معرفی
Dr. James Yang is a Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University. He directs the Human-Centric Design Research Lab and holds Fellowships from SAE and ASME, along with IEEE Senior Membership. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa (2003), an M.S. in Automobile Engineering from Jilin University (1992), and a B.S. in Vehicle Engineering from Jilin University (1989).
- Research Focus: Human simulation models for engineering, sports, and medicine; digital human modeling; biomechanics; robotics; healthcare engineering; autonomous vehicle dynamics; finite element analysis; muscle fatigue modeling
- Teaching: Undergraduate and graduate courses in dynamics, control systems, engineering design, and digital human modeling
- Leadership: Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs (2025-), previously Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies (2015-2017)
Dr. Yang's research lab develops skeletal, musculoskeletal, and finite element human models for ergonomic assessment, injury prediction, exoskeleton interaction, and medical device design. His work spans autonomous vehicle driver behavior, spine surgery optimization, fall prevention, and soft robotics, funded by the US Army, DOE, DOD, NSF, NIST, NIOSH, and industry partners like Honda R&D. Recent publications explore muscle fatigue controllers, 3D lifting optimization, and scissor door mechanism wear analysis.
Key scientific awards include: Fulbright U.S. Scholar (2017-2018), Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Research Award (TTU), SAE Arch T. Colwell Merit Award, ASME Best Paper Awards, Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship, and Whitacre Faculty Fellowship. He serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems, ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, and other journals.
- Advising: Mentored 22+ graduate students including Juan, Jazmin, Ritwik, Shadman, and Erik
- Grants: NSF REU Site (2017-2019), US Army, DOD (DHA, USARIEM), DOE, NPSF
