https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1822-1122
Overview
The Ni group aims to realize human-oriented materials intelligence through the combination of soft electronics and digital metamaterials—the materials can sense human signals, transform and adapt their functional properties according to human actions or status. The technical approach embraces epidermal electronics for advanced sensing of body mechanics, and micro/nanomechanics for closed-loop programmable matter. Our research focuses on creating digital-physical interfaces for dynamic control over materials properties via a full spectrum of mechanical and acoustic processes.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor of the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
·
2020 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
·
2020 - Present
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics,
Basic Science Departments
Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
·
2024 - Present
Pierre R. Lamond Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Recent Publications
Digital composites with reprogrammable phase architectures.
Journal Article Science advances · January 2026 Spatial patterning of material phases underpins the functional diversity of natural and engineered composites. However, phase architectures are typically fixed once formed, limiting adaptability. Here, we introduce a digital composite with reprogrammable s ... Full text CiteShape Morphing Programmable Systems for Enhanced Control in Low-Velocity Flow Applications
Journal Article Advanced Intelligent Systems · November 1, 2025 Active flow control has gained substantial interest due to the ubiquitous role of fluids in engineering systems and applications and its potential to enhance aero-, hydro-, and hemodynamic system performance. This study presents an active flow control stra ... Full text CiteWireless, wearable elastography via mechano-acoustic wave sensing for ambulatory monitoring of tissue stiffness.
Journal Article Science advances · September 2025 Assessing the mechanical properties of soft tissues holds broad clinical relevance. Advances in flexible electronics offer possibilities for wearable monitoring of tissue stiffness. However, existing technologies often rely on tethered setups or require fr ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Collaborative Research: GCR: Human-centric Assistive Robotics for MObility and commuNitY (HARMONY): Enhancing Human Health via Learning-in-Simulation and Multimodal Sensing
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by New York University · 2025 - 2030Developing a 2-in-1 Wearable On-Demand Ultrasound Imaging & Stimulation System for Treating Post-Stroke Motor Impairment
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by American Heart Association · 2025 - 2028Enabling Sentient Materials
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory · 2025 - 2027View All Grants
Education
California Institute of Technology ·
2018
Ph.D.