While studying at the University of Michigan for my Ph.D., I am working with Prof. Jason P. McCormick and conducting research on a variety of topics related to the enhancement of hollow structural sections (HSS) based steel moment connections through innovative configuration and non-traditional civil engineering materials.This research led to a set of high-fidelity finite element models, that were calibrated and verified using large-scale cyclic testing data. Ensuing parametric study of innovative HSS based moment connections will provide insight in the feasibility of fill material in the seismic application and propose design procedures for reinforced HSS based moment connections. The application of the non-traditional fill material allows more HSS members being considered in seismic application thus reduce seismic mass and cost. The findings from this work lay the ground work for use of non-traditional civil engineering fill materials more pervasively in structures in order to enhance their damping capabilities and optimize their performance under extreme loads.

During my graduate studies, I taught recitation/lab lectures for Design of Metal Structure in one semesters, for which I also held routine office hours, created homework solutions, and graded lab reports, developed lecture materials and applied active learning techniques in delivering recitations.

While master study at Tongji University, I am working with Prof. Weixing Shi and conducting research on a variety of topics related to retrofit of the exsiting buildings for seismic application and vibration control of the strucutre control.For one of the research project about retrofit of a masonry building near subway line to reduce the subway induced vibration and ensure structural safety subject to extreme load conditions, I worked as research leader leading 5 group members to collect subway vibration data, calibrate the model per field measurement and develop finite element models for an existing multi-story masonry building. Based on the numerical simulation, I designed three-dimensional isolators to mitigate subway induced vibration of the building and to seismically retrofit building which was validated through finite element dynamic analysis and a shake table test. Once the design plan was determined, I led the group designed construction procedures and detailed connections.

During my study at Tongji University, I worked with Prof. WeixingShi on various projects about post-earthquake rehabilitation and retrofit of non-collapsed buildings. Under the guidance of my advisor, I evaluated conditions of non-collapsed buildings, performed finite element dynamic analysis for complicated structures, investigated causes of structural damage and identified deficiencies in design and construction by analyzing exposed existing condition.As for screening of the school building design deficiencies in Shanghai City, I performed site visits for approximately 30 school buildings (including concrete, steel, and masonry buildings) to observe field conditions. Based on field measured conditions, I obtained necessary probe results, performed analysis and evaluation and prepared investigation reports providing suggestions on rehabilitation and repair.

During my internship at Guangzhou, I worked with my supervisor Hong Zhang in the project of design a 10 story steel frame building located in Sichuan Province. I performed conceptual design and calculation to assist the project engineer in the early design phase, built finite element models using ETABS and performed static and dynamic finite element analysis. Then I hand calculated and checked design results based on FE result and designed and detailed some special connections.