cv
Basics
| Name | Zain Karsan |
| Label | Doctoral Researcher |
| 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
- 2023.10.28
- 2021.10.28
- 2018.06.01
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
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2025.07.17 Graph Based Disassembly Sequencing with Structural and Stability Constraints
2025 EC3, proceedings of the 42nd European Conference on Computing in Construction
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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.
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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 |