Yunfeng Shi

Dr. Yunfeng Shi is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (2006) and completed postdoctoral research at North Carolina State University. His research focuses on computational modeling of material behaviors, including metallic glasses, polymers, and nanomaterials, with applications in energy, nanotechnology, and structural materials. Notably, he was recognized as an inaugural Gordon S. Fulcher Distinguished Researcher by Corning Inc. in 2015.

Dr. Shi's research interests encompass:

• Fracture mechanics and deformation mechanisms in amorphous solids
• Self-assembly of biomimetic polymers
• Nanostructured carbon and graphene-based composites
• Computational design of materials for energy and thermal applications
• Interface engineering in van der Waals materials

His recent publications highlight advancements in atomic-scale material characterization, including cooling-free infrared detection via epitaxial membranes and enhanced fracture toughness in graphene-epoxy nanocomposites. He is affiliated with RPI's Center for Materials, Devices, and Integrated Systems (CMDIS), leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration for cutting-edge research.

Scientific awards include the Gordon S. Fulcher Distinguished Researcher Award (2015). His work spans experimental and theoretical methods, with a focus on bridging atomistic simulations and macroscopic material behavior.