Hyoung Jin Cho

Hyoung Jin Cho is a Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida's College of Engineering and Computer Science. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (2002), with prior degrees in Materials Engineering from Seoul National University (BS 1989, MS 1991). His career spans academic leadership roles, including Associate Chair since 2014, and extensive research in MEMS, microfluidics, and nanotechnology.

• Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Cincinnati (2002)
• MS, Materials Engineering, Seoul National University (1991)
• BS, Materials Engineering, Seoul National University (1989)

Cho leads the Miniaturized Multifunctional Devices Lab, focusing on miniaturized actuators, sensors, and microfluidic components. His work integrates MEMS technology with sustainable materials for applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and flexible electronics. Current projects include batteryless UV sensors for food packaging and bio-inspired soft actuators for water remediation.

His research has been supported by multiple NSF grants (CAREER, MRI, REU, NUE, RET, I/UCRC), NIH STTR, and industry partnerships. He co-directs the NSF Multi-Functional Integrated System Technology Center at UCF and has received the College’s Distinguished Researcher Award (2007). Cho has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and mentored educational initiatives like the i-STEM program (2014).

• NSF CAREER Award (2004-2009)
• UCF Distinguished Researcher Award (2007)
• WCU Visiting Professorship (2009-2010)
• UCF i-STEM Fellow (2014)

Cho’s publications demonstrate expertise in MEMS, nanotechnology, and sensor design. Notable works include graphene-based UV sensors, biopolymer-metal composites, and self-sanitizing medical masks. His article on nanoporous bismuth electrodes (2019) highlights innovations in heavy metal detection, while his 2014 review on thermocapillarity remains a foundational reference in microfluidics.