Information About

Professor Chang Liu joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the fall of 2007. Liu’s research centers on sensors and sensing technology, and micro- and nanofabrication. He has 16 years of research experience in the MEMS area. Liu earned his PhD in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 1997. He served on the faculty of the University
of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) from 1997 to 2007. He won the Xerox faculty research award as well as the Williet Faculty Scholar recognition
at the University of Illinois. While there, he received a University-wide teaching award at the University and authored a textbook in the MEMS area, published by Prentice-Hall.

Chang Liu is jointly appointed at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research crosses the traditional discipline boundaries. His recent interests focus on biologically inspired sensors and sensing technology — developing advanced micro- and nanofabrication technology based on innovative materials. This enables advanced sensors and systems with functions and/or structure inspired by nature. Nature and animals offer exquisite examples of sensory intelligence that is unmatched by engineered systems. By studying these biological inspirations and understanding them, one can gain insight into science and nature, and achieve quantum leaps in engineering capabilities. For example, Liu’s group studies the lateral line-sensing organ of fish and amphibian animals and develops artificial lateral line systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Potential benefits of this study include new underwater flow sensors, innovative signal processing, and novel underwater vehicles that can operate autonomously in complex underwater environments. In terms of fabrication technologies, his group is interested in flexible sensitive skin and nanopore sensing devices.

Liu’s research covers MEMS, nanofabrication, mechanical design, fluid mechanics, integrated circuits, sensor signal processing, and new materials. He collaborates broadly with biologists, chemists, material scientists, and experts in signal processing and circuit design. His group develops enabling micro- and nanofabrication technologies based on both semiconductor and polymer materials. He looks forward to fruitful collaborations with many faculty groups that will lead to advancements in science and engineering, to a better understanding of nature, and to commercialization of research results. As a teacher, he looks forward to interactions with both undergraduate and graduate students. Liu plans to be actively involved in service in the departments, in professional societies, and in the community at large.

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Faculty honors and awards