1/9/2025 Urim Song Zhu and Taylor Tucker 5 min read
Written by Urim Song Zhu and Taylor Tucker
Teaching Assistant Professor Kevin Wandke, who joined the MechSE faculty last semester, has already demonstrated a profound commitment to both cutting-edge research and teaching, and aims to significantly impact the academic community through his work and dedication to student success.
Wandke’s journey at Illinois began early in his academic career. Growing up just outside of Chicago, he found the U of I to be the ideal engineering school, offering a top-tier education and robust research opportunities without the need to relocate far from home.
Wandke earned his PhD in electrical and computer engineering last year, but his ties to the university extend beyond academics—his younger brother is a fellow alum. Indeed, a cherished memory from his days as a student involves partnering with his brother for a project in CS 461 (Computer Security I). Over his nine years in Champaign-Urbana, his admiration for the campus and its resources would only deepen.
“As a faculty member, I wanted to be at a large school where we have the resources and capability to do really exciting work, both on the research side and the educational side,” he said.
On the research side, Wandke primarily focuses on leveraging machine learning (ML) to solve coupled partial differential equations (PDEs), a fundamental aspect of modeling physical phenomena. PDEs are mathematical equations that describe how various physical quantities change over space and time, essential for simulating real-world systems. Traditional methods for solving PDEs can be computationally expensive, especially for complex, nonlinear systems.
Wandke employs ML techniques to train neural networks that can predict solutions to PDEs more efficiently. By breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and utilizing the parallel processing power of GPUs, his approach significantly reduces computational costs while maintaining high accuracy. This breakthrough has vast real-world applications, from aerospace engineering—such as modeling spacecraft re-entry dynamics—to optimizing cooling systems in computing hardware. His work not only enhances simulation accuracy but also accelerates the design and testing processes across various engineering disciplines.
Beyond his research, Wandke is deeply passionate about teaching and shaping the next generation of engineers. His approach is heavily influenced by his own experiences at Illinois, allowing him to empathize with students and create meaningful connections between different courses and disciplines. By fostering an interdisciplinary learning environment, he ensures that students can apply their knowledge across various fields, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and preparing them for diverse career paths.
“Because I took all these classes, I am well equipped to take a step back and look at the curriculum to find the experience for the students. It lets me make connections between different courses and different topics that somebody who’s just teaching may not readily make.”
Wandke is also committed to improving student experiences and promoting lifelong learning. He focuses on developing open-access resources and enhancing opportunities for students to engage in engineering from an early stage. His efforts to cultivate a sense of belonging and passion for learning have made a significant impact on student success and retention within the engineering programs.
“I vividly remember my time here as a student and I can think back to things that I did enjoy and things that I did not enjoy, and I can make sure that I am crafting educational experiences that are helpful for the students,” he said.
Looking forward, Wandke aims to continue advancing his research in AI and ML while simultaneously enhancing his teaching methodologies. He is dedicated to integrating new technologies and innovative teaching strategies to better prepare students for the evolving demands of the engineering industry and academia. His vision includes fostering teamwork, encouraging continuous learning, and ensuring that students not only survive but thrive in their educational journeys.
He encourages current students to take full advantage of Illinois’ exceptional resources and faculty expertise. He advises those interested in graduate school to actively engage in research, explore various ideas, and gain hands-on experience in different labs to determine their passions and make informed decisions regarding their intended career path.
“If you’re a student here interested in pursuing higher level academia, you are at one of the world’s premier research institutions,” he said. “We have faculty who are world class in the things that they do. It’s a rare gift to be here. If you’re excited about controls, or micro or nanotech, or heat transfer, try it out and join a lab. You have vast access to some of the greatest resources and labs here.”
With his unique educational approach, Wandke hopes to inspire countless students to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion.