Asso. Prof. in Biomaterials and Nano-Biomechanics at National Engineering Research Center of Tissue Restoration & Reconstruction (NERC-TRE) in South China University of Technology (SCUT)

• Pathway To Impact scheme, EPSRC• Investigate mechanics of endothelial glycocalyx in vascular system under physiological conditions

• Fully funded by EPSRC (EP/E039928/1)• Studied nanomechanics of biomineralized tissue. • Mineralized collagen fibril (MCF) which is the fundamental structure unit of bone was mechanically investigated using novel in-situ nano-mechanical testing method. The discovery of inhomogeneous mechanical properties of MCF has an important impact in explaining aging related bone diseases. • The paper based on this discovery exploring the origin of bone’s strength was reported and discussed by New Scientist magazine due to its originality and importance. This paper was also rewarded as the best monthly journal paper in school and reported in an invited MRS talk.• An important part of my PhD project was to collaborate with FEI Ltd. and Attocube Systems GmbH to develop a novel in-situ nano-mechanical testing method based on atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This new materials characterization methodology has attracted attention widely from both academia and microscope industry which provides a direct mechanical testing capability on one dimensional nanomaterials for the first time. As the major developer and project coordinator, I created the data collection and quantitative analysis method independently.• Investigated the mechanical behaviour of the interface between mineralized collagen fibrils and extrafibrillar non-collagen protein in bone tissue. • A paper was submitted and the poster based on this study won the Best Poster prize in 2010 international MicroScience Conference in London.

• Supported by ImpactQM scheme, EPSRC funded• Piezoelectric Response Microscopy (PFM), ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials, development of nano devices.• Cooperated with leading scientists to establish ISO standard of quantitative PFM characterization on piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric and piezoelectric nano materials (VAMAS).• Manufactured nano-devices using Clean Room Lithography. • Studied electrical properties of epitaxial graphene.

• Collaborated with Diamond to develop a novel in-situ synchrotron FT-IR nano-mechanical testing system. • Successfully tested the electrospun polymer nano fibers using this system. Discovered important deformation behaviour of electrospun nylon 6 at molecular level.