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Jon Komperda, PhD

High-Performance Computing, Automation, Manufacturing, Education, and AI Specialist

Bridging the gap between theoretical research and industrial application through High-Performance Computing, AI/ML, and Mechanical Engineering innovation.

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Researcher & Engineer Profile

I am a computational scientist with a dual focus: advancing applied fluid dynamics and developing novel artificial intelligence approaches for automation.

My research leverages High-Performance Computing to accelerate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, while my applied work involves developing "Machine Learning and AI Models" to automate complex tasks, ranging from Computer Vision in robotics, to Agentic Workflows for engineering applications. My work in Education emphasizes applying engineering through real-world hands-on experiences, strongly tied to Industry Partnerships and team-based design problems.

Research Expertise
  • DNS, LES, & RANS Simulation
  • High-Performance Computing
  • CUDA, OpenMP, & MPI Parallelization
  • ML-based Feature Extraction
  • Scientific Visualization
Applied Expertise
  • Robotics (ISAAC & ROS)
  • Computer Vision (OpenCV, YOLO)
  • Python & C++ Development
  • Subtractive & Additive Manufacturing
  • Agentic Workflows

Recent News & Stories

UIC SparkTalks
February 04, 2026

Improving Student Job Placement

Clinical Associate Professor Jonathan Komperda presented "The intersection of industry and the classroom" at SparkTalks. He explained how hands-on project-based experience significantly improves student job placement, especially when combined with classroom engagement and industry mentorship programs.

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Awards Ceremony
December 15, 2025

UIC Teaching Recognition Program Award

Jon Komperda has been named a recipient of UIC’s 2025-2026 Teaching Recognition Program (TRP) Award. The award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated teaching excellence over the past three academic years.

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FIRST Lego League
January 08, 2026

Supporting Future Engineers at St. Ignatius

UIC engineering faculty and students volunteered at the First Lego League robotics qualifier. Prof. Komperda served as lead design judge, critiquing student designs and mentoring teams on technical improvements.

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Core Competencies

High-Performance Computing

Optimizing complex simulations and data processing workflows using parallel computing architectures.

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Advanced CFD modeling for aerodynamics, thermal management, and fluid system optimization.

AI & Machine Learning

Developing predictive models, neural networks, and data-driven decision support systems.

Computer Vision

Implementing deep learning vision systems for quality control, robotics guidance, and automation.

Manufacturing & Automation

Designing efficient production lines and robotic integration for modern smart factories.

Education & Mentoring

Translating complex technical concepts into accessible learning experiences for future engineers.

Selected Publications

Details-first, show context, overview last: supporting exploration of viscous fingers in large-scale ensemble simulations

Timothy Luciani, Andrew Burks, Cassiano Sugiyama, Jonathan Komperda, G Elisabeta Marai
IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 25(1), 1225-1235 DOI: 10.1109/TVCG.2018.2864849

This paper focuses on visualization techniques for large-scale ensemble simulations, specifically supporting the exploration of viscous fingers in complex flow scenarios.

IEEE Xplore PDF

A Deep Learning Approach to Identifying Shock Locations in Turbulent Combustion Tensor Fields

Mathew Monfort, Timothy Luciani, Jonathan Komperda, Brian Ziebart, Farzad Mashayek, G Elisabeta Marai
Modeling, Analysis, and Visualization of Anisotropy, Springer, 375-392 ISBN: 978-3-319-61358-1

Introduces a deep learning methodology to automatically identify shock locations in complex turbulent combustion data, improving analysis speed and accuracy.

Springer Link PDF

A hybrid discontinuous spectral element method and filtered mass density function solver for turbulent reacting flows

Jonathan Komperda, Zia Ghiasi, Dongru Li, Ahmad Peyvan, Farhad Jaberi, Farzad Mashayed
Numerical Heat Transfer, Part B: Fundamentals, 78(1), 1-29 DOI: 10.1080/10407790.2020.1746608

Presents a novel hybrid numerical method combining spectral element methods with filtered mass density functions for simulating turbulent reacting flows efficiently.

Taylor & Francis PDF

Evaluation of upper airway characteristics in patients with and without sleep apnea using cone‐beam computed tomography and computational fluid dynamics

Raj Desai, Jonathan Komperda, Mohammed H Elnagar, Grace Viana, Maria Therese S Galang‐Boquiren
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, 130(6), 714-722 DOI: 10.1111/ocr.12728

A clinical study utilizing CBCT and CFD to analyze airway characteristics, aiding in the diagnosis and understanding of obstructive sleep apnea.

Wiley Online Library PDF

Awards & Honors

December 2025

Teaching Recognition Program Award

University of Illinois Chicago

Recognized for groundbreaking contributions to education. The Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs gives this award to faculty members who have demonstrated teaching excellence over the past three academic years.

May 2025

Harold A. Simon Award for Excellence in Teaching

UIC College of Engineering

The award is named for the late Dr. Harold A. Simon, a UIC professor of mechanical engineering, renowned for his teaching excellence. It is the highest teaching distinction in the college and presented annually to one College of Engineering faculty member who embodies the distinguished service, dedication, and teaching excellence that defined the late Simon’s career at UIC.

April 2023

Silver Circle Award

University of Illinois Chicago

Funding awarded for the project "Autonomous Optimization of Manufacturing Processes using Reinforcement Learning".

August 2021

College of Engineering Advising Award

UIC College of Engineering

Recognized for innovative teaching methods in computational mechanics and numerical analysis courses.

Get In Touch

Academic Inquiries

For research collaborations, academic partnerships, or educational opportunities:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Dept: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
  • Location: 842 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607

Consulting & Industry Inquiries

For professional consulting services in engineering and technology: