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Renee Zhao is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, where she directs the Soft Intelligent Materials Laboratory. Originally from the historic city of Xi'an, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Xi'an Jiaotong University in 2012. She pursued her graduate studies in Solid Mechanics at Brown University, obtaining her Master of Science in 2014 and her PhD in 2016. After completing her doctoral studies, she undertook postdoctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2016 to 2018 and subsequently served as an Assistant Professor at Ohio State University from 2018 to 2021. Dr. Zhao's research is concentrated on developing stimuli-responsive soft composites for multifunctional robotic systems, with capabilities in shape-changing, assembly, and sensing. Her work integrates mechanics, material science, and advanced manufacturing techniques, thus enabling innovations in soft robotics, miniaturized biomedical devices, and active metamaterials. Her contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) and the DARPA Young Faculty Award. Dr. Zhao has also been named a Kavli Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences and recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the 35 Innovators Under 35.
Stanford University • Stanford, CA
Directs the Soft Intelligent Materials Laboratory.
Ohio State University • Columbus, OH
Engaged in teaching and research in Mechanical Engineering.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA
Conducted postdoctoral research in Mechanical Engineering.
The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.