Department Welcomes Two Faculty Members
09/01/2008
The department welcomes Assistant Professors Jung-Chi Liao and
Elon J. Terrell to the faculty. Each brings with them many years of research experience, talent and
plans to develop with the ME department.
Jung-Chi Liao, Assistant Professor
Dr. Liao received his BS from National Taiwan University and MS and PhD degrees
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was formerly a research
associate in the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University, and a
postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. He received the
Lin Memorial Scholar Award, Delta Electronics Foundation Scholar Award, and
Presidential Awards, National Taiwan University. His research interests are
concentrated on how mechanical forces play roles in molecules and cells, using
both computational and experimental methods to study molecular motors and
related cellular functions. The important molecular motor, myosin, which
converts ATP chemical energy into mechanical work such as muscle contractions
or actin-based transports, is one focus of his work. Dr. Liao is
currently working on molecular dynamics simulation of DNA helicases and
developing imaging techniques for dynamics of molecular motors using total internal
diffraction fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and sub-diffraction imaging
techniques. He commented that he is most excited about "the
collaborative environment and opportunities that the department and Columbia
offer." Dr. Liao's arrival "will strengthen the department's
research in biological engineering" according to Department Chair, Dr.
Yao. The department is delighted to have him on faculty.
Elon J. Terrell, Assistant Professor
Dr. Terrell received his PhD in mechanical engineering from
Carnegie Mellon University in 2007, and MS and BS degrees in mechanical
engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests
involve the thermal-fluid sciences, energy, and tribology, and, in particular,
research in hydrodynamic lubrication, surface engineering, and contact
mechanics which can be applied to lubrication and wear in MEMS devices;
efficiency and longevity maximization of energy systems; design improvement of
biomedical devices, and sustainable manufacturing.Dr. Terrell is currently working on
collaborative research with Argonne National Laboratory and will be applying
his knowledge in tribology to that of energy systems.He hopes that his research can lead to
efficiency, longevity, and sustainability improvements in power-generating devices.Dr. Yao, Chair of Mechanical Engineering, is
proud to have Dr. Terrell on board as "he continues the fine tradition of
this Department in tribology research, with new contributions to energy
systems."When asked what he is most
looking forward to, Dr. Terrell responded: "I am looking forward to
collaborating with the faculty in the department.It is my hope that I can add a new dimension
to the research that is being conducted [at Columbia].I also look forward to working with the
students in both classes and in research, as these are some of the best and
brightest students in the world."As a native Texan, Dr. Terrell had to put aside his hope of purchasing a
big pick-up truck when he decided to come to New York City and Columbia.He is, however, excited about becoming a New
Yorker and looks forward to being an avid user of the subway system.