Auburn ISE doctoral student earns simulation fellowship

Rupesh Shrestha, a doctoral student in Auburn University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has been awarded the 2026 Chapman Foundation Simulation Fellowship for his research and academic achievements in simulation and advanced manufacturing systems.

Shrestha earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Tribhuvan University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in industrial and systems engineering at Auburn University. His research focuses on digital twins, simulation, scheduling and multi-robot coordination for manufacturing and intralogistics applications.

“I decided to pursue a doctorate in industrial and systems engineering because I was interested in solving complex problems related to automation, digital twin development, scheduling and intralogistics systems,” Shrestha said. “I was particularly drawn to how simulation, optimization and systems thinking can be combined to improve the performance of interconnected autonomous systems.”

Shrestha said Auburn’s strong research environment in advanced manufacturing aligned closely with his academic interests and helped shape his research direction.

The Chapman Foundation Simulation Fellowship supports graduate students conducting research in simulation and related fields. Shrestha said the fellowship allows him to further develop and validate new approaches for intelligent autonomous systems while advancing his long-term career goals in academia and research.

“This fellowship is meaningful because it recognizes the potential impact of my research within the simulation community,” Shrestha said. “It will help me dedicate more time to developing and validating new approaches for intelligent autonomous systems while also supporting my long-term goal of pursuing a career in academia and advanced research.”

Shrestha hopes to pursue a career centered on research and teaching focused on digital twins, autonomous systems and robotics applications in manufacturing and logistics operations.

“My long-term goal is to pursue a career in academia, and research focused on digital twins, simulation, multi-robot coordination and autonomous systems,” he said. “I hope to contribute to the development of intelligent cyber-physical systems that improve the safety, efficiency and adaptability of future manufacturing and logistics operations.”

In addition to research, Shrestha said he enjoys teaching and mentoring students and hopes to continue contributing to both areas throughout his career.