PhD Position in Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at UIUC

I am currently looking for highly-motivated Ph.D. students to carry out analytical and experimental studies on soft materials and bio-inspired materials and devices. The focus of my research group encompasses developing mechanical testing techniques (e.g. indentation method) to characterize soft materials and biological materials, and taking bio-inspired approach to design and fabricate nano/micro structural surfaces for a broad range of applications such as anti-fouling, energy-saving coating, cell adhesion etc. Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of my research, I invite students with various backgrounds in applied mechanics and materials sciences. Candidates with strong knowledge of theoretical and experimental solid mechanics are preferred. Interested students should send their curriculum vitae and previous transcripts to me through my email: yuhanghu [at] fas.harvard.edu (yuhanghu[at]illinois[dot]edu)

Visiting scholars and visiting students are also welcome!

My study focuses on new materials and phenomena emerging at the interface between mechanics and materials chemistry. My research involves both theoretical and experimental studies. More specifically, the systems and phenomena of my research interests include soft materials, nano-/micro-structured materials, hybrid materials, mechanical properties of cells and cell adhesion. Fundamental concepts include poroelasticity, viscoelasticity, fracture, diffusion, large deformation, contact mechanics, adhesion, and mechanical instability. Applications of my research include mechanical testing techniques, multi-functional coatings, actuators, anti-fouling, and cellular and tissue mechanics. If you would like to know more about my research, please visit my website at http://publish.illinois.edu/yuhanghu/