Travis Shihao Hu

Dr. Travis Shihao Hu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at California State University, Los Angeles, within the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology. His career includes prior roles as a Teaching Assistant Professor at the University of Denver and postdoctoral research at Case Western Reserve University, University of Florida, and University of Delaware. He leads the Bio-Nano Materials and Interfaces Lab, focusing on bio-inspired design of multifunctional materials for energy, biomedical, and environmental applications.

• Affiliation: California State University, Los Angeles
• Previous Roles: University of Denver (Teaching Assistant Professor), Case Western Reserve University, University of Florida, University of Delaware (Postdoctoral Researcher)
• Lab: Bio-Nano Materials and Interfaces Lab

Dr. Hu’s research spans Bio-/Nano-Materials and Mechanics, Multifunctional Energy Materials and Devices, and Nanotechnology, emphasizing bio-inspired design, structure-function relationships, interfacial interactions, and multiscale modeling. His work aims to solve engineering problems using biological models, creating stimuli-responsive materials like switchable adhesives and self-healing coatings for renewable energy and defense sectors.

Recent publications highlight his expertise in 2D materials, quantum dots, and bimimetic robotics. Despite no explicitly listed scientific awards, his research is supported by major grants including NSF DMR BMAT, DoD DURIP (ARO), La Kretz Environment Endowment, and NSF-CREST/PREM centers. Teaching interests include Statics, Fracture Mechanics, Nanomaterials, and Molecular Dynamics simulations.