Research Group

Santosh joined MTL in September 2023, and he finished his Ph.D. degree from University of Louisville in August 2023. His current research focuses on the possibility of use of additive manufacturing techniques for the parts in concentrated solar power plants. Santosh’s PhD research was related to experiment and numerical studies of the transient nature in laser powder bed fusion process. He has prior experience with meshless method, automotive design optimization, temperature change in a car cabin and aerodynamic analysis of a paralympic wheelchair.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santosh-rauniyar/ 

Shuqi joined MTL in January 2021, and he graduated with his MS from Mississippi State University in August 2021, and his BS from East China University of Science and Technology in 2019. Shuqi's research will focus on the interaction between laser and liquid for Laser-Induced-Forward-Transfer 3D Bioprinting. Shuqi likes to play chess in his spare time, he believes that solving the puzzles of chess is just like finding the solution of research problem, and he really enjoys this process. 

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shuqi-zhou-74546221b

Mathew joined MTL in January 2020, and he graduated with his BS of Mechanical Engineering in Fall 2019 and MS of Manufacturing Engineering in Fall 2021 from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His current research includes simulation of diffusion processes in Selective Laser Alloying using Molecular Dynamics simulations, and the experimental study of diffusion processes of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs). Mathew is an avid reader, amateur artist, and has a huge interest in all things Sci-Fi, which in turn largely drove him to seek higher education to be on the cutting edge of research and design. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-farias-86b731254/

Lichang joined MTL in January 2022, and he graduated his BS from China University of Mining and Technology in 2020. Lichang’s current research will focus on the multiphase heat transfer in porous media using non-destructive imaging approach and the Lattice Boltzmann Method. He likes to play basketball and piano in his spare time, he believes that sports and music could give him inspirations to find the solution of research problems. Lichang had a job experience in Bytedance Technology Co., Ltd. before he joined the MTL.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lichang-zhu-040092257/

Xianzhong joined MLT in January 2024. He graduated from University of Science and Technology Beijing in June 2023 with his MS in heating, gas, ventilation and air conditioning engineering. IN 2020, he graduated his BS from Southwest Petroleum University in June 2020. His current research is on the transfer and influence of energy in different systems. In his free time, he likes reading books and movies to learn about different unique ideas to better understand the world.

Bowen Fan joined MTL in August 2024 as a master’s student and transitioned to the Ph.D. program in January 2025. He completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering through a joint training program between Xi’an Jiaotong University and Xinjiang University. With a keen interest in additive manufacturing and materials science, his current research focuses on thermal energy storage. In his free time, he enjoys music, basketball, and fitness.

James joined MTL in August 2025, and he graduated with his MS in Nuclear Engineering in Summer 2024 and BS in Nuclear Engineering in May 2022 from Texas A&M University. James's research will focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics and Non-Newtonian Fluids. James has experience in the Nuclear industry where he worked through his Master's research to help license a Molten Salt Research Reactor. He is also a Year-Round Intern with Sandia National Laboratories in the Applied Nuclear Technologies group. In his spare time, James enjoys reading, cooking many different kinds of food and spending time with his family.

Saurav joined MTL as a Research Assistant in January 2025 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Thermo-Fluid Science. His research focuses on jet impingement heat transfer. Saurav’s passion for Fluid Dynamics and CFD was sparked by reading How to Build a Car by renowned F1 aerodynamicist Adrian Newey. Prior to this, he worked on CFD analysis of the Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube, automotive maintenance, and the design and development of an electric vehicle for specially-abled individuals. Outside of academics, Saurav is a cinephile with a deep appreciation for artistic films, with The Godfather being his favorite movie and enjoys trekking and hiking, embracing his love for the mountains. He also watches and plays soccer in his spare time.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurav-maraseni-941b96143/

Animesh joined MTL in August 2025 and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received his Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, India. Animesh’s research focuses on modeling and design optimization of structures for Concentrated Solar Power applications, with particular interest in applying Finite Element Analysis and CAD tools to solve complex engineering problems. In his free time, Animesh enjoys watching and playing cricket as well as exploring open-world video games.

Hannah Santina is a junior at the University of Houston, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Technology Leadership and Innovation Management. She gained valuable industry experience as a service consultant intern at CenterPoint Energy, focusing on sustainable energy systems and innovation. As an active member of the Society of Women Engineers, she works to inspire future engineers through outreach initiatives and assist with professional development events for fellow engineering students at the University of Houston. She is passionate about applying engineering solutions to real-world challenges. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring students in STEM and exploring creative problem-solving approaches. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-santina-06856126a/