The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recently recognized CU Denver Associate Professor Kai Yu for his contributions to the advancement of mechanical engineering, his innovative research, and his commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers.

ASME recognized the honorees during the International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition held last month in Portland, Oregon.

Yu, who joined CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design and Computing in 2016, focuses his research on the mechanics and 3D/4D printing of contemporary polymers, specifically recyclable and sustainable polymers, shape-changing polymers, composites and structures. This area of research shows much promise for its potential applications to creating new materials that would make them ideal for soft robotics, adaptable space structures, and medical devices.

The Rising Star Award is the latest in a string of recognitions of Yu, including a National Science Foundation CAREER award in 2022 and the International Association of Advanced Materials Young Scientist Medal in 2023. That same year the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing recognized Yu with a Best Paper Award and CU Denver awarded him the Teaching Innovation Award.

“I’m excited and humbled to be recognized among my peers,” Yu said.

For Yu, finding innovative ways to help improve lives is what keeps him motivated. He’s led or co-authored more than 120 papers. In his latest article, published in Nature Communications this October with Martin Dunn, the work focused on the promising 4D printing of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) composites. 

According to the peer-reviewed journal article, the “cost-effective 4D printing method is poised to serve as an accessible and influential approach when designing diverse applications of LCE composites, particularly in the realms of soft robotics, wearable electronics, artificial muscles, and beyond.”

Yu has several degrees including a Ph. D in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has more than $2 million in funded research from the NSF, Office of Naval Research, AFOSR, and Sandia National Laboratory among others. His work has led to three patents, and he also sits on the editorial board of several journals.