Ryan Watkins
Technologist
About
Bio
Ryan’s research focuses on the integration of advanced materials with computational design (such as topology optimization) to enable future JPL flight missions. His background is in the experimental characterization and theoretical modeling of shape memory alloys, having received his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2015. While at JPL, he has worked on flight projects as a Structural Analyst and a Cognizant Engineer, leading the design, build, test, and integration of launch restraint hardware for the SWOT and NISAR missions. His current role as a Technologist focuses on generalizing topology optimization to complex material systems (such as gradient alloys and shape memory alloys), additively manufacturing and modeling lattice structures, and 3D printing shape memory alloy systems. He is the lead developer of UnitcellHub, a first-of-its-kind lattice simulation and design tool that won JPL's Software of the Year competition in 2024. Additionally, he works to develop and foster JPL’s topology optimization capabilities, mentoring new practitioners, integrating the workflow into flight project practices, and engaging with the broader topology optimization community.
Education
- PhD – University of Michigan, Aerospace Engineering
- MS – University of Michigan, Aerospace Engineering
- BS – Clarkson University, Aeronautical Engineering
Research Interests
- Topology optimization and computational design
- Lattice structures
- Additive manufacturing
- Nonlinear Mechanics
- Structural and material instabilities
- Experimental mechanics
- Constitutive modeling
- Shape memory alloys
Topic Area(s)
- Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing | Additive Manufacturing, Multifunctional Systems
- Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing | Advanced Design And Analysis
- Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing | Smart And Novel Materials/Processes
- Software, Modeling, Simulation, and Information Processing | Multi-Scale/Multi-Physics Modeling And Simulation
Search Keyword(s)
Experience
Professional Experience
- Lead Structural Analyst for the SWOT Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMR)
- Cognizant Engineer for the SWOT and NISAR boom launch restraints
- Materials and Manufacturing Development Technologist
Achievements
Awards & Recognitions
- North Star Award | For pioneering 3D-printed crushable lattice technology and software, significantly impacting Mars Sample Return and enabling new mission concepts (2025)
- JPL Award | JPL Software of the Year (2024)
- JPL Voyager Award (2020)
- JPL Team Award | JPL SWOT Integrated Mast Assembly Team Award (2020)
- JPL Team Award | JPL NISAR Boom Delivery Team Award (2019)
- JPL Team Award | JPL NISAR Boom Development Team Award (2018)
- JPL Team Award | JPL NISAR Boom Development Team Award (2017)
- JPL Team Award | JPL 355 Science Enabling Technology Award (2017)
- JPL Team Award | JPL 355 Strategic Efforts Team Award (2016)
Publications
- Alacoque, L., Watkins, R. T., & Tamijani, A. Y. (2021). Stress-based and robust topology optimization for thermoelastic multi-material periodic microstructures. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 379, 113749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2021.113749
- Watkins, R., Reedlunn, B., Daly, S., and Shaw, J. A. “Uniaxial, Pure Bending and Buckling Experiments on Superelastic NiTi Rods and Tubes.” International Journal of Solids and Structures, 148:1–28, 2018. doi:10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2018.01.037.
- Watkins, R. and Shaw, J. A. “Unbuckling of Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy Columns.” Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, (29)(7):1360–1378, 2018.