New Member Highlight: Liangbing Hu

1.     Hi ​ Liangbing Hu, we'd love to hear about your journey. What pivotal moments or experiences led you to join Yale, and what excites you most about being in Connecticut?

Yale is an outstanding university that offers an exceptional platform for advancing my academic career.

2.     Can you tell us about the specific aspects of your research that you're most passionate about? What drives your curiosity and dedication in this field?

 My research spans a broad range of materials, including engineered wood, advanced batteries, electrified manufacturing systems, and flexible electronics. At the core of my work is a deep interest in inventing novel materials that drive emerging technologies.

3.     Who or what has influenced your research the most? Have particular theories, researchers, or experiences shaped your approach?

 I spent several years in Silicon Valley launching a startup based on my Ph.D. thesis, gaining invaluable experience in translating academic research into commercial technologies. This entrepreneurial journey profoundly shaped my research approach, instilling a strong focus on real-world impact and innovation.

4.     What are some of the exciting research projects you're currently working on?

 My group invented a material known as super wood—a wood-based material that is stronger than steel yet six times lighter. We continue to enhance its properties while also exploring a wide range of innovative wood technologies, including wood-based batteries, transparent wood, and advanced engineered wood. Additionally, we are developing ultra-high-temperature materials processing methods. For example, we created a technique called super hot plasma, which reaches temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun and enables the development of extreme, next-generation materials.

5.     Beyond academia, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies?

Tennis and hiking