through the seamless integration of artificial intelligence, digital modeling, simulation, and cyber-physical technologies.

The Digital Transformation Lab (DTL), directed by Professor Chiwoo Park, develops next-generation computational and AI technologies for autonomous and human-centered engineering systems operating under uncertainty. Our research integrates machine learning, surrogate modeling, real-time data assimilation, simulation, and cyber-physical system modeling to create intelligent virtual representations of complex industrial and scientific systems. These technologies enable predictive decision-making, adaptive operations, and intelligent optimization in applications such as robotic fulfillment systems, advanced manufacturing, aerospace operations, and immersive human-centered environments.

The laboratory occupies a 750 sq. ft. air-conditioned research space, supporting immersive virtual experimentation, digital human modeling, robotic and manufacturing system simulation, real-time data acquisition, and cyber-physical system synchronization. These capabilities enable the development and validation of tightly integrated physical–virtual systems. The available lab equipment is listed below:

Now establishing a new lab at UW. We are hiring multiple Ph.D. students and Postdoctoral fellows in general areas of machine learning, engineering statistics, simulation modeling and analysis, VR/AR, and digital twins. Interested! Send me your academic CV. 

1. Daniel Qiu (Sept 2024 - Present) His main research interest is dynamic shape data modeling and analysis with applications to human performance analysis and additive manufacturing. 

2. Yang Xu (Sept 2024 - Present) His main research interest is Jump surrogate modeling and analysis. 

3. Haitong Qian (Expected to start in Sept 2026) 

1. Rifat Hasan (Jan 2021 - Present) His main research interest is statistical shape analysis and shape distribution modeling with applications to advanced manufacturing. Co-advised by Prof. Arda Vanli.

2. Isaac Adjetey (August 2021 - Present) His main research interest is surrogate modeling and sequential experiments with applications to digital twin and cyber physical systems.  Co-advised by Prof. Hui Wang.

1. Paul Lee (June 2025 - present). Autonomous 3D Printing Platform 

2. Beckett Tom (November 2025 - present) Digital Work Measurement

3. Jana Mansour (January 2026-present)  Synchronization of Digital Models with Data (AS/RS System Models)

4. Bohdan Varfolomieiev (March 2026-present) Digital Twin-based Process Optimization 

5. Taryn Kerker (March 2026-present) Virtual Digital Human Experiment

6. Benedict Wong (July 2025). Unity for Virtual Experimentation 

7. Andrew Ozaki (November 2025 - Jan 2026) Unity for Virtual Experimentation

1. Prof. Bonggwon Kang (Postdoctoral Associate, Sept 2025 - Feb 2026). Discrete-event system, Surrogate modeling, Bayesian optimization, Bayesian calibration. Current Position: Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, South Korea, Website.

2. Prof. Yong Oh, Lee (Visiting Professor, Sept 2025 - Jan 2026). Computer-vision algorithm to estimate biomechanical impact of worker motions, Assistant Professor of Industrial and Data Engineering, Hongik University, South Korea. Website

1. Ming-yang Li (co-chaired by Prof. Richard Liang, PhD Industrial Engineering, 2016) Thesis Title: Topological and Electrical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Networks.  Currently Assistant Professor in Feng Chia University, Taiwan. 

2. Adeseye Agbabiaka (PhD Industrial Engineering, 2017) Thesis Title: Ensemble Pruning Algorithms in Machine Learning. 

3. Xin Li (PhD, Industrial Engineering, 2018) Thesis Title: Sparsity-Regularized Learning for Nano-Metrology. Currently Postdoctoral Associate in Oak Ridge National Lab.

4. Garret Vo (PhD, Industrial Engineering, 2019) Thesis Title: Large-Scale Multi-Target Tracking Problem for Interaction Targets. Currently Computer Scientist in Naval Research Lab and also Adjunct Faculty in George Mason University.

5. Chen Mu (PhD, Industrial Engineering, 2021) Thesis Title: Electron Tomographic Reconstruction with Sparse Noise Filters and Shape Priors. Sr. Data Scientist, Starbucks, previously Sr. Data Scientist in Circle-K, Inc. 

1. Kartheek Allada (MS Industrial Engineering, 2015) Thesis Title: Image Segmentation for Extracting Nanoparticles. Currently in Weston Foods.

2. Huzefa Ghadiyali (MS Industrial Engineering, 2016) Thesis Title: Partial Gauss-Seidel Approach to Solve Large Scale Linear Systems. Currently Owner of Marvel Enterprises. 

3. Ali Esmaieeli  (MS Industrial Engineering, 2017) Thesis Title: Regressing over Linear-Circular Data Using a Mixture of Linear-Linear Regression Models. Currently VP and Data Scientist Lead in JP Morgan Chase & Co. 

4. Sylwia Kakareko (MS Industrial Engineering, 2020) Thesis Title: Modeling a Probability Distribution of Elastic Curves with Applications to Nanoparticle Shape Analysis. Currently in Aero Glow International.