Yong Huang, PhD

University Research Foundation Professor

• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (primary)
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering

Dr. Yong Huang is a professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida. His research interests are two-fold: 1) understanding of dynamic material behavior (solids and liquids) and process-induced damage or defect structures using and during manufacturing, and 2) printing and machining of biological and engineering materials for healthcare, energy, environmental, infrastructure, and space applications. His current research topics include the study of dynamic material behavior using jetting and machining, three-dimensional (3D) printing of biological and engineering structures from difficult-to-print materials using inkjetting, extrusion, laser-induced forward transfer, and stereolithography, and design and fabrication of microphysiological & engineered living systems and combinatorial materials. He served as the Technical Program Chair for the 2010 American Society of Mechanical Engineers International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (ASME MSEC 2010) and the 2012 International Symposium on Flexible Automation (ISFA 2012). He received various honors and awards for his manufacturing research contributions including the ASME Blackall Machine Tool and Gage Award (2005), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award (2006), the NSF CAREER Award (2008), the ASME International Symposium on Flexible Automation Young Investigator Award (2008), the SME Albert M. Sargent Progress Award (2024), and the ASME Milton C. Shaw Manufacturing Research Medal (2025). He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2002 and is a Fellow of ASME.

Yunxia Chen, PhD

Post-Doc

Yunxia is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida, where she earned her Ph.D. in December 2024 under the mentorship of Dr. Yong Huang. She received her bachelor’s degree in Control Science and Engineering from Shandong University, China, graduating with honors. Recognized for her academic excellence, she was selected for direct admission to the Master’s program through the national graduate recommendation system and completed her Master’s degree at the same institution. Her research interests include 3D bioprinting, soft electronics, and reinforced polymer composites. Outside the lab, Yunxia enjoys sailing, hiking, and gardening.

Ayman Alghamdi

MAE Ph.D. Student

Ayman earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from King Abdulaziz University and received his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. with Professor Huang, where his research focuses on 3D printing hydrogel-based structures capable of biomineralization for applications in engineered living materials (ELMs). His work integrates advanced manufacturing with biological functionality to develop versatile, functional materials. Outside of the lab, Ayman enjoys swimming, playing soccer, and volleyball.

Benjamin Ryder

MSE Ph.D. Candidate

Benjamin (Ben) Ryder obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, majoring in material science and engineering, also earning a minor in chemistry and specializations in polymer sciences and biomaterials. He earned his master’s degree in material science and engineering from the University of Florida, studying a novel DNA-collagen hydrogel and the potential for bone tissue engineering. In the Huang Lab, Ben is developing functional materials manufactured with vapor-induced phase separation direct ink writing for various advanced applications. His work also extends to the study of microstructural changes of additively manufactured carbon fiber polymer composites. Additionally, he works with the CaRE2 center to develop a 3D-printed in vitro bone cancer model for therapeutic development. Outside the lab, he can be found at the local rock climbing gym, chasing glimpses of rare birds in the swamp, or tending to his plant collection.

Ali Shams

MAE Ph.D. Student

Ali Shams is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering summa cum laude from the University of Florida in 2023. His current research focuses on 3D printing systems, particularly studying the fidelity of printed structures in embedded 3D printing and the underlying phenomena that govern filament deformation. In his free time, Ali enjoys playing volleyball and listening to music.

Kyle Phillips

BME Ph.D. Student

Kyle obtained his Bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from Oregon State University, where he also participated in microbiology research related to mysterious fish parasites. He is a second-year PhD student in the Huang lab, with research focusing on bioprinting thick constructs for cancer study. In his free time, Kyle likes to listen to music, frolic, and spend time with friends.

Renjing Wang

MAE Ph.D. Student

Renjing Wang holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, having studied at China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) and University of Florida. Her current research focuses on developing 3D-printed constructs for tissue engineering applications and designing microfluidic chips. It seems like she will never be outside the lab. She is either in the lab or on her way to the lab… Try new foods frequently, but occasionally poisons herself.

Chuanshen Zhou

MAE Ph.D. Student

Chuanshen Zhou is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees through a joint program between Chongqing University and the University of Cincinnati, and later completed a thesis-based master’s degree at the University of Florida. His research focuses on the fabrication and application of multiscale porous 3D structures. Besides, He is also involved in the development of CT-scan bone analysis software in collaboration with RTI Surgical (d/b/a Evergen). Outside the lab, he enjoys working on his 1990 NA Miata, fixing or modifying it himself. He also loves spicy food, exploring nature, and fishing.

Konnor Hole

MAE Ph.D. Student

Konnor Hole is a first year PhD student in the Huang lab and earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida. During his undergraduate degree he contributed to research developing an infield biomass-to-biofuel harvester. His current research in the Huang lab focuses on advanced 3D printing methods. Outside of the lab, Konnor enjoys going to the gym, fishing, and gaming.

Wenxuan Chai

Wenxuan (Wendy) Chai obtained her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hangzhou, China, and her master’s degree in Biological Science and Bioinformatics from Georgia State University in Atlanta.
At the Huang Lab, Wenxuan primarily focuses on cell-related research, developing experimental protocols, maintaining daily operations in the cell culture room, and managing laboratory supply orders. In addition to her research role, Wenxuan works part-time as an administrative and fiscal assistant at the Research Design and Data Coordinating Center (RDDC) at UF.
Outside the lab, Wenxuan enjoys music and writing essays in Chinese, several of which have been published and received awards. She also enjoys hiking and spending time in nature.

John-Thomas Robinson

John-Thomas (JT) Robinson obtained his bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida.  During his UG, JT studied rapid prototyping using 3D printing for horn antennae at the Ruzycki Lab.  JT Received his master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from UF in 2024.  With the FAMSIL lab, JT’s research focuses on phase-separation 3D printing and off-plane printing for functional applications and collaborative work in composite printing and characterization.  Outside of the lab, JT plays professional jazz saxophone and enjoys rock climbing and frisbee-golf.