cv

General Information

Full Name Vahidullah Tac
Date of Birth 6th August 1991
Languages English, Turkish, Persian, Turkmen, Russian

Experience

  • 2024 - Now
    Postdoctoral Scholar
    Stanford University, CA, USA
    • Using experiments, finite element modeling, and machine learning to expand our understanding of the biomechanics of concussion
  • 2021 - 2024
    Research Assistant
    Purdue University, IN, USA
    • Developed a model of hyperelastic material behavior based on feed-forward neural networks in Python/TensorFlow.
    • Used special properties of Neural ODEs to develop a model of hyperelasticity where physics-based constraints are satisfied a priori using Python/JAX. This approach circumvents the use of a complicated loss function thus avoiding a large number of unnecessary floating-point operations.
    • Developed the first fully data-driven, physics-informed model of finite viscoelasticity. The model uses Neural ODEs to model viscoelasticity in such a way that the relevant physical laws are satisfied automatically.
  • 2018-2021
    Structural Design Engineer
    Turkish Aerospace Industries, Ankara, Turkey
    • Designed various spacecraft parts such as structural panels, inserts and brackets. Spearheaded the development of the first structural panel with embedded active cooling in TAI.
  • 2017 - 2018
    Research Engineer
    TUBITAK Space Technologies Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey
    • Developed two engineering software packages using Visual Basic and MATLAB:
      • Aircraft conceptual design
      • Prediction of failure modes of composite materials
    • The packages received praise for being user friendly and responsive.

Education

  • 2021-2024
    PhD in Mechanical Engineering
    Purdue University, IN, USA
    • Dissertation title: Data-driven modeling of elastic and inelastic processes
  • 2016-2019
    MSc in Aerospace Engineering
    Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
    • Thesis title: Micromechanical modeling of carbon nanotube – polymer composites
  • 2012-2016
    BSc in Aerospace Engineering
    Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey

Honors and Awards

Skills

  • FEM, machine learning, Python, JAX, TensorFlow, PyTorch, FORTRAN, MATLAB