Jihua Gou

Jihua Gou serves as Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator at the University of Central Florida, leading the Composite Materials and Structures Lab with research spanning aerospace, biomedical, and energy applications. His work bridges fundamental material science with industrial implementation through NASA collaborations and industry partnerships.

His academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Materials Engineering from Chongqing University (1993, 1996)
• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (1999)
• Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Florida State University (2002)

Professor Gou's research centers on composite materials and structures, nanocomposite materials, multi-functional coatings, and advanced manufacturing processes. His lab pioneers machine learning integration for predicting material behavior in extreme environments, develops tissue-mimicking hydrogels for medical applications, and creates hydrogen-resistant coatings critical for space exploration. Recent breakthroughs include materials preventing hydrogen leaks in NASA's Artemis program and high-temperature coatings for turbine systems.

Analysis of his 2020-2025 publications reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) AI-driven modeling of ceramic composites for hypersonic applications, (2) biomimetic hydrogel development for lung tissue equivalence, and (3) nanotechnology-enhanced manufacturing for multifunctional composites. These intersect at the crossroads of materials informatics, sustainable manufacturing, and extreme-environment performance.

His scientific recognition includes:

• UCF CECS Distinguished Researcher Award (2012)
• Best Paper Award, American Society of Civil Engineers (2010)
• Best Poster Award, American Ceramic Society (2014)
• UCF Teaching Incentive Program Award (2017)

As Graduate Program Coordinator, Professor Gou mentors doctoral candidates in materials engineering and secures significant research funding through NASA partnerships and UCF initiatives. His lab currently directs projects on hydrogen infrastructure materials, thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles, and 3D-printed smart composites with self-healing capabilities.

The Composite Materials and Structures Lab maintains specialized facilities for nanocomposite synthesis, in-situ characterization, and extreme-condition testing. Current team efforts include developing carbon nanotube-reinforced coatings for spacecraft, machine learning frameworks for ablation prediction, and biodegradable hydrogels for medical implants, positioning the lab at the forefront of next-generation material solutions.