I am a postdoctoral researcher in Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at University of Pennsylvania, with PhD and BS degrees in Mechanics received from Tsinghua University.

My research investigates the mechanics and tribology of micro/nanoscale solid contacts — how materials slide, deform, and fail at interfaces. I focus on understanding friction, fracture, and stress-driven reactions (mechanochemistry), uncovering striking behaviors like near-frictionless sliding (superlubricity) and the exceptional properties of atomically thin 2D materials. These insights support advances in durable micro/nanodevices, flexible electronics, high-performance coatings and interfaces, and sustainable manufacturing.

I take a multidisciplinary approach rooted in mechanics. I work extensively with atomic force microscopy (AFM), build custom experimental setups as needed, and use a range of characterization tools (SEM/TEM, EDS, XPS, EBSD, etc.) and microfabrication. These measurements are complemented by theoretical models aiming for simple but clear physics intuition whenever possible.

Education

• Ph.D. in Mechanics, Tsinghua University (2013-2019)
• B.S. in Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University (2009-2013)

Research Experience

• Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Pennsylvania (2021-present)
• Research Associate, Institute of Superlubricity Technology, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen (2019-2021)
• Visiting Scholar (PhD), University of Pennsylvania (2018.4-2018.10)
• Visiting Research Intern (undergrad), Harvard University (2012.8-2013.2)