My name is Jack Chang Liu. I am a Ph.D. student in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Notre Dame, working with Professor Mark Plecnik. Currently we are a part of The Notre Dame Robotics. Prior to this, I earned my master’s degree and then worked as a Research Assistant, both in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.
Drawing inspiration from nature and intricate mechanism designs throughout the course of history, my research lies at the intersection of kinematic designs and their resulting dynamics. I enjoy exploring the design and control of locomotion devices that, through the combination of innovative computational mechanical design and advanced optimal control, accomplish superior dynamic performance of a locomotion system that is unattainable with conventional approaches. Having worked on template dynamics models such as the spring-mass model, multi-body dynamics simulations engines including Chrono, and bio-medical devices that rapidly remove blood clots in Artery, I am excited to dive deeper in many of these areas as well as (but not limited to) legged robotics, prosthetics, soft robotics, bio-inspired robotics, orthotics, active exoskeleton research throughout my PhD career and beyond.
Outside of academia, I enjoy calisthenics training, weight training, running, cycling, swimming, hiking, traveling, and reading.
I am always open to collaborations, new ideas, and feedback. Please feel free to check out the content on this site, and let me know if you’d be interested to learn more or work together on something awesome!
Education:
PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, expected May 2025
MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, 2018
BE, Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, 2016