Xiaoping Du, a professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering. 

Purdue University in Indianapolis launched on July 1, 2024, ending a long-standing collaboration between Purdue University and Indiana University at what was called Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Purdue University in Indianapolis is an expansion of Purdue West Lafayette, with multiple locations throughout the city of Indianapolis. It bookends America’s Hard Tech Corridor, which extends from West Lafayette to downtown Indianapolis, and it positions our students, faculty and staff in close proximity to top businesses and leading industries, providing new and unique executive education and internship opportunities.

Among the Purdue faculty in Indianapolis is Xiaoping Du, who is now a professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering. Professor Du‘s research interests include reliability-based and robust design, probabilistic and statistical methods, and uncertainty quantification for machine learning. Among other honors, he was awarded the Trustees’ Teaching Award from IUPUI in 2023; won the Associate Editor Award from ASME’s Journal of Mechanical Design; and is a past recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education when he taught at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. We sat down with Professor Du for a brief chat.

Engineering for Reliability

Professor Du, what is the crux of your work?

I focus on engineering design, specifically on creating reliable and long-lasting products. This is important because engineers face uncertainty from things like random use conditions, manufacturing imperfections and variations in materials. These challenges become even more significant when machine learning is used in decision-making, as errors can easily be introduced. My goal is to find ways to manage these uncertainties and ensure products perform as intended. 

Why Indianapolis? And how does affiliation with Purdue affect your work?

Being in Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, offers valuable opportunities for research and attracts talented students. My affiliation with Purdue greatly enhances my work by fostering collaborative research and providing access to resources and expertise. It also allows me to apply my research on reliability and uncertainty to a broader range of multidisciplinary fields.

What is the research environment like at Purdue in Indianapolis?

The research environment at Purdue University in Indianapolis offers a balance between fundamental and applied research, fostering an ecosystem where foundational theories are developed alongside practical solutions. This dual focus creates a well-rounded setting for innovation and real-world impact.

What is your philosophy of teaching?

I believe that fostering a mindset of “thinking like an engineer” is the cornerstone of effective teaching. To achieve this, I integrate the materials I teach into the broader context of engineering design, encouraging students to approach problems with creativity, practicality and a systematic perspective. This approach not only reinforces engineering thinking but also helps students synthesize knowledge from other courses.

What was your path like up to present day?

I’ve always been curious about how things work, even as a child, often taking apart my toys to understand their mechanisms. This early fascination naturally led me to study mechanical engineering. I worked as an engineer at two companies, where I gained practical experience and developed a deeper understanding of real-world engineering challenges. Eventually, my passion for teaching and advancing knowledge brought me to my current role as an engineering educator and researcher. I find great fulfillment in helping students develop their skills while contributing to research that can make a difference in the field.

What about the future? What are you looking to accomplish?

I plan to expand my research on reliability and uncertainty from hardware components to computational components, such as machine learning and smart functionality, and develop new courses in these areas.

It’s a challenging task you’ve set out for yourself. How do you unwind?

Outside of work, I enjoy singing karaoke and playing pickleball. These activities help me relax and stay balanced.