Kyle Schulze

Kyle Schulze is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University. His research focuses on soft matter mechanics, soft implants, and tissue interface interactions, with particular emphasis on friction, adhesion, and wear. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida.

Dr. Schulze has secured over $216,000 in National Science Foundation funding for his work on epithelial cell mechanics and lubrication. His research bridges mechanical engineering with biomedical applications, including studies on hydrogel friction, additive manufacturing processes, and cell monolayer dynamics. He actively participates in national competitions, such as NASA’s Artemis missions and the Robotic Mining Challenge, mentoring student teams in innovative engineering solutions.

His recent publications span topics like biotribology, additive manufacturing quality assurance, and material characterization. He emphasizes educational innovation through projects like leveraging LASSI to measure student independence in learning. His work often intersects with interdisciplinary challenges, such as soft material interfaces and smart material applications.