Dr. Kai A. James joined the faculty in the Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech in August 2022.  Prior to this, he was a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2015-2022) and a postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University (2012-2015).  Dr. James’ research interests are in the areas of computational mechanics and multidisciplinary design optimization, with a particular focus on problems involving complex, nonlinear structures and mechanisms. He is especially interested in developing novel algorithms that leverage high-fidelity computational models and numerical optimization methods. Some of his major research projects include aerostructural optimization of electric aircraft wings, design synthesis of self-actuating morphable structures containing active materials, and generative adversarial neural networks for design automation.  Beyond his technical interests, Dr. James is also passionate about increasing diversity in the STEM fields through outreach to economically disadvantaged students and underrepresented minorities .