Focus Areas: Soft robotics, biomedical devices, solid mechanics, biomechanics, computational mechanics
Dr. Cao is a distinguished researcher and educator who delves into the intricate realms of smart multifunctional materials, soft robotics, soft electronics and self-powered sensing systems. He earned a Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the National University of Singapore in 2010 and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from the Australian National University in 2014. He has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions, underscoring his excellence and impact in the academic and scientific community. In 2023, Dr. Cao was honored as a Veale Faculty Fellow at Case Western Reserve University, and in the same year, his scholarly work was recognized with the Tanner Award for the most-cited paper in the esteemed Journal of Food Science. Prior to this, he received the iCANX Young Scientist Award in 2022 and the CWRU Faculty Innovator (Discovery) Award. Beyond his research pursuits, his teaching interests encompass courses such as EMAE 401 - Mechanics of Continuum Media and EMAE 450 - Advanced Engineering Analysis.