Fang S. Lai

Professor Fang S. Lai is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Francis College of Engineering. With expertise spanning plastics processing, process control instrumentation, and computer-aided engineering, he maintains an active research program focused on medical device innovation and manufacturing optimization.

His research interests center on plastics processing with specialized focus on process control and instrumentation, powder technology, industrial hazard assessment, and statistical quality/process control methods. Recent work emphasizes medical applications, particularly computer-aided design of ocular inserts for glaucoma management. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to injection molding innovations, thermoforming simulation, and recycled material processing.

Professor Lai's research shows clear evolution from fundamental polymer processing studies toward applied medical device development. His 15 most recent publications reveal strong emphasis on simulation validation (60%), medical applications (20%), and recycling technologies (20%), with consistent application of statistical methods throughout his career. The work demonstrates increasing industry collaboration, particularly with medical device manufacturers.

As Principal Investigator, Professor Lai has secured significant research funding including:

• NIH-NATL EYE INSTITUTE contract (2010) for ocular insert production systems
• Vista Scientific LLC grant (2009) for glaucoma device development
• NIH-NATL EYE INSTITUTE funding (2009) through ARRAS Flow Through Funds

His advisory role focuses on graduate research in plastics engineering, with particular emphasis on students pursuing medical device manufacturing and process control specializations. Professor Lai maintains active industry consulting relationships that inform both his research and teaching.

Professor Lai conducts research through the university's Combustion Lab facility, where his team develops advanced simulation protocols and experimental validation methods for plastics processing. The lab serves as a bridge between theoretical modeling and industrial application, with current projects focused on precision manufacturing for ophthalmic devices.