Cheng-Yu Lai

Cheng-Yu Lai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Florida International University (FIU), with a secondary appointment in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on advanced functionalized materials, including layered nonlinear crystals for optoelectronics and quantum information science, porous nanomaterials for environmental and catalytic applications, and additively manufactured electronics. He also explores nanomedicine, biomaterials, and plant-based nanocomposites for tissue engineering and biomedical applications.

His research interests span synthesis of nanomaterials, energy harvesting systems (e.g., dye-sensitized solar cells), and biomedical nanodevices for drug delivery and cancer therapy. He is affiliated with the CELL-MET ERC and PATHS-UP ERC research initiatives. Lai’s work bridges materials science, engineering, and biomedicine, emphasizing sustainable and scalable solutions.

He advises students in graduate research and oversees projects in his lab. Office hours are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:00-3:00 PM, and appointments can be arranged through Ms. Ana Muñoz (anmuno@fiu.edu). Contact details: clai@fiu.edu and his lab website.