Han Xu joins the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering starting this fall.

Han Xu joined the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering as an assistant professor for the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering at Texas Tech University starting this fall.

Xu earned a doctorate in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Southern California in 2023, where he later served as a postdoctoral researcher. He has published nine articles in high-impact journals, including Small and the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, and five conference papers. He received the Best Paper Award at the 2021 ASME Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference.

Xu’s primary research interests center on microscale additive manufacturing technologies for smart device applications, including optical components, microsensors, and soft actuators. He said his work involves developing high-resolution processes and material systems by integrating robotics, soft lithography and materials science.

 His projects include creating advanced manufacturing methods for functional materials such as liquid metals and thermoset polymers, with applications in flexible electronics and wearable devices. He also explores volumetric printing techniques for microscale resolution and scaffold fabrication for biomedical uses such as bone regeneration.

“My goal is to expand the capabilities of additive manufacturing for next-generation smart devices and engineered systems,” Xu said.

Outside of the classroom and lab, Xu enjoys running, board games, and game design.

“While research and physics sometimes bring unexpected challenges, designing games gives me the opportunity to create systems that work in a structured and balanced way. It helps recharge me for the research with fresh energy.” Xu said.

Congratulations Dr. Xu!