Shahane's early accomplishments recognized through MechSE alumni award

Software engineer Dr. Shantanu Shahane (PhD ME 2019) is one of this year’s recipients of a MechSE Outstanding Young Alumni Award in recognition of his prolific research and modeling efforts.

“I envision myself [becoming] an engineer who not only possesses strong analytical capabilities but also the ability to harness the power of data-driven insights to create impactful and responsible designs that contribute positively to society and the environment,” Shahane said of his career goals. “I am eager to continuously learn and adapt within rapidly evolving fields [like renewable energy], seeking opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge projects and collaborate with experts to make a tangible difference.”

Currently working for Google Research, Shahane focuses on the intersection of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning. He has contributed to the development of CFD software that couples machine learning approaches to enhance prediction accuracy and efficiency for meteorological flows. He has also simulated city-wide traffic flows using navigation and map data from Google Maps—an effort that required calibrating simulations with real-world datasets and developing congestion mitigation strategies through sophisticated optimization algorithms.

“What I find most rewarding at Google Research is the commitment to high-quality, rigorous research within our industry work,” Shahane said. “The opportunity to work alongside and learn directly from leading experts in the field of machine learning is an incredible privilege and a constant source of inspiration.”

Shahane’s doctoral research centered on the computational modeling of fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification in die casting.

“Illinois offered the ideal environment, boasting cutting-edge research, renowned faculty actively involved in computational science, and the necessary resources to facilitate significant growth in the field,” he recalled of pursuing his degree at Illinois. “The availability of advanced coursework directly relevant to my interest in computational sciences, along with access to high-performance computing facilities and potential collaborations with national laboratories such as NCSA, presented an unparalleled opportunity for conducting impactful research.”

After graduating, he worked for nearly three years as a postdoctoral research associate at the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Center (ACRC) and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). As a postdoc, Shahane collaborated on a thermal desalination modeling project for the Department of Energy, for which he developed a numerical model and a neural network-enhanced genetic algorithm to optimize the desalination system by improving performance and minimizing fouling. Other projects included the structural modeling and optimization of lens assemblies in collaboration with NCSA researchers and frost modeling at the ACRC.

Shahane credits his time at Illinois with providing him with a rich foundation in computational engineering, which is now a cornerstone of his work at Google. He also credits his PhD advisor, Professor Emeritus Surya Pratap Vanka, with outstanding mentorship and guidance that were pivotal in shaping his research and facilitating his successful transition to postdoctoral and industry positions.    

“The paramount benefit of pursuing engineering at Illinois lies in its multifaceted strengths,” he said. “The university is renowned for its extensive research infrastructure and offers world-class academic rigor delivered by distinguished faculty. At Illinois, students acquire invaluable hands-on research experience, develop crucial problem-solving acumen, and establish a significant professional network. Ultimately, this comprehensive preparation positions graduates to become influential leaders and innovators within their respective engineering disciplines.”

Shahane looks forward to becoming more deeply immersed in the world of computational science as he advances in his career.

“I aim to become proficient in leveraging advanced computational techniques, including numerical simulations and modeling, to tackle complex engineering challenges,” he said. “I am particularly interested in the synergistic potential of combining these computational methods with machine learning algorithms. This interdisciplinary approach, I believe, holds the key to unlocking innovative solutions that go beyond traditional engineering methodologies.”