SPIN Group
Our Team
A mentorship-driven group of researchers and student volunteers working on sensing, physics-informed AI, and nondestructive evaluation.
Principal Investigator
Niyem M. BAWANA, Ph.D.
Niyem M. BAWANA holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and is an incoming Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering (ECEE) at the University of Colorado Boulder. His research focuses on computational sensing for intelligent nondestructive evaluation (NDE), combining physics-based modeling, signal processing, and machine learning to extract actionable insights from complex sensing data.
His work aims to enable reliable defect detection, material characterization, and real-time intelligent inspection systems across advanced sensing modalities.
In addition to his research, Niyem teaches ECE 2031: Digital Design Laboratory in Summer 2026, and has previously taught Fundamentals of Digital Systems Design and Circuits and Electronics as Instructor of Record within the ECE program. His interdisciplinary background enables him to bridge sensing physics, data-driven algorithms, and system-level design.
Open Volunteer Positions
The SPIN Group is welcoming its founding student cohort. We currently host volunteer research positions for both undergraduate and graduate students; we are not recruiting for paid roles at this time. Volunteer members gain hands-on research experience, structured mentorship, and the opportunity to contribute to publishable work. Current openings include:
- Defect modeling with SolidWorks
- Multiphysics simulation in COMSOL and ANSYS
- Machine learning models for engineering applications (prior Python experience expected)
Interested in joining? Please complete the Student Interest Form or reach out through the Contact Us page. Volunteer members will be featured on this page.
Mentorship
Graduate & Undergraduate Research
Structured mentorship for volunteer graduate and undergraduate researchers: project scoping, regular one-on-one guidance, training on sensing and machine learning tools, and coaching toward conference abstracts, publications, thesis work, and capstone projects.
Outreach
K-12 STEM days, open lab demos, and summer internships for underrepresented students.