cv

Basics

Name Zain Karsan
Label Doctoral Researcher
Email karsan@ibi.baug.ethz.ch
Phone 076 630 37 24
Url zainkarsan7.github.io/projects
Summary Mechanical engineering, computational design and architecture, designing machines and processes for construction and manufacturing

Education

  • 2023.09 - 2027.09

    Zurich, Switzerland

    PhD
    Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, Zurich, Switzerland
    Civil Engineering and Architecture
    • 151-0325-00L Planning and Decision Making for Autonomous Robots
    • 151-0662-00L Programming for Robotics
  • 2021.09 - 2023.06

    Cambridge, USA

    Master of Science
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
    Computational Design
    • 6.C51 Machine Learning Models & Applications
    • 4.453 Creative Machine Learning
    • 4.s12 Design Intelligence
    • 2.096 Numerical Simulation
  • 2021.09 - 2023.06

    Cambridge, USA

    Master of Science
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
    Mechanical Engineering
    • 2.77 Precision Machine Design
    • 2.810 Manufacturing Processes
    • 2.720 Elements of Mechanical Design
  • 2014.09 - 2017.06

    Cambridge, USA

    Master of Architecture
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
    Architecture
    • MAS.863 How to Make (almost) Anything
    • Quarra Matter Fellowship
    • 4.450 Structural Optimization
  • 2009.09 - 2014.06

    Cambridge, Canada

    Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Co-operative Education
    University of Waterloo, Cambridge, Canada
    Architecture
    • A473 Building Construction
    • A492 Rome Study Abroad

Work

  • 2021.09 - 2023.08
    Research Assistant
    Self Assembly Lab
    Lead researcher developing novel metal additive process, Liquid Metal Printing, high speed large format aluminum printing, together with industry partners AMADA and AISIN
    • Metal Additive Manufacturing
  • 2018.06 - 2021.09
    Teaching Fellow
    MIT School of Architecture
    Supported graduate courses How to Make (almost) Anything, Fine Furniture Making, How to Design, Aluminum Casting Workshop, Robotic Fabrication, taught roughly 350 students
    • Design, Fabrication, Robotics

Awards

Certificates

TwinCAT3 Basic
Bekhoff Automation 2025-11-15
IPAF 1a1b3a3b
TCFT 2025-04-16
Commissioning Robots
Kuka 2019-07-16
Programming 2
Kuka 2019-07-01
Prototrak SMX
TRAK Machine Tools 2018-10-01

Publications

  • 2025.07.17
    Graph Based Disassembly Sequencing with Structural and Stability Constraints
    2025 EC3, proceedings of the 42nd European Conference on Computing in Construction
  • 2025.03.29
    Multi-Robotic System for Welded Steel Disassembly
    CAADRIA 2025: Architectural Informatics; proceedings of the 30th CAADRIA conference
    In the second paper, he applied the quantum theory to light to explain the photoelectric effect. In particular, he used the idea of light quanta (photons) to explain experimental results, but stressed the importance of the experimental results. The importance of his work on the photoelectric effect earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.
  • 2023.10.28
    Liquid Metal Printing
    ACADIA 2023: Habits of the Anthropocene: proceedings of the 43rd annual conference of ACADIA
    The publication of the theory of general relativity made him internationally famous. He was professor of physics at the universities of Zurich (1909–1911) and Prague (1911–1912), before he returned to ETH Zurich (1912–1914).

Skills

Programming
C++
Python
C#
Matlab
ROS2
Git
CAD/Design
Rhino Grasshopper
Revit
AutoCAD
KiCAD
Fusion360
Solidworks
Blender
Adobe Suite
CAM/Fabrication
Mastercam
Robotmaster
Powermill
KRL
Machines
General Shop Tools
CNC Router
Lathe
Mill
Waterjet
Welder MIG/TIG
3D Printing
Laser Cutting