Dr. Hu is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering with a background in Applied Mechanics and Materials Science. Before joining the faculty at Cal State LA in 2016, he worked as a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Denver (DU). Prior to DU, he spent several years as a postdoctoral researcher at multiple institutes (i.e., Case Western Reserve University, University of Florida, and University of Delaware) focusing on multifunctional and smart carbon, polymeric and hybrid materials for energy, biomedical and environmental applications.
Research Description
Dr. Hu’s research activities primarily concentrate in the areas of: i) Bio-/Nano-Materials and Mechanics; ii) Multifunctional and Energy Materials and Devices, and; iii) Nanotechnology Research, with emphasis on bio-inspired design, structure-function relationships, surface/interfacial interactions, transport phenomena and structural hierarchy. He seeks organisms and biological systems as ‘elegant’ models to solve intricate engineering problems in an energy-efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable manner. He is focused on addressing the emergent phenomena and properties across multiple length and temporal scales. This new paradigm of bio-inspired research is aimed at the elucidation of some of the basic principles and mechanisms in nature, including animals, insects, and plants, in order to create next-generation smart materials and complex superstructures that are responsive to external stimuli, e.g., switchable dry/wet adhesives; active self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-bacterial surfaces; hierarchical/hybrid fibrils with self-healing and wear-prevention capabilities, water harvesting coatings and thin films. These functional materials and structures are highly desirable in renewable energy, biomedical, environmental, and defense applications.