Youngstown Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center creates new pathways for student collaboration and industry experience

A new initiative at Youngstown State University is bringing together students, faculty and industry partners to tackle real-world challenges while giving participants valuable hands-on experience outside the classroom.

The Youngstown Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center was created to connect students from a variety of disciplines with opportunities in applied research, product development and manufacturing projects. Led by Bharat Yelamanchi, assistant professor and program coordinator of industrial and systems engineering at YSU, the center is designed to foster collaboration.

“YAMIC is a student-forward unit,” Yelamanchi said. “The idea is to create this bridge between industry and academia and provide students with real-world experience that complements the theoretical knowledge they gain in the classroom.”

The concept for YAMIC began years ago during Yelamanchi’s own time as a student at YSU. After earning both a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering and a doctorate in materials science and engineering, Yelamanchi saw firsthand the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Later, as a faculty member with professional industry experience, he envisioned a centralized hub where students and faculty could work together on authentic industry projects.

That vision gained momentum through support from university leadership, including Dean Wim Steelant, the Office of Research Services, Provost Jennifer Adams and President Bill Johnson. Today, YAMIC is beginning to turn that vision into reality.

While advanced manufacturing is central to its mission, YAMIC’s scope extends far beyond engineering disciplines. The center has already collaborated with students and faculty in chemical engineering, civil engineering and engineering technology, and future projects could involve students from business, marketing, art and other academic areas depending on project needs.

“It’s a truly open space,” Yelamanchi said. “It’s not dedicated to one single field. It’s a collaborative environment where multiple disciplines can come together to make things happen.”

That collaborative approach is what sets YAMIC apart. Rather than limiting participation to upper-level students or specialized researchers, the center welcomes students of all levels.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a freshman or in a Ph.D. program,” Yelamanchi said. “All you need is that creative spark and openness to learn.”

As industry partners bring projects to YAMIC, students are hired or assigned to multidisciplinary teams that work alongside faculty experts to develop solutions. These projects may involve process improvements, product development, prototyping, applied research or emerging technologies. Students not only gain practical experience but also have opportunities to earn compensation while working on projects that address real business challenges.

The center also strengthens YSU’s longstanding connections with organizations such as America Makes and other industry partners. Through research grants, collaborative projects and direct industry engagement, students gain exposure to professional environments while contributing to meaningful work.

For businesses, the partnership offers access to university expertise and research capabilities. For students, it provides an opportunity to apply classroom concepts in a professional setting and build skills that employers increasingly seek.

Although YAMIC officially launched less than a year ago, the center has already completed several small-scale projects for community members and businesses while laying the groundwork for future growth. Upcoming initiatives are expected to include research and development work, especially for aerospace, defense and energy sectors, energy storage, drones, microelectronics, power electronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, monitoring systems, casting technologies and biomedical applications.

The center is also expanding its reach beyond YSU. Yelamanchi noted that students ranging from high school interns to graduate researchers have already begun participating in projects, reflecting YAMIC’s belief that innovation can come from any level of experience.

Ultimately, Yelamanchi hopes YAMIC becomes a destination where students from every discipline can collaborate, gain practical experience and contribute to meaningful solutions for industry and the region.

“The message is very simple,” he said. “We are a collaborative unit.”

Students interested in learning more about YAMIC can watch for opportunities posted through JobX or contact the center directly via email.