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Jennifer RossView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Biological Condensed Matter Physics
• +5 more

Jennifer Ross is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean for Creativity, Scholarship, and Research at the College of Arts & Sciences of Syracuse University . As a biophysicist, she investigates how cells organize their interiors through self-assembly and active matter principles, focusing on the microtubule cytoskeleton and enzyme-driven systems using single-molecule imaging . Her research bridges fundamental physics with biological organization . Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2004) B.A. in Physics and Mathematics, Wellesley College (2000) Research Focus: Self-organization of cytoskeletal networks Active matter dynamics in biological systems Motor protein interactions and cargo transport Programming circadian materials via biomolecular systems Microtubule severing mechanisms Recent Article Trends: 2025 studies explore kinesin-driven cytoskeletal composites, urease-DNA origami engineering, and crosslinker-regulated network mechanics 2024-2023 work examines ionic strength effects on microtubules, programmable circadian materials, and motor-cargo dynamics Earlier studies analyze actin-microtubule composites, liquid crystal phase control, and severing enzyme mechanisms Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Cottrell Scholar (2025) and STAR Award Margaret Oakley Dayhoff Award (Biophysical Society) Grants: Leads multiple NSF, Sloan Foundation, and Research Corporation grants for projects like "Energy and Entropy Sculpting" and "Explorations: SUPER-Tech SHIP" . Teaching: Offers courses in experimental physics, microscopy, and biophysics, including a globally adopted hands-on microscope-building curriculum. Lab: Heads the Bio-Active Matter Lab , studying how cells harness noisy systems for autonomous organization.

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Photovoltaics
• +4 more

Professor Thomas Bein is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) , where he leads the Functional Nanosystems research group. His work focuses on synthesizing and characterizing nanostructured materials with applications in energy, catalysis, and biomedical delivery. Mesoporous nanoparticles for drug delivery Semiconductor nano-morphologies for photovoltaics Photoelectrochemical water splitting Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) Electroactive networks His research emphasizes atomic-scale control of material architectures using self-assembly, hydrogen bonding, and covalent interactions, enabling precise tuning of electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. A review of his recent publications reveals cutting-edge investigations into covalent organic frameworks (COFs), perovskite-inspired solar materials, and functional nanoparticle systems. Key trends include optimizing energy conversion efficiency, enhancing stability in optoelectronic devices, and exploring bio-compatible nanocarriers for targeted therapies. Professor Bein’s group actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and biomedical engineering, with ongoing collaborations in solar energy, sustainable materials, and nanomedicine.

• Biomechanics
• Biomimetics
• Bio-inspired Structures
• +14 more

Renate Sachse is a Researcher at the Chair of Structural Analysis, Technical University of Munich (TUM), where she has worked since May 2024. Previously, she held postdoctoral positions at Harvard University's Bertoldi Lab (2024) and TUM's Chair of Computational Mechanics (2021-2024), following academic staff roles at the University of Stuttgart (2015-2020). Her interdisciplinary work bridges civil engineering, biomechanics, and computational modeling. Her educational foundation includes a Master's in Civil Engineering from the University of Stuttgart (2014; thesis: 'Isogeometric contact analysis of thin-walled structures') and a Bachelor's from the same institution (2011; thesis: 'A Primary School Pavilion for Magagula in South Africa - Structural Analysis'). She also completed ERASMUS studies at ESTP Paris and internships at Foster + Partners and Werner Sobek AG. Dr. Sachse's research centers on biomechanics and biomimetics, with pioneering work on plant-inspired structures. She investigates snapping mechanisms in carnivorous plants (Venus flytrap, waterwheel plant) to develop bio-inspired adaptive systems, soft robotics, and metamaterials. Her expertise spans motion design for large-deformation structures, isogeometric analysis, and hygroscopic actuation in 4D-printed materials, emphasizing computational modeling of contact mechanics and structural stability. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on biomechanics (60% of articles), particularly plant movement mechanics translated into engineering solutions. Her work consistently integrates computational structural analysis with biological principles, showing increasing emphasis on motion design (25% of recent output) and additive manufacturing applications (15%). Key trends include translating snap-buckling phenomena into robotics and developing material design spaces for responsive structures. Her distinguished awards include the Bertha Benz Prize (2022), Klaus Tschira Boost Fund Fellowship (2022-2024), and University of Stuttgart Publication Award (2022). Additional recognition comprises GAMM Juniors Fellowship (2020-2022), AVK Innovation Award (2017), and Emil Mörsch Study Prize (2014). She has secured independent funding through the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund for high-risk interdisciplinary projects and participates in collaborative initiatives including CoDA, MistralWind, WINSENT, and FlexWing. While teaching advanced courses at TUM (Advanced Finite Element Methods, Theory of Plates), her mentorship focuses on computational mechanics and biomimetic design principles. Currently based at TUM's Chair of Structural Analysis under Prof. Bletzinger, she maintains active collaboration with Harvard University's Bertoldi Lab in developing next-generation adaptive structures.

• Soft Robotics
• Tactile Sensing
• Artificial Skin
• +4 more

Perla Maiolino serves as an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and Principal Investigator of the Soft Robotics Lab (SRL) within the Oxford Robotics Institute. Her academic foundation includes BEng, MEng, and PhD degrees in Robotics and Automation from the University of Genoa, where she pioneered CySkin technology for distributed tactile sensing in robots—later exhibited at the Science Museum in London. She expanded her expertise during a 2017-2018 postdoctoral fellowship at Cambridge University's Biologically Inspired Robotics Lab, focusing on soft robotics and tactile perception. Dr. Maiolino's research centers on developing artificial skin systems, soft robotic actuators, and distributed sensing architectures. Her work bridges biological inspiration with engineering innovation to create robots capable of safe human interaction and dexterous manipulation in unstructured environments. Key contributions include compliant beaded-string jamming mechanisms for anthropomorphic fingers, monolithic 3D-printed soft pneumatic arms (JAMMit!), and distributed time-of-flight sensor networks for robotic self-awareness. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong convergence of tactile sensing with machine learning, featuring optical flow for gesture recognition, diffusion models for artificial skin simulation, and zero-shot sim-to-real transfer techniques. Her team has made significant advances in multi-modal sensing integration, variable stiffness actuation, and scene flow estimation for robots operating in dynamic surroundings. Scientific Awards No specific awards were documented in the provided institutional materials. Advising and Grants While her leadership of the Soft Robotics Lab implies active student supervision and grant management, detailed information about advisees or funded projects was not included in the source documentation. Labs and Teams As Principal Investigator of the Soft Robotics Lab at Oxford Robotics Institute, Dr. Maiolino directs research on tactile perception systems, soft actuation mechanisms, and sensor-integrated robotic structures. The lab's work focuses on applications requiring safe physical interaction, including healthcare robotics and human-robot collaboration scenarios, with emphasis on multi-material 3D printing and embedded sensing technologies.

• Adaptive structures
• Mechanical metamaterials
• Robotic materials
• +6 more

Andres F. Arrieta is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering in West Lafayette, Indiana. He leads the Programmable Structures Lab and holds affiliations with multiple research areas including dynamics, advanced materials, and robotics. His research focuses on adaptive structures, mechanical metamaterials, and programmable systems. Education: Mechanical Engineer, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, 2006 Ph.D., University of Bristol, United Kingdom, 2010 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ETH Zurich, 2012 Research Interests: His work emphasizes multistable structures, structural nonlinearity, and elastic instabilities. He explores applications in energy harvesting, morphing wings, and mechanical metamaterials. Recent trends include bio-inspired designs and smart materials for adaptive systems. Awards: 2019 ASME Best Paper Award (Bioinspired Materials) 2018 Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award 2017 Journal Cover Feature (Chiral Metastructure) 2012 ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship Labs/Teams: Leads the Programmable Structures Lab, focusing on innovative metastructures and adaptive robotics systems.

• Adaptive structures
• Mechanical metamaterials
• Robotic materials
• +14 more

Andres Arrieta is an Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. His research focuses on adaptive structures, mechanical metamaterials, and programmable systems. He holds a PhD from the University of Bristol and conducted postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich. Education: Mechanical Engineer, Universidad de los Andes, 2006 PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, 2010 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ETH Zurich, 2012 Research Interests: Adaptive Structures Multistable Systems Structural Nonlinearity Robotics & Mechanosensing Origami Engineering Awards: 2019 ASME Best Paper Award 2018 Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award 2012 ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship Labs: Directs the Programmable Structures Lab , exploring smart materials and morphing systems.

• Neuroelectronics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfabrication
• +5 more

Lukas Hiendlmeier is a Researcher at the Technical University of Munich, affiliated with the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE) and the Associate Professorship of Neuroelectronics led by Prof. Bernhard Wolfrum. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from TUM. His research focuses on advanced fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, laser micromachining, and polymer material science, with applications in neuroelectronics and biomedical devices. Hiendlmeier’s work emphasizes developing self-folding bioelectronic interfaces, flexible electrodes, and implantable neural devices for peripheral nerve interfacing. His contributions include innovations in 4D printing techniques, thermoformed materials, and origami-inspired electrode designs. He collaborates on projects involving cell manipulation, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, and closed-loop neural stimulation systems. Publications span topics like self-folding bioelectronics, flexible sensor arrays, and nanorobotics, showcasing expertise in materials science and biomedical engineering. His research bridges fundamental science and translational applications, addressing challenges in neural prosthetics, wearable diagnostics, and tissue engineering. Hiendlmeier is actively involved in the neuroTUM initiative and contributes to interdisciplinary teams at TUM, focusing on advancing neurotechnology through innovative fabrication methods and biomaterials.

Zvonimir DogicView profile

Academic

• Self-Assembly of Materials
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Active Matter
• +7 more

Zvonimir Dogic is a Research Associate Professor of Physics at the Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University. He leads the Dogic Lab, focusing on self-assembly of active and soft materials, with interdisciplinary work spanning statistical mechanics, biochemistry, and biophysics. His research explores how particle shape, chirality, and entropic forces drive emergent structures in colloidal systems and active matter. He holds a PhD from Brandeis University (2001) and has supervised numerous PhD students now in academic and industrial roles. Notable honors include the 2010 Cozzarelli Prize and the 2013 Andor Insight Award for his work on oscillating microtubule bundles. Research interests include active matter dynamics, liquid crystalline phases, and biomimetic systems. Recent work includes studies on microtubule-based active gels, chiral colloids, and self-organized cilia-like structures. His lab collaborates with institutions like Harvard, the Mayo Clinic, and the Francis Crick Institute. Key funding sources include the NSF MRSEC, W.M. Keck Foundation, and NIH. The lab’s YouTube channel and Science Blog posts highlight breakthroughs like self-propelled emulsions and entropy-driven membrane formation.

Suyi LiView profile

Associate Professor

• Origami Engineering
• Mechanical Metamaterials
• Soft Robotics
• +6 more

Suyi Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, where he leads the Dynamic and Architected Robot and structurE (DARE) Lab. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Clemson University from 2016-2022 after completing postdoctoral research at the University of Michigan. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2014) M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University (2008) B.S. Summa Cum Laude in Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2006) Dr. Li's research focuses on pioneering new paradigms of intelligent robots and functional structures by exploiting the interplay between geometry, mechanics, actuation, and computation. His work spans origami-inspired morphing structures, physically computing materials that perform machine learning tasks without traditional electronics, and soft/reconfigurable robots that can move like animals or grow like plants. His innovative approach combines mechanical engineering principles with computational thinking to create systems with 'mechano-intelligence'. Analysis of Dr. Li's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward embodied intelligence and mechanical computing, where physical structures themselves perform computational tasks. His work increasingly integrates origami/kirigami principles with advanced materials to create systems that can sense, process information, and actuate without conventional electronics. The research shows progression from fundamental mechanics of adaptive structures to sophisticated applications in robotics and computing. Dean's Awards of Excellence – Faculty Fellow, Virginia Tech (2024) C.D. Mote Jr Early Career Award, ASME Design Engineering Division (2022) Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award, ASME Aerospace Division (2021) Junior Researcher of the Year Award, College of Engineering, Clemson University (2020) CECAS Dean's Faculty Fellow, Clemson University (2018) CAREER Award, National Science Foundation (2018) ASME Freudenstein Young Investigator Award Dr. Li has secured nearly two million dollars in research funding, including the prestigious NSF CAREER award and an NSF EFRI project to build mechano-bio hybrid reservoir computers. He advises multiple Ph.D. and Master's students in the DARE Lab, with recent successes including Vishrut Deshpande's Ph.D. defense. His research has generated close to 80 journal and conference papers, demonstrating significant impact in the fields of adaptive structures and materials systems. Dr. Li also serves on editorial boards for several prominent journals including Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures and Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A. The DARE Lab at Virginia Tech comprises a multidisciplinary team of researchers working on origami-inspired meta-structures, physically computing materials, and soft robotics. Current projects include developing electronics-free crawling robots with mechanical central pattern generators, creating kirigami-based wearable medical devices, and engineering metamaterials with programmable mechanical properties. The lab actively collaborates with institutions across the country and has received recognition for its innovative approaches to combining mechanical design with computational capabilities.

Maartje BastingsView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomaterials Engineering
• DNA Nanotechnology
• Supramolecular Materials
• +5 more

Maartje Bastings is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , leading the Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory (PBL) within the School of Engineering (STI) . She holds additional affiliations with the Institute of Materials (IMX) , IBI-STI (Bioengineering), and supervises doctoral programs in Biotechnology and Biological Engineering ( EDBB-GE ) and Materials Science and Engineering ( EDMX-GE ). Her research focuses on DNA-based supramolecular materials engineered to achieve dynamic reciprocity —a two-way interaction between synthetic materials and biological systems. By leveraging DNA as a programmable scaffold, she investigates structural mechanics, valency control, and geometric constraints governing self-assembly and cell communication at bio-interfaces. Key applications include immune system modulation, diagnostics , and vaccine development . Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a focus on multivalent interactions for T-cell activation, spatial patterning in immune signaling, and engineered coatings for DNA origami stability. Subfields span T cell receptor engineering , nanoscale protein dynamics , stimuli-responsive biomaterials , and bio-inspired therapeutic design . PhD Students: Chen Yuduo Hendrickx Pauline Bart M. Kononenko Artem Li Shujie Lou Yameng Meyer Pitt Narita Minako Rousseau Benjamin Bila Hale Caroprese Vincenzo Comberlato Alice Kurisinkal Eva Eugene Paloja Kaltrina Rodríguez Franco Hugo José Tekin Cem Wong Siu Ho Contact: maartje.bastings@epfl.ch

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photochemistry
• +6 more

Elina Vuorimaa-Laukkanen is a University Lecturer at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, and a Docent in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Pharmacy. She leads the research team Supramolecular Chemistry of Bio- and Nanomaterials , focusing on light-driven studies of biological processes, solid-phase behavior, and drug release activation. Her work spans multidisciplinary collaboration with chemists, pharmacists, biologists, and physicists. Education : Doctor of Philosophy (Technology), Tampere University, 1994 Licentiate of Philosophy (Chemistry), University of Helsinki, 1993 Research Interests : Her expertise includes Photochemistry and Nanotechnology of self-assembling materials (phospholipids, polymers, proteins, oligo/polynucleotides), Time-resolved Spectroscopy , Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy , and Langmuir-Blodgett Films . She develops methods to track drug nanocarriers interacting with living cells and investigates Extracellular Vesicles for theranostic platforms. Recent Publications highlight advancements in Chitosan-hyaluronate polyplexes for oligonucleotide delivery, Fluorescence Anisotropy for nanocarrier analysis, and Self-assembly of copoly(2-oxazoline)s for drug encapsulation. Collaborations : She works within Tampere University's Chemistry & Advanced Materials Research Cluster , PREIN Photonics Flagship, GeneCellNano, and the EVE Extracellular Vesicle Ecosystem projects. Teaching : Responsible for Physical Chemistry and Lab Safety courses in the chemistry curriculum.

• Geometric Group Theory
• Discrete Groups
• Metric Geometry
• +6 more

Goulnara Arzhantseva is a full Professor at the Department of Mathematics within the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Vienna. With an active research career spanning over a decade, she has established herself as a prominent figure in geometric group theory and related fields. Her work demonstrates continuous scholarly output with publications appearing consistently from 2011 through 2024. Professor Arzhantseva's research focuses primarily on geometric group theory, with particular emphasis on discrete groups, metric geometry, approximation properties of groups, small cancellation theory, expanders, and sofic groups. Her work bridges pure mathematics with applications in metric geometry and functional analysis. The breadth of her research is evident in her collaborations with numerous mathematicians across different institutions and countries. Her publication record shows a clear trajectory of increasingly sophisticated work in geometric group theory. The most recent publications (2022-2024) focus on metric approximations of discrete groups, spectral gap properties, origami expanders, and acylindrical hyperbolicity in cubical small cancellation groups. These works represent cutting-edge research at the intersection of group theory, geometry, and combinatorics. Scientific Awards: Prize mentioned in search results (4 total, specific names not provided) Prize mentioned in search results (4 total, specific names not provided) Prize mentioned in search results (4 total, specific names not provided) Prize mentioned in search results (4 total, specific names not provided) Professor Arzhantseva has been actively involved in numerous research projects, with records showing 7 projects between 2011-2024. Her collaborative approach is evident in her extensive publication record, which includes significant contributions to prestigious mathematics journals. While specific details about her advising activities are not provided in the available information, her substantial research output suggests active mentorship of graduate students in geometric group theory.

Roderick LimView profile

Associate Professor

• Nuclear Pore Complex Transport
• Mechanobiology of Cells and Tissues
• Biomimetic Molecular Transport Systems
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Roderick Lim is an Associate Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , where he leads a research group since 2014. His work bridges biophysics, nanotechnology, and molecular biology , focusing on the nuclear pore complex (NPC) and mechanobiology of cells . He develops biomimetic systems for selective molecular transport and ARTIDIS , a nanomechanical tissue diagnostic platform commercialized for breast cancer prognosis . Education : BSc (UNC Chapel Hill), PhD (NUS/IMRE Singapore), Postdoc (Swiss Nanoscience Institute) Positions : Argovia Professor (2014–present), Tenure Track Asst. Prof. (2009–2013), Postdoc (2004–2008) His research on NPC transport selectivity reveals how karyopherins modulate the FG Nup barrier via multivalent interactions, with implications for viral entry and Alzheimer’s disease . His ARTIDIS platform uses atomic force microscopy to detect cancer via tissue softness, linking hypoxia to metastasis . Recent 2025 publications explore bacterial nanoharpoon defense mechanisms and DNA origami-based NPC mimics . Scientific Awards : Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Prize (2008), A*STAR Fellowship (2004) Collaborations : NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, NanoTera, KTI He mentors PhD students in institutions across Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, and the UK , with alumni working on polymersome delivery, mechanotransduction, and pathogen transport . His lab pioneered high-speed atomic force microscopy for real-time NPC dynamics and plasmonic nanopores for synthetic biology applications.

• DNA Nanotechnology
• Molecular Robotics
• Self-Assembling Nanostructures
• +4 more

Dr. Shelley Wickham is an Associate Professor and ARC DECRA Fellow at the University of Sydney, holding joint appointments in the Schools of Chemistry and Physics. She serves as a Westpac Research Fellow and leads the DNA Nanotechnology Group at the Sydney Nano Institute. Dr. Wickham is also co-Champion of the Sydney Nano Institute Grand Challenge project in Molecular Nanorobotics for Health, co-lead of the School of Physics Grand Challenge on Nanoscale brain navigation for targeted drug delivery, and faculty mentor of the University of Sydney BIOMOD team. Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Physics from University of Sydney PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from University of Oxford Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Wyss Institute Dr. Wickham's research focuses on self-assembling nanotechnology and molecular robotics, particularly in the design and assembly of programmable nanostructures out of DNA. Her work spans applications in cell biology, materials science, and nanomedicine. Current research projects include design and synthesis of self-assembling DNA nanostructures, proto-cells made of DNA gels that move under flow, new plasma fabrication methods for biomolecule micropatterning, and DNA computation circuits for navigating the brain using machine learning. Her research aligns with the Faculty of Science Research Strengths in Molecules to Materials, Preventing and Treating Disease & Disorder, and Next Generation Materials. Analysis of Dr. Wickham's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on DNA nanotechnology with increasing sophistication in structural complexity and biological applications. Her work has evolved from fundamental DNA origami structures to increasingly complex multi-component systems with practical applications in nanomedicine and biomimetic engineering. Recent publications show strong interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering disciplines, with emphasis on real-world applications including drug delivery systems and biomolecular sensors. ARC DECRA Fellow Westpac Research Fellow BIOMOD World Champions (2019) Dr. Wickham actively mentors PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in her DNA nanotechnology group. She has secured significant research funding including ARC Discovery Projects, Westpac Scholarships, and NSW Health grants. Her current grants support projects such as '3D Bio-Nanomaterial Displays with Designer Architectures and Functions' and 'RNA aptamer sensing devices for rapid detection of blood clotting.' Dr. Wickham encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and maintains active collaborations with researchers at Harvard, Oxford, and other international institutions. Dr. Wickham leads the DNA Nanotechnology Group at the University of Sydney, which is part of the Sydney Nano Institute. Her lab focuses on building tools from DNA origami - including tweezers, spanners, wrenches and springs - to better understand biological processes at the nanoscale. The group has achieved notable success with the BIOMOD team winning world championships in 2019, and continues to develop innovative approaches to molecular robotics for healthcare applications.

Xin NingView profile

Assistant Professor

• Soft electronics for aerospace engineering
• Bio-inspired aerospace structures
• In-space manufacturing and assembly
• +1 more

Xin Ning is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he also holds appointments in the Materials Research Laboratory. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Pennsylvania State University from 2018 to 2023. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at UIUC and California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Educated at Caltech, he earned a Ph.D. in Aeronautics in 2015 and an M.S. in Aeronautics in 2010. His research focuses on soft electronics for aerospace engineering , bio-inspired aerospace structures , in-space manufacturing and assembly , and multifunctional space structures . These interests drive innovations in lightweight, adaptive, and multifunctional materials and systems for aerospace applications. For instance, his work explores bio-inspired cellular materials for aircraft wings and bistable composite booms for deployable structures. He has been recognized with several honors, including the 2022 Young Investigator Award from the Office of Naval Research, 2019 Haythornthwaite Foundation Research Initiation Award, 2015 William F. Ballhaus Prize from Caltech, and the 2012 Dow-Resnick Fellowship. In addition to research, Professor Ning teaches courses such as AE 323: Applied Aerospace Structures and AE 498: Space Structures . While specific grants are not detailed here, his work has been supported through awards like the ONR Young Investigator grant. He collaborates with the Materials Research Laboratory at UIUC and engages in interdisciplinary projects involving soft electronics and bio-inspired engineering.