Yupeng Zhang | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Yupeng Zhang | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of California, Davis,  United States.

Yupeng Zhang is a passionate Mechanical Engineering researcher at UC Davis, pursuing his Ph.D. in Dynamics and Controls with a strong background in vehicle systems modeling and smart suspension design. He has hands-on experience in academic and industrial research, collaborating with Hyundai and Parker LORD on advanced suspension systems, and contributing to carbon bike component testing with Full Speed Ahead. Adept in MATLAB, Simulink, SolidWorks, and machine learning, Yupeng integrates theoretical rigor with practical innovation. His contributions include bond graph modeling, preview control design, and hardware prototyping, showcasing his dedication to advancing automotive technology.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Yupeng Zhang holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is currently pursuing his M.S. and Ph.D. at UC Davis (expected 2025). He earned multiple Dean’s List honors during his undergraduate studies and was awarded the prestigious Dean Karnopp’s Fellowship in Dynamics and Controls for his graduate work. His academic foundation spans vehicle dynamics, mechatronics, controls (PID, LQR, YOULA), machine learning, and mechanical design. He has excelled in both classroom and research environments, blending deep theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory and design experience.

💼 Experience

Yupeng’s experience includes Graduate Researcher at Hyundai Center of Excellence (2021–Present), focusing on vehicle systems and active suspension. At Parker LORD, he developed an MR fluid-based suspension system and a custom shock dynamometer. As a Product Testing Engineer at Full Speed Ahead (2021–Present), he analyzed high-end cycling components and power meters. Previous internships in China at OGRE Robotics and Zhongbi Auto Accessories involved robotics prototyping and brake system testing . His multidisciplinary roles reflect a blend of control theory, mechanical design, testing, and manufacturing experience across global platforms.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Yupeng’s experience includes Graduate Researcher at Hyundai Center of Excellence (2021–Present), focusing on vehicle systems and active suspension.  At Parker LORD, he developed an MR fluid-based suspension system and a custom shock dynamometer. As a Product Testing Engineer at Full Speed Ahead (2021–Present), he analyzed high-end cycling components and power meters. Previous internships in China at OGRE Robotics and Zhongbi Auto Accessories involved robotics prototyping and brake system testing . His multidisciplinary roles reflect a blend of control theory, mechanical design, testing, and manufacturing experience across global platforms.

🔬 Research Focus

Yupeng’s research centers on vehicle dynamics, active suspension systems, and smart control algorithms using bond graph modeling and machine learning.  He explores the integration of mechanical and electrical systems for optimal ride comfort and safety through preview control and real-time estimation. His work involves modeling complex 6-DoF systems, studying inerter effects, designing feedback controllers (PID, LQR, YOULA), and developing adaptive Kalman filters for signal estimation. He bridges theoretical modeling with practical deployment, contributing to innovations in automotive mechatronics and intelligent mobility solutions .

 Conclusion

Yupeng Zhang exemplifies the qualities of a high-caliber, practice-oriented researcher whose work integrates mechanical design, dynamic modeling, and intelligent control systems with tangible real-world applications. His research impact is evidenced through industrial collaboration, complex system prototyping, and control implementation in both academic and corporate environments. With continued emphasis on scholarly publication and interdisciplinary expansion, he is exceptionally well-positioned to be recognized with the Best Researcher Award for his technical innovation, problem-solving acumen, and dedication to advancing mechanical and automotive engineering frontiers.

Publication

 Title: Passive and active, fluid and mechanical inerters for vehicle dynamics control
 Year: 2025
 Authors: Sang Rak Kim, Yupeng Zhang, Suk Won Cha, Donald L. Margolis
 Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/00423114.2025.2508873

Daozhi SHEN | Mechanical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daozhi SHEN | Mechanical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Associate Professor | Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Daozhi Shen is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. His research spans photonic materials, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, with a strong interdisciplinary focus. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Waterloo, contributing significantly to quantum and materials science. Shen has delivered keynote talks at global conferences, published in high-impact journals, and holds multiple patents in optoelectronics and material interfaces. His work has broad applications in photodetectors, nanomaterials, and sustainable technologies. He serves as a reviewer for prestigious journals and is active in international academic communities. Passionate about science communication and collaboration, he also contributes to organizing international conferences. With deep expertise and innovation, he stands at the forefront of engineering research and education.

Profile

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Scholar

🎓 Education

Daozhi Shen earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University (2013–2019), where he focused on advanced materials and micro/nano fabrication. He completed his undergraduate studies with a B.A.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (2009–2013). Throughout his academic training, he developed a strong foundation in materials behavior, manufacturing processes, and nanoscience applications. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for innovations in van der Waals heterostructures and device integration. Shen’s educational trajectory is marked by rigorous training, deep technical knowledge, and interdisciplinary exposure, equipping him to tackle complex engineering problems at the intersection of materials and quantum systems.

💼 Experience

Dr. Daozhi Shen is currently an Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s School of Mechanical Engineering (2022–present) . Prior to this, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing and the Centre for Advanced Materials Joining (2019–2022) . His experience bridges quantum systems, nanotechnology, and materials engineering. At Waterloo, he collaborated on cutting-edge research in optoelectronic device fabrication and novel joining techniques. In addition to research, Shen actively engages in academic service, including organizing international webinars and reviewing for prestigious journals. He frequently speaks at international conferences and has developed key collaborations with researchers worldwide. His experience reflects a balance of scientific rigor, teaching excellence, and global engagement .

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Shen has delivered multiple keynote speeches at leading international forums, including the Vebleo Webinar on Science, Engineering and Technology (2021) and the International Webinar on Materials Science Engineering. He holds multiple patents, including one US patent on broadband van der Waals photodetectors and two Chinese patents on moisture power generators and chip mounting methods. He was invited to present at prestigious events like the Canadian Semiconductor Science Conference (2017) and IIW Annual Assembly (2018). His research achievements have earned him invitations to serve on organizing committees for high-profile conferences and webinars. As a peer reviewer for journals such as Nature Water, Advanced Materials, and Nature Communications, Shen’s expertise is widely recognized . These honors underscore his innovation, technical contribution, and growing impact in global engineering research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Daozhi Shen’s research focuses on nanomaterials, photodetectors, and advanced materials joining technologies. He investigates van der Waals heterostructures, designing broadband photodetectors responsive across UV to IR spectra . His work blends quantum computing principles with mechanical engineering, enabling novel device applications. Shen is also deeply involved in moisture-powered generators, chip packaging, and sustainable fabrication processes. His multidisciplinary work integrates chemistry, physics, and materials science to tackle frontier challenges in nanoengineering and optoelectronics. He emphasizes experimental techniques, device fabrication, and materials characterization, driving innovation from lab-scale to application. Shen’s research has practical implications in underwater electronics, flexible devices, and green energy solutions, aiming to revolutionize both industry and consumer technologies.

 Conclusion

Dr. Daozhi Shen is a highly promising and accomplished early-career researcher with a strong record in materials and mechanical engineering. His innovative contributions, especially in next-generation energy devices and nano-materials, align well with the mission of the Young Scientist Award. With continued development in leadership roles, translational research, and broader collaboration, Dr. Shen is not only suitable but a highly competitive candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Publication

 1. Interface engineering for enhanced memristive devices and neuromorphic computing applications

  • Year: 2025

  • Authors: Ming Xiao, Daozhi Shen, Jijie Huang

  • DOI: 10.1177/09506608251318108

  • Journal: International Materials Reviews

 

 2. Ionic Hydrogel‐Based Moisture Electric Generators for Underwater Electronics

  • Year: 2024 (November)

  • Authors: Daozhi Shen, Fangzhou Li, Jian Zhao, Rui Wang, Bin Li, Zechao Han, Linglan Guo, Peicheng Han, Dongqi Yang, Hyun Ho Kim, et al.

  • DOI: 10.1002/advs.202408954

  • Journal: Advanced Science

 

 3. Water-Triboelectrification-Complemented Moisture Electric Generator

  • Year: 2024 (Nov 5)

  • Authors: Fangzhou Li, Jian Zhao, Bin Li, Zechao Han, Linglan Guo, Peicheng Han, Hyun Ho Kim, Yanjie Su, Li-Min Zhu, Daozhi Shen

  • DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c09581

  • Journal: ACS Nano

 

 4. Nonvolatile Reconfigurable Logic Device Based on Photoinduced Interfacial Charge Trapping in van der Waals Gap

  • Year: 2024 (May 1)

  • Authors: Sun Woo Kim, Juhyung Seo, Subin Lee, Daozhi Shen, Youngjin Kim, Hyun Ho Choi, Hocheon Yoo, Hyun Ho Kim

  • DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01627

  • Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

 

 5. Gate-Tunable Multiband van der Waals Photodetector and Polarization Sensor

  • Year: 2024 (Apr 30)

  • Authors: Daozhi Shen, HeeBong Yang, Tarun Patel, Daniel A. Rhodes, Thomas Timusk, Y. Norman Zhou, Na Young Kim, Adam W. Tsen

  • DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00181

  • Journal: ACS Nano

 

 6. Laser processing for electricity generators: Physics, methods and applications

 

 7. Flexible Copper-Based Thermistors Fabricated by Laser Direct Writing for Low-Temperature Sensing

  • Year: 2024 (Feb 28)

  • Authors: Zilong Peng, Wei Guo, Tong Liu, Xuewei Wang, Daozhi Shen, Ying Zhu, Xingwen Zhou, Jianfeng Yan, Hongqiang Zhang

  • DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c15995

  • Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

 

 8. Multifunctional van der Waals heterostructures enabled by femtosecond laser-controlled band alignment engineering

  • Year: 2023 (Aug)

  • Authors: Jinpeng Huo, Guisheng Zou, Yu Xiao, Tianming Sun, Bin Feng, Daozhi Shen, Chengjie Du, Jin Peng, Luchan Lin, Lei Liu

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2023.108548

  • Journal: Nano Energy

 

 9. Water‐Enabled Electricity Generation: A Perspective

  • Year: 2022 (Apr)

  • Authors: Xiaoye Zhao, Daozhi Shen, Walter W. Duley, Caiwang Tan, Y. Norman Zhou

  • DOI: 10.1002/aesr.202100196

  • Journal: Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research

 

 10. High-Performance Mid-IR to Deep-UV van der Waals Photodetectors Capable of Local Spectroscopy at Room Temperature

  • Year: 2022 (Apr 27)

  • Authors: Daozhi Shen, HeeBong Yang, Christian Spudat, Tarun Patel, Shazhou Zhong, Fangchu Chen, Jian Yan, Xuan Luo, Meixin Cheng, Germán Sciaini, et al.

  • DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c00741

  • Journal: Nano Letters