Symposium 2 Invited Speaker
Dr. Jacob Mingear
R&D Engineer
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Presentation Title: An Early History of Shape Memory Alloys - a Literature Perspective With a Los Alamos Twist
Abstract: Shape Memory Alloy's unique behaviors have led to significant advancements in biomedical, aerospace, and other engineering industries. Intentionally harnessing the shape memory effect began at the United States Naval Ordinance Lab (NOL) in the early 1960s and was focused on the intermetallic NiTi. The alloy NiTi and the location lead to the portmanteau creation of the word NiTiNOL. However, other aspect of shape memory alloys were first noticed by a curious chemist in gold-cadmium in 1932 in Sweden. Arne Olander produced gold-cadmium alloys for electrochemical purposes but noticed a strange behavior in one of the alloys, "this alloy was so elastic that it almost reminded of rubber". For a few decades this rubber-like phenomena was studied and perplexed by metallurgists around the world. Meanwhile in 1938, temperature dependent twin band growths were found in brass. The author, Greninger, suggested that this may be beyond a simple twin deformation. He postulated that the term martensite, only regarded in ferrous metallurgy at the time, "will eventually transcend its original meaning" to properly constrain this phenomenon. It was not until 1949 where the Ukrainian physicist Kurdjumov properly cemented the concept of thermoelastic martensites in an aluminum brass, showing clear optical microscopy images of a martensite wedge waxing and waning with temperature. Returning back to gold-cadmium in 1951, Read was investigating the peculiar rubbery qualities when spontaneous shape change of the alloy was documented for the first time. Read’s student Lieberman detailed the phenomenon in more detail, "subsequent heating under various loads, the original cubic structure is recovered, as is likewise the original shape of the specimen". Read was invited to exhibit the gold-cadmium memory behavior from this work at the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels. Lieberman produced the device demonstrating "useful work operating repeatably", a multi-cycle actuator. The apparatus consisted of a AuCd cantilever beam with a weight on the tip, the beam would deform during cooling and then lift the weight during heating. Despite the global exposure, there seemed to not be an immediate fanfare of this groundbreaking phenomenon nor was it named. In fact, it is believed that the Shape Memory Alloy term was not coined until 1967 from the first meeting held on NiTiNOL. Meanwhile, uranium alloys were explored in-depth for the first time during the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos, which lead to the discovery of uranium - 6wt.% niobium. Later, this alloy was known to exhibit strange length changes and shrinkage, leading to the discovery that it is also a shape memory alloy at Rocky Flats. So why were multiple manifestations of shape memory alloys observed around the world? Why gold-cadmium? How did such a phenomena integrate with the contemporary understanding? What were the implications of the new findings? Such perspectives can help current scientists and engineers better understand and target new developments for these versatile materials. Herein, a historical perspective of the early shape memory alloys will be detailed and discussed based on available historic literature.
Biography: Dr. Jacob Mingear is an R&D Engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory with over four years of experience developing advanced materials solutions. He specializes in shape memory alloys, 3D printing, and radiation transport. He has sparked laboratory interest in shape memory alloys as an engineering solution, driven by their versatile and unique properties. This effort gained early traction with a competitive LDRD funding award in 2024. He obtained his Ph.D. at Texas A&M University in Materials Science and Engineering, as well as an Aerospace Engineering M.S. at Texas A&M University, while a B.S. at the University of Florida in Materials Science and Engineering. Jacob was drawn to the field of shape memory alloys because they enable new paradigms of thinking, and he is also fascinated by the history of the curious scientists who first sought to understand this phenomenon. His wedding ring is proudly made from leftover Ph.D. shape memory alloy NiTiNOL. Please do not tell his graduate advisor!
Symposium 5 Invited Speaker
Donghyeon Ryu
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Presentation Title: Multifunctional Mechano-Luminescence-Optoelectronic Composites for Self-Powered Strain Sensing and Mechanical-Radiant-Electrical Energy Harvesting
Abstract: In this invited talk, a novel design of multifunctional composites is presented with mainly two engineering applications as a self-powered strain sensor and a mechanical-radiant-electrical energy harvester. The multifunctional mechano-luminescence-optoelectronic (MLO) composites are composed of two functional constituents: 1) mechano-luminescent (ML) elastomeric micro-composites and 2) mechano-optoelectronic (MO) thin film. The ML constituent emits light when subjected to external dynamic mechanical stimuli to play as a role of mechanical-radiant energy converter in the MLO. The MO thin film generates direct current (DC) using the ML light in the MLO composites, and the DC varies with the applied tensile strain. The multiphysics ML and MO characteristics are coupled in the MLO design to output strain-varying DC with mechanical input via the unique mechanical-radiant-electrical (MRE) energy conversion mechanism. The DC generated from the MLO can be used for sensing tensile strain without any external electrical input based on the DC magnitude varying with tensile strain and strain rate. Also, the DC output can be used as an energy source where mechanical energy can be harvested by the MLO composites as an MRE energy harvester.
In the Lab for Smart Materials and Structures (LaSMaS) that Dr. Ryu established in 2014 at New Mexico Tech, research projects sponsored by NASA and NSF are currently being conducted for advancing knowledge in process-structure-property (PSP) relationship of the ML and MO functional building blocks and neuromuscular system of human body through physical health digital twin using the MLO-based highly stretchable and self-powered strain sensor. In addition, Dr. Ryu has conducted R&D for RD Health Sensing Inc., which he co-founded in 2020 and currently serves as a Chief Scientific Officer, for commercialization of the multifunctional MLO for non-invasive and self-evolving health monitoring solutions.
First, the MO thin film is fabricated using a scalable air-brushing process to broaden the MO thin film’s applications in the MLO fibrous composites for clothes-type health monitoring wearables. The air-brushing process enables deposition of the MO thin film in a continuous manner as a part of quasi-1D fibrous MLO composites on a non-flat and narrow surface while a spin-coating process as a traditional thin film deposition approach is limited to wide and flat substrate. Due to the unique thin film deposition mechanism by the air-brushing process, the nano-structure of conjugated poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) polymer in the MO thin film forms differently from conventional spin-coating process to exhibit unique MO characteristics and micro-mechanical properties. Second, the Super Inkjet (SIJ) printing process is employed to fabricate patterned conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) thin film as a bottom electrode of MO-based epidermal strain sensing patch for spatial strain mapping on a human skin. The SIJ printing is advantageous compared to conventional piezoelectrically-actuated jetting mechanism due to its unique electrostatically actuated jetting mechanism through a glass nozzle to result in less clogging issues and wide acceptance of ink viscosity. The SIJ printing process is optimized for fully SIJ-printing the MO-based epidermal sensor for self-powered and spatial strain sensing applications. Third, a physical health digital twin (PHDT) is proposed for early diagnosis and prognosis of neuromuscular health disorders. The PHDT is built with in-plane strains sensed by the MLO-based non-invasive health monitoring wearables and evolves with continuous inflow of sensor data to cope with the end user’s ever changing biometrics. Data anomalies in the PHDT are deemed as an early signal to indicate disorders in the human’s neuromuscular system for proactive intervention of neuromuscular health disorders. Last, the ML micro-composites' multiphysics constitutive relationships are empirically derived by training a machine learning algorithm with a data set of ML light intensity and color along with strain and strain rate. The ML constitutive knowledge is envisioned to help perform informed design of the multifunctional MLO composites.
Biography: Dr. Donghyeon Ryu is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Tech (August 2014 – present), a co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of RD Health Sensing (November 2020 – present), and an NSF RII Track-4@NASA Research Fellow (Jan 2024 – Dec 2026). He obtained a Ph.D. in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in September 2014 and M.S. in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in March 2014 from the University of California, Davis. Before then, he obtained M.S. (2008) and B.S. (2004) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.
Dr. Ryu is active in research on design of multifunctional materials and nanocomposites metamaterials for wearable sensing technologies and self-sustainable infrastructures; structural health monitoring; advanced sensor technologies; and energy harvesting. His research has been sponsored by NASA, NSF, Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Lab, Sandia National Labs, Office of Naval Research, and others. He received New Mexico Space Grant Consortium Faculty Research Award and three best paper awards from ASME, 9th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring, and 10th International Conference on Damage Assessment of Structures. Also, he is a NASA Research Fellow of NSF RII Track-4@NASA Ames Research Center and an ASCE ExCEEdTeaching Workshop Fellow.
Symposium 5 Invited Speaker
Fernando Moreu, Ph.D., P.E., F. ASCE
Robert J. Stamm Professor of Advanced Design and Construction Practices
Dean's Excellence Lecturer
University of New Mexico
Presentation Title: Recent Human-centered, Computer Vision Advances in Structural Health Monitoring
Abstract: This presentation summarizes advances in monitoring of engineering experimental vibrations, proposing new human-computer interfaces and human-in-the-loop dynamic paradigms. Applications include using Augmented Reality (AR) systems enabling a standalone human interface for automatic defect detection. Field implementations include industrial human-centered machine-enabled inspection. The new machine-aided inspection employs a nonstationary pixel unit conversion with an automated image conversion translating anomalies to engineering units in the eyes of the inspector. Ongoing practical applications include the use of neuromorphic, low-latency system identification for non-linear systems ID, and human-robot construction teaming with the help of AR. This seminar also describes intuitive robot programming adjusting the kinematic controller’s parameters and a different outer-loop controller as an alternative to the time-consuming adjustments of holograms with application for construction, manufacturing, and field inspections. This automated control enabled by an immersive AR interface opens a bi-lateral communication line between humans and robots for collaboration and bi-directional teaming.
Symposium 6 Invited Speaker
Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Presentation Title: Unlocking Nature's Secrets: Bioinspired Aerodynamics and Autonomous Drone Systems
Abstract: Over millions of years, nature has evolved highly efficient structures, materials, and mechanisms that enable remarkable capabilities in flight, sensing, navigation, and energy management. Engineers increasingly draw inspiration from these biological systems to develop innovative solutions for modern aerospace challenges. The field of bioinspired engineering and biomimicry seeks to translate nature's optimized designs into advanced technologies that enhance aerodynamic efficiency, autonomy, and adaptability in aerial systems. This talk presents Dr. Hassanalian’s research on bioinspired aerodynamics and autonomous drone systems, highlighting how natural flight mechanisms observed in birds, insects, and seeds can inform the design of next-generation aerial platforms. His work integrates aerodynamic modeling, experimental validation, and system-level design to improve the performance and efficiency of drones operating in complex environments. Applications of this research include environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, underground exploration, wildlife observation, and planetary exploration. By combining principles from biology, aerospace engineering, and robotics, this work aims to advance the development of intelligent aerial systems capable of operating autonomously and efficiently in diverse real-world missions.
Biography: Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Tech and a former Dean's Research Scholar. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University in 2018 and 2016, respectively. His research focuses on experimental aerodynamics, bioinspired engineering, autonomous aerial systems, and drone technology, integrating physics-based modeling, dynamics and control, and experimental testing to develop next-generation aerospace systems. Over the past seven years, Dr. Hassanalian has led an externally funded research program with more than $8 million in support from agencies and organizations including the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, NIOSH-CDC, the Alpha Foundation, and industry partners. His scholarly work includes more than 65 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 190 refereed conference papers, many presented at AIAA conferences, contributing significantly to research in drones, bioinspired aerodynamics, and autonomous exploration systems. Dr. Hassanalian has been continuously recognized since 2021 among the world's Top 2% most-cited scientists for both annual and career-long citation impact according to the Stanford University–Elsevier ranking. His contributions to research and academic service have been recognized with several honors, including the New Mexico Tech Faculty Distinguished Service Award (2024), Faculty Distinguished Research Award (2025), and the AIAA Faculty Advisor Award (2026). His research group develops bioinspired drones and autonomous aerial systems for applications such as environmental monitoring, underground exploration, wildlife observation, and planetary exploration. Several of his projects—particularly the taxidermy bird drone—have received international media attention through outlets including The New York Times, National Geographic, Reuters, and EuroNews. Dr. Hassanalian currently advises 22 graduate students (8 Ph.D. and 14 M.S.) and has graduated 4 Ph.D. and 20 M.S. students to date, in addition to mentoring over 100 undergraduate researchers. He is also actively involved in STEM outreach, leading K–12 drone programs and serving on the board of the Friends of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Symposium 6 Invited Speaker
Vickie Webster-Wood
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
Presentation Title: Biology as Smart Materials for Biohybrid and Biodegradable Robots
Abstract: In the last century, it was common to envision robots of the future as shining metal structures with rigid and halting motion. This imagery is in sharp contrast to the fluid and organic motion of living organisms that inhabit our natural world. As robotics has advanced, animals are often turned to for inspiration. However, the adaptability, complex control, and advanced learning capabilities observed in animals are not yet fully understood and, therefore, have not been fully captured by current robotic systems. Furthermore, many of the mechanical properties and physical capabilities seen in animals have yet to be achieved in robotic platforms. In this talk, I will share my group's efforts to use biologically derived materials in robotic subsystems to make robots more adaptable and sustainable. Our research in biohybrid robotics is enabling new approaches toward the creation of autonomous biodegradable living robots. In parallel, by using farmable plant-based materials, we can now create robotic components that are fully degradable in natural environments. As we look to the future, we are bringing these capabilities together toward the creation of autonomous, adaptable robots built using sustainable biological materials. These robotic systems have future applications as sustainable platforms for medicine, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring of sensitive environments (e.g., coral reefs).
Biography: Vickie Webster-Wood is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University with courtesy appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and the Robotics Institute. She is the director of the C.M.U. Biohybrid and Organic Robotics Group and has a long-term research goal to develop completely organic, biodegradable, autonomous robots. Research in the C.M.U. B.O.R.G. brings together bio-inspired robotics, tissue engineering, and computational neuroscience to study and model neuromuscular control and translate findings to the creation of renewable robotic devices. Dr. Webster-Wood completed her postdoc at Case Western Reserve University in the Tissue Fabrication and Mechanobiology Lab. She received her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution as an N.S.F. Graduate Research Fellow in the Biologically Inspired Robotics Lab. She received the NSF CAREER Award in 2021 and leads the SSymBioTIC MURI. She is also a co-PI of the N.S.F. NeuroNex Network on Communication, Coordination, and Control in Neuromechanical Systems (C3NS) and has received numerous additional awards and grants, including recognition as one of MIT Technology Reviews 35 Innovators under 35 in 2023.
Vickie Webster-Wood is also the Symposium 8 Invited Speaker
Presentation Title: in roboto: Using Robotic Models to Understand Embodied Intelligence in Biological Systems
Abstract: Biological systems provide fascinating existence proofs of the ability to perform complex computation, creative decision making, adaptable robust locomotion, and multifunctional behavior in single energy efficient platforms. And yet, modern robots still commonly struggle in the complex dynamic real world environments in which animals thrive. Animal capabilities stem from the co-evolution and co-development of the brain and the body. That is to say they have co-developed truly integrated computational and mechanical intelligence. The body constrains and simplifies control, and the controller shapes the adaptation of the body through behavior. Understanding the fundamental principles of embodied intelligence in animals will help uncover new mechanisms for use in robotics and intelligent engineered systems. In this talk, I will share our work on using computational and robotic models to help uncover general principles of embodied intelligence in a complex soft bodied organism, Aplysia californica, and provide perspectives on translating findings from biology to translatable robotic systems.
Symposium 7 Invited Speaker
Wei-Hsin Liao
Choh-Ming Li Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Presentation Title: Energy Harvesting from Human Motion and Vibration
Abstract: As a pivotal tool for human-computer interaction, the keyboard bridges the physical and virtual worlds. While wireless setups eliminate cable clutter, they remain constrained by battery life. To address this limitation, we present a battery-free wireless keyboard entirely powered by kinetic energy harnessed from fingertip keystrokes. This scalable, manufacturable platform represents a breakthrough in self-sustained interaction technologies. We then extend human-motion energy harvesting to a battery-free interactive gaming system powered by transient fingertip motion. To ensure high reactivity and stability, the fingertip motion harvester employs a multistable structure that utilizes precharged potential energy within dynamically varying potential wells. Additionally, a bistable screen design decouples game logic from user interface mechanics to ensure rapid system recovery after power interruptions, pioneering a practical, low-power interaction paradigm. Finally, to address the inherent instability, limited energy capture, and intermittent power supply typical of ambient vibration energy harvesting in IoT systems, we developed a modular, reconfigurable IoT platform. By supporting multiple transduction mechanisms—including piezoelectric and electromagnetic—this highly adaptable platform easily accommodates diverse sensing tasks and varying application requirements through standardized, swappable interfaces.
Biography: Wei-Hsin Liao received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA. Since August 1997, Dr. Liao has been with The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where he is Choh-Ming Li Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering. His research has resulted in the publication of over 500 technical papers and 30 patents. He served as the Conference Chair for the 20th International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies (2009), as well as the Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems conference at SPIE Smart Structures/NDE (2014 and 2015). Prof. Liao is the recipient of the 2020 ASME Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Award and the 2018 SPIE SSM Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the advancement of smart structures and materials. He currently serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures and is on the Executive Editorial Board of Smart Materials and Structures. Dr. Liao is a Fellow of ASME, HKIE, and IOP.
Symposium 7 Invited Speaker
Dr. Abdessattar Abdelkefi
Professor
New Mexico State University
Presentation Title: Dynamic Effectiveness of Energy Harvesters Under Flow Induced Vibrations
Abstract: Flow-induced vibration-based energy harvesters have emerged as promising sustainable power sources, attracting significant attention for their ability to replace conventional small batteries that demand costly and time-consuming maintenance. By harnessing vibratory motion induced by fluid-structure interactions, these systems provide a renewable and maintenance-free alternative particularly suited for powering low-consumption electronic devices including health monitoring sensors, medical implants, data transmitters, wireless sensors, and cameras. Their adaptability allows deployment across diverse environments, ranging from urban infrastructures and high-wind regions to ventilation outlets, rivers, and ducts of buildings.
This presentation introduces the fundamental concept of harvesting energy from vibratory motion in air or water, highlighting key flow-induced phenomena, such as flutter, vortex-induced vibrations, galloping, and wake interactions associated with bluff bodies and tandem harvester designs. The fluid-structure interactions between bluff body geometries and energy harvesting systems will be examined through both experimental investigations and computational modeling. Finally, the study explores the effectiveness of flag-based harvesters in confined spaces, where geometric constraints and flow channeling can significantly alter vibratory behavior. Insights will be provided into how confinement effects, wake interactions, and flapping dynamics can be leveraged to improve energy output in practical applications. By integrating theoretical analysis, laboratory experiments, and computational simulations, this presentation aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of flow-induced vibration energy harvesters and highlight their potential as reliable, self-sustaining power solutions for next generation smart and autonomous devices.
Biography: Dr. Abdu Abdelkefi is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU). He currently serves as the Faculty Fellow for the NMSU Postdoctoral Association and previously held a Joint Faculty Appointment at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) from March 2019 to February 2024. He is recognized as a Fellow of ASME and an Associate Fellow of AIAA.
Dr. Abdelkefi's research has been supported by multiple funding agencies, totaling approximately $8.5 million, and has led to the graduation of 20 Ph.D. and 24 M.S. students. In collaboration with his students and colleagues, he has authored three books, secured one patent, published more than 270 journal articles in leading international journals, and delivered over 290 conference papers and presentations, including more than 10 invited talks. His work has been cited over 16,000 times, reflecting its broad impact across disciplines.