Interest Areas

Presently my most active research projects focus on microfluidic sensors and actuators, with particular attention to fabrication processes and fluid-structure interaction for applications in biomedical engineering and electronic displays. Some projects also examine multiphysics interactions in materials relevant to biomechanics. More information is available on my lab website http://www.sjsu.edu/mems/.

For Prospective Students

I often place emphasis on using experimental data to explore theories or model predictions, so microscale prototyping and laboratory measurements typically play essential roles in the projects that I advise. Students who participate in research with me generally have completed and have excelled in one or more of the courses ME 168, ME 169, ME 189, ME 267, ME 283, MatE/EE 129, MatE 145 (or are at least co-enrolled in one of these courses).

Non-SJSU students and those who are considering SJSU for graduate studies are welcome to inquire with general questions, but it is premature to discuss specific project involvement until after matriculating as an SJSU student. I am not involved in the SJSU admissions process; for graduate admissions please see http://www.sjsu.edu/gape/.

MS theses or projects generally require a minimum of 16 hours per week (often much more) dedicated specifically to one's project. Of these weekly hours, at least 8 should be allocated for on-campus laboratory work during conventional daytime working hours. For those who are simultaneously employed full-time off-campus, MSME projects with me generally cannot be completed in fewer than 3 semesters.

Group interaction and mutual support are fully expected, even if not specifically on your immediate project. The main goal is synergistic exchange of knowledge, for example by sharing project updates or presenting literature digests with peer groups at lab meetings. This also involves volunteering for lab-related tasks such as maintaining apparatus and documenting procedures. Lab-wide group meetings vary by semester but are normally held on Friday afternoons, and active research advisees are expected to attend regularly.

Funding support is managed on a case-by-case basis. I normally cover essential laboratory expenses, but paid positions are considerably more selective. Priority is influenced by unique skill sets (e.g., ME 168, ME 169) and seniority in the research group.