Heng E. Zuo

Dr. Heng E. Zuo serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico since August 2022, conducting interdisciplinary research bridging space optics, laser micromachining, and advanced manufacturing.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Associate, Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, MIT (2021-2022)
• Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering, MIT (2017-2021)
• M.Sc. in Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering, MIT (2014-2017)
• B.Sc. in Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace, Tsinghua University (2010-2014)

Research Focus: Dr. Zuo pioneers high-precision space optical systems through femtosecond laser micromachining and computational modeling. Her work targets sub-half arcsecond X-ray telescope mirrors, adaptive optics, and deep-space communication technologies while developing novel manufacturing solutions for glass, metal, and polymer materials. Current projects span stress-based mirror correction, CSP solar technology, and refractive index engineering in optical materials.

Scientific Recognition:

• NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Track-4 Research Fellow (2024-2026)
• UNM Women in STEM Award (2023)
• UNM DEI Scholarship (2023)
• Rising Star of Aerospace Award (2021)
• MIT Teaching Development Fellow (2019)

Mentorship & Funding: Dr. Zuo actively supervises graduate and undergraduate researchers on thesis projects while securing competitive grants including the NSF EPSCoR award. Her group collaborates with NASA and NREL on space optics and renewable energy initiatives.

Research Ecosystem: She maintains strong ties with MIT research centers (Kavli Institute, Microsystems Technology Laboratories) while establishing UNM's laser micromachining facility for space optics development and terrestrial applications.