{"id":68,"date":"2024-02-23T15:12:04","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T15:12:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/template-mercury\/?page_id=68"},"modified":"2026-04-15T22:33:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T03:33:15","slug":"people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/people\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Principal investigator<\/h1>
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\"Faculty

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Yong Huang, PhD<\/h1>

University Research Foundation Professor<\/h2>
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\u2022 Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (primary)
\u2022 Biomedical Engineering
\u2022 Materials Science and Engineering
\u2022 Chemical Engineering
\u2022 Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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),\u00a0the SME Albert M. Sargent Progress Award (2024), and the ASME Milton C. Shaw Manufacturing Research Medal (2025).\u00a0<\/span>He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2002 and is a Fellow of ASME.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Together we fly high!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Postdoctoral Associates<\/h1>
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Yunxia Chen, PhD<\/h1>

Post-Doc<\/h2>
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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\u2019s program through the national graduate recommendation system and completed her Master\u2019s degree at the same institution. Her research interests include 3D bioprinting, soft electronics, and reinforced polymer composites. Outside the lab, Yunxia enjoys sailing, hiking,\u00a0and gardening.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Graduate Students<\/h1>
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Ayman Alghamdi<\/h1>

MAE Ph.D. Student<\/h2>
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Ayman earned his bachelor\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Benjamin Ryder<\/h1>

MSE Ph.D. Candidate<\/h2>
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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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ali Shams<\/h1>

MAE Ph.D. Student<\/h2>
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Ali Shams is a second-year PhD student in the Department\u00a0of 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Kyle Phillips<\/h1>

BME Ph.D. Student<\/h2>
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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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Renjing Wang<\/h1>

MAE Ph.D. Student<\/h2>
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Renjing Wang holds a bachelor\u2019s degree and a master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Chuanshen Zhou<\/h1>

MAE Ph.D. Student<\/h2>
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Chuanshen Zhou is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering. He earned dual bachelor\u2019s degrees through a joint program between Chongqing University and the University of Cincinnati, and later completed a thesis-based master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Konnor Hole<\/h1>

MAE Ph.D. Student<\/h2>
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Konnor Hole is a first year PhD student in the Huang lab and earned his bachelor\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lab satff<\/h1>
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Wenxuan Chai<\/h1>

Technician<\/h2>
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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John-Thomas Robinson<\/h1>

Technician<\/h2>
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John-Thomas (JT) Robinson obtained his bachelor\u2019s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida.\u00a0 During his UG, JT studied rapid prototyping using 3D printing for horn antennae at the Ruzycki Lab.\u00a0 JT Received his master\u2019s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from UF in 2024.\u00a0 With the FAMSIL lab, JT\u2019s research focuses on phase-separation 3D printing and off-plane printing for functional applications and collaborative work in composite printing and characterization.\u00a0 Outside of the lab, JT plays professional jazz saxophone and enjoys rock climbing and frisbee-golf.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate students<\/h1>
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\"Faculty<\/a>

Samuel E. Shlafer<\/strong><\/p>

Mechanical and Aerospace Eng. and Music<\/p>

Ph.D. mentor: Yunxia<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Faculty<\/a>

Lily N. Badger<\/strong><\/p>

Materials Science and Eng. <\/p>

University Scholars Program <\/p>

Ph.D. mentor: Ben<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Faculty<\/a>

Eli S. Fernandez<\/strong><\/p>

Mechanical and Aerospace Eng.<\/p>

Ph.D. mentor: Ben<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Faculty<\/a>

David B. Iten<\/strong><\/p>

Mechanical and Aerospace Eng.<\/p>

University Scholars Program<\/p>

Ph.D. mentor: Renjing<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Faculty<\/a>

Jacob C. Booeshaghi<\/strong><\/p>

Biomedical eng. <\/p>

Honors Program <\/p>

Ph.D. mentor: Renjing<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Faculty<\/a>

Elijah C. Baluyot<\/strong><\/p>

Mechanical and Aerospace Eng.<\/p>

Ph.D. mentor: Yunxia<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Faculty<\/a>

Devin E. Daughtry<\/strong><\/p>

Biomedical Eng.<\/p>

Ph.D. mentor: Yunxia<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Faculty<\/a>

Luke E. Penafiel<\/strong><\/p>

Mechanical and Aerospace Eng.<\/p>

Honors Program<\/p>

Ph.D. mentor: Yunxia<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>

Load More<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lab alumni<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ph.D. students<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Name<\/th>Graduated<\/th>Current Position<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Yunxia Chen<\/td>December 2024, University of Florida<\/td>Postdoc with University of Florida, Gainesville, FL<\/td><\/tr>
Bing Ren<\/td>May 2024, University of Florida<\/td>Postdoc with George Washington University, Washington DC<\/td><\/tr>
Marc Sole-Gras<\/td>August 2022, University of Florida<\/td>Applus+ IDIADA, Santa Oliva, Catalonia<\/td><\/tr>
Kaidong Song<\/td>August 2022, University of Florida<\/td>Postdoc with Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana<\/td><\/tr>
Ashley Compaan<\/td>May 2019, University of Florida<\/td>NovaBone Products, Alachua, FL<\/td><\/tr>
Ruitong Xiong<\/td>August 2018, University of Florida<\/td>Applied Materials, Santa Clara, CA<\/td><\/tr>
Yifei Jin<\/td>May 2018, University of Florida<\/td>Professor with University of Nevada – Reno<\/td><\/tr>
Kyle Christensen<\/td>December 2017, University of Florida<\/td>Embody, Norfolk, VA<\/td><\/tr>
Brian Davis<\/td>May 2017, University of Florida<\/td>Mitsui Seiki, Franklin Lakes, NJ<\/td><\/tr>
Zhengyi Zhang<\/td>August 2016, University of Florida<\/td>Professor with Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China<\/td><\/tr>
Fan Yang<\/td>May 2015, Clemson University<\/td>Sensity Systems, Sunnyvale, CA<\/td><\/tr>
Changxue Xu<\/td>May 2014, Clemson University<\/td>Professor with Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX<\/td><\/tr>
Jun Yin<\/td>December 2011, Clemson University<\/td>Professor with Zhejiang University, China<\/td><\/tr>
Yafu Lin<\/td>December 2010, Clemson University<\/td>Hanwha Solar America, Santa Clara, CA<\/td><\/tr>
Lei Tang<\/td>December 2010, Clemson University<\/td>ENSCO Advanced Technology and Engineering Division, Charlottesville, VA<\/td><\/tr>
Wei Wang<\/td>August 2010, Clemson University<\/td>Microsoft, Mountain View, CA<\/td><\/tr>
Xiaoyu Wang<\/td>May 2010, Clemson University<\/td>Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA<\/td><\/tr>
Yu Long<\/td>May 2008, Clemson University<\/td>Professor with Guangxi University, China<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Masters students<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Name<\/th>Graduated<\/th>Current Position<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
John-Thomas Robinson<\/td>December 2024, University of Florida<\/td>Researcher with University of Florida<\/td><\/tr>
Anthony Emelianchik<\/td>December 2024, University of Florida<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Shinichi Sakurada<\/td>May 2019, University of Florida<\/td>Canon, Tokyo, Japan<\/td><\/tr>
Yunfan Kong<\/td>May 2018, University of Florida<\/td>University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE<\/td><\/tr>
Jingyuan Yan<\/td>May 2013, Clemson University<\/td>ASML, San Jose, CA<\/td><\/tr>
Hemanth Gudapati<\/td>December 2012, Clemson University<\/td>Penn. State University<\/td><\/tr>
Kevin Foy<\/td>May 2008, Clemson University<\/td>Corning, Wilmington, NC<\/td><\/tr>
Mason D. Morehead<\/td>May 2007, Clemson University<\/td>Parker TechSeal, Spartanburg, SC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Together we fly high! Lab alumni Ph.D. students Name Graduated Current Position Yunxia Chen December 2024, University of Florida Postdoc with University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Bing Ren May 2024, University of Florida Postdoc with George Washington University, Washington DC Marc Sole-Gras August 2022, University of Florida Applus+ IDIADA, Santa Oliva, Catalonia Kaidong Song August […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1237,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"featured_post":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-68","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1237"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48803,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68\/revisions\/48803"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yong-huang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}