Tao Wang | Properties and Performance | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Tao Wang at University of Science and Technology of China | China

Tao Wang is a dedicated postdoctoral researcher at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), specializing in precision machinery, biomimetic dry adhesives, and intelligent material systems for advanced engineering applications. He earned both his Bachelor of Engineering and Ph.D. in Precision Machinery and Precision Instrument from USTC, ranking among the top students and receiving numerous prestigious honors, including the National Scholarship (2022), multiple First-Class Scholarships, the “Cun Cao Xin” Special Scholarship, and Outstanding Graduate awards at both the provincial and university levels. His research focuses on high-performance, rapidly switchable adhesive systems inspired by biological mechanisms, with impactful contributions to space debris removal and sensation-free adhesion across varied surfaces. Notably, he developed magnetically triggered core-shell intelligent adhesives that overcome challenges such as the adhesion paradox and interface stress regulation, enabling millisecond-level switching, enhanced surface adaptability, and reliable repeatability. He has also advanced layered composite adhesives integrating CNT arrays and retractable micro-claw structures for robust multifunctional adhesion. Tao Wang has published 10 scientific documents, accumulating 28 citations from 24 citing documents, and holds an h-index of 3, reflecting the growing influence of his work. His publications include articles in leading journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal, Smart Materials and Structures, Composites Part A, and ChemistrySelect, alongside multiple patents on precision measurement devices and smart adhesive systems. In addition to research, he has excelled as a teaching assistant—earning the Outstanding Teaching Assistant award—and has demonstrated strong leadership through class roles, volunteer initiatives, and science outreach programs. With expertise in CAD modeling, finite-element simulation, micro-fabrication, advanced surface characterization, and additive manufacturing, Tao Wang continues to push the boundaries of intelligent adhesive technologies with promising applications in aerospace, robotics, and next-generation engineering systems.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Wang, T., Zhang, P., et al. (2022). Rapidly switchable double-layered adhesive modified by magnetic field. Chemical Engineering Journal, 438, 135441.

Wang, T., Gu, P., Gao, T., et al. (2024). Ladybug-inspired hierarchical composite adhesives for enhanced surface adaptability. Smart Materials and Structures.

Yang, X. C., Zhong, H. M., Zhang, P., Wang, T., & Zhao, Y. (2021). Ladybug-inspired double-layered adhesive with enhanced robustness to surface roughness. ChemistrySelect, 6(4), 640–646.

Li, H., Wang, T., Chen, Z. J., et al. (2024). Regulation of interface stress distribution to enhance the adhesion strength of dry adhesive materials. Journal of Functional Polymers.

Gao, T., Wang, G., Wang, T., et al. (2025). Impact of elastic instabilities on friction induced by capillary adhesion. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 199, 109149.

Cui Xinjie | Properties and Performance | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Cui Xinjie at Northeast Forestry University | China

Dr. Cui Xinjie is a researcher and educator specializing in wood science, with a strong academic background and extensive hands-on experience in wood anatomy, wood identification, wood modification, and archaeological wood preservation. She received her Ph.D. in Wood Science from Kyushu University, Japan, where her doctoral work focused on the natural weathering behavior and weatherproof treatment strategies for Cunninghamia lanceolata, producing influential SCI-indexed publications in Forests. She previously earned her M.Sc. in Wood Science and Technology from Southwest Forestry University, where she conducted pioneering research on species identification and decay classification of wooden remains from the Haimenkou archaeological site. Notably, the four-level decay grading standard she developed has been widely adopted by scholars working on archaeological wood. Dr. Cui has demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency in wood anatomy, completing the identification of 96 wood samples during her master’s studies and preparing over 3,000 permanent microscopic sections for archaeological research, facilitating high-quality analyses of ancient wooden artifacts. Since joining Beihua University, she has served as Secretary for Discipline and Scientific Research and currently leads the Wood Science and Engineering Program while supervising graduate students. She teaches core courses such as Wood Science, Scientific Paper Writing, and Wood Physics and Chemistry, contributing significantly to curriculum development and pedagogical innovation. Her academic contributions also include co-authoring chapters in a major volume on conservation technologies for wooden cultural relics from the Haimenkou site and presenting her research at international and national conferences in China, Japan, and beyond. Dr. Cui has led multiple teaching reform projects at Beihua University and has been recognized with honors such as the National Scholarship and Outstanding Thesis Awards. Her work bridges fundamental wood science, material behavior, and cultural heritage preservation, positioning her as a rising expert committed to advancing sustainable wood research and education.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Cui, X. J., & Matsumura, J. (2020). Weathering behaviour of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. under natural conditions. Forests, 11(12), 1236.

Cui, X. J., & Matsumura, J. (2019). Wood surface changes of heat-treated Cunninghamia lanceolata following natural weathering. Forests, 10(9), 791.

Cui, X., Qiu, J., & Gao, J. (2016). Using fluorescence polarizing techniques to determine decay grades and reinforcement degrees of ancient wood. Cultural Relics Conservation and Archaeological Science, 28(4).

Cui, X., Qiu, J., & Yang, Y. (2015). Comparative anatomical analysis of Phoebe zhennan and P. puwenensis wood. Journal of Southwest Forestry University, 35(3).

Cui, X. (2023). Research and application of key technologies for the conservation of wooden cultural relics from the Haimenkou site (Chapters 2–3). In Qiu, J. (Ed.), Key Technologies for Wooden Cultural Relics Conservation.