Biography
Chenying finished her DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford under the supervision of Professors Zhong You (Special Structures Group) and Perla Maiolino (Soft Robotics Lab). She has worked on modern structures inspired by origami (a.k.a. paper folding) and leveraged their exceptional mechanical properties to design robots with "intelligence". Chenying is always keen to explore how structures can benefit society in different domains.
Working with Professor Liang He at the Podium Institute, Chenying is expediting her origami expertise to healthcare applications. Currently, she is developing origami-inspired personal protective equipment (e.g., helmets and exoskeletons) with improved protection and personalised design. Beyond research, Chenying teaches structures and mechanics at Christ Church.
Awards and Prizes
Beyond research, Chenying is passionate about education access and science outreach. She used to be an Oxford Sparks Ambassador in 2022 to promote the University's digital science engagement. Most recently, Chenying was selected to give the prestigious Award Lecture for Engineering, Technology, and Industry at the 2024 British Science Festival.
Research Interests
- Origami design and kinematic analysis
- Origami-inspired robotics
- Structures for healthcare applications
- Structures for sustainability
Current Projects
Chenying is currently working at the Podium Institute for Sports Medicine and Technology, where she expedites her origami expertise to healthcare applications, e.g., exoskeletons and energy absorption materials.
