TEAM

Graduate Researchers

Shaoliang Yang

About me: I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Santa Clara University with a primary focus on mechanical engineering with machine learning and data-driven techniques under supervision of Dr. Wang Jun. Having completed my Master's in Control Theory and Control Engineering at Yunnan University, my expertise lies in leveraging neural network architectures to address complex challenges.

I am proficient in computer vision, deep learning, neural modules, and skilled in methodologies including learning transfer and ensemble learning, generative network, vision transformer, complex architectures, image processing, digital processing. My research has led to several high-impact publications, including co-authored works in IEEE Signal Processing Letters and IEEE Transactions on Computational Imaging . These publications include the development of a Vision Transformer-based Generative Adversarial Network for low-light image enhancement and an integrated learning approach that employs advanced techniques like Vision Transformers and Generative Adversarial Networks to improve image quality significantly.

I have experience in collaborating with top institutions like Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) and HKBU, I have had the privilege to contribute both theoretically and in code support. Furthermore, I have co-authored with Prof. Cao Jinde, he is the Chief Professor of Southeast University, IEEE fellow, and Member of the European Academy of Sciences.

As I move forward in my Ph.D. program, my ambition is to integrate my multidisciplinary expertise into mechanical engineering. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of research and practical applications through innovative solutions and cross-disciplinary approaches. 

Kevin Wang

About me: Hello! I am Kang Wang, a graduate at Santa Clara University majoring in mechanical engineering. Since my freshmen year in college, I have been captivated by the concept of machine learning and have been studying this fascinating topic ever since. I am passionate about the potential of machine learning to revolutionize various industries and transform the way we live and work.

However, my love for mechanical engineering has not diminished, and I aspire to merge these two fields of knowledge in my future career. I believe that combining the principles of mechanical engineering with the power of machine learning can lead to innovative solutions and advancements in various industries.

In my free time, I enjoy tinkering with machines and experimenting with new ideas. I am also an avid learner and am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to making a positive impact in the world.

(side note: this is generated by chatgpt hh)

Undergraduate Researchers

Tomas Ronderos 

About me: I am currently a Junior at Santa Clara University majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering. My research interests are in Mechanical Design, 3D modeling, and Additive Manufacturing. 

Serena Thompson

About me: I am a junior at Santa Clara University, majoring in physics and math. My interest in these topics started in high school when I joined my school's robotics team. In the summer of 2023, I was able to put the CAD modeling skills I learned in robotics to use at Pfizer as a manufacturing operations intern. I am interested in merging my more theoretical interests and the CAD I've done in the past to further explore geometric modeling methods and design optimization. During my free time, I like to crochet and play guitar.  

Steven Wu

About me: I am a senior at Santa Clara University majoring in Mechanical Engineering. My research interests focus on the applications of machine learning in mechanical engineering, particularly in the areas of design and manufacturing. Previously, I interned at SINBON Electronics, where I worked on product design and contributed to the development of manufacturing processes for consumer electronics. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue graduate studies in a related field to further explore advanced manufacturing methods that leverage machine learning for improved design optimization and production efficiency. Outside of school I like to read, hike and play video games.

Alumni

Charlie Wallace (Propulsion Engineer at SpaceX)

About Me: I graduated from Santa Clara University in June 2025 with an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, concentrating in Design and Manufacturing. I also earned my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering from SCU, where I focused on both aerospace applications and advanced manufacturing. As an undergraduate, I interned at Aquedeon Medical as a Research and Development Mechanical Engineer, contributing to the design of cardiovascular medical devices, including heart stents and their delivery systems. I also worked at Jet Parts Engineering as a Design Engineer, focusing on reverse engineering, manufacturing, and metrology of components in jet engine combustion chambers.

At SCU, I completed two major projects: 

• Senior Design Project: A Reverse 3D Printer that recycled failed 3D prints into reusable filament. 

• Master’s Research (under Dr. Wang): Development of adaptive TPU lattice midsoles, using real foot pressure data to drive simulation, optimization, and 3D printing of customized shoe soles. This project spanned concept, FEA-driven design, and full manufacturing of functional prototypes.

I am passionate about 3D printing, manufacturing, and simulation-driven design, and enjoy pushing projects from concept to real-world applications. My work blends creativity with engineering rigor, particularly in the areas of lattice structures, propulsion, and advanced manufacturing. Outside of engineering, I enjoy skiing, surfing, soccer, volleyball, basketball and 3D Printing projects and printer optimization upgrades.

I specialize in rocket propulsion manufacturing, with a focus on optimizing the production and reliability of thrust chamber and nozzle hardware. The responsibilities include:

• Owning the fabrication of parts, processes and assemblies within Raptor thrust chamber and nozzle extension manufacturing.

• Resolving nonconformance and manufacturing discrepancies, interfacing with cross-functional teams.

• Regularly challenging each process, part, and operation while working closely with design/development engineers to create the most manufacturable and reliable engine hardware possible.

• Maintaining a sense of holistic ownership over the production line including process consistency, quality, tooling, capital equipment, ergonomics, and safety.

• Interacting with a multi-disciplinary group of engineers and technicians on a daily basis in support of production, test, launch, and more.

• Identifying, coordinating, and driving design changes related to department priorities such as simplification, reliability, and performance.

• Developing and continually improving the manufacturing processes, process flow, tooling, test processes and procedures, including layouts of production facilities.

• Working with production and supply chain teams to ensure the hardware you are responsible for is delivered on time or ahead of schedule.

• Overseeing high volume of introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions.

• Interfaceing with internal and external fabrication, automation and materials teams to meet production goals.

My Website: https://charliewscu.weebly.com/

Matthew Franke (LTD Module Engineer at Intel)

About Me: I was a graduate student at Santa Clara University pursuing a master’s of science in mechanical engineering. I have a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering from Santa Clara University. Throughout my time as an undergraduate student, I interned at Airbus in their robotics division. I focused on designing efficient systems for the manufacturing and maintaining passenger airplanes. I am interested in using machine learning to create more efficient designs. Also, I have previous experience working with cellular structures and am interested in exploring more applications of these types of structures. During my free time, I enjoy reading and building computers/keyboards.

I'm working in the dielectric area, focusing on process technology. The responsibilities include:

• Defining and developing procedures and equipment configuration for the module with the end goal of maximizing quality, equipment availability, and output.

• Defining projects to meet quality, reliability, cost, yield, productivity, and manufacturability requirements.

• Driving improvements over variables such as material, method, equipment, environment, and operating personnel.

• Developing solutions to problems utilizing formal education, statistical knowledge, and problem-solving tools.

• Establishing the process control systems for the processing module and sustaining the module through the volume ramp.

• Develops a strategy to resolve difficult problems and establish systems to deal with these problems in the future.

• In addition to these responsibilities, you will respond to production requests for material disposition and alarm response.

Yunchen Li (Commissioning Engineer at Hymson USA Inc.)

About me: I was a master's graduate student in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Santa Clara University. I have bachelor's degrees in both engineering and economics. I have five Chinese patents that meet different requirements with my own designed structures. I’m good at mechanical creation and analysis, 2D and 3D drafting, metalworking, and prototyping with 3D printing and laser cutting. PLC and CNC programming are my other strengths. SolidWorks and MATLAB are my preferred solutions for solving complex professional problems. I sometimes do some small work, such as bionic flapping wing aircraft and special battery cases. I can also do accounting and other economics-related work, especially about international trade. Besides, I play computer games, write, and draw when I'm out of work. 

I’m now working as a commissioning engineer at Hymson USA Inc., an automatic assembly line manufacturer. My current work is similar to my major: I participate in assembling machines, targeting error reasons, providing feedback to develop the department, and so on. It’s not hard work but requires attention to detail. Unlike in classrooms, problems in practice rarely occur alone. Practical problems always occur in combinations and always affect each other. 

My website: https://sites.google.com/view/yunchen0086