About Yoonho

CV

Google Scholar

I am a graduate researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and currently ​working with Prof. Xuanhe Zhao in ​MIT Zhao Laboratory​.

My current research interests include advanced fabrication and mechanics of functional soft materials, soft robots for biomedical applications, and medical robotics. Through my research and invention, I wish to address unmet needs and challenges in healthcare by applying principles in mechanical engineering, materials science, and robotics.

I believe that problems encountered in daily lives can be the biggest source of creativity and that improvements can be made only by those who discover those problems. I also believe strong engineering backgrounds can be a powerful tool for finding breakthroughs when solving those real-world problems.

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Education

Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA 
  Thesis: Printing Ferromagnetic Domains in Soft Materials: Mechanism,
                 Modeling, and Applications [PDF]

Ph.D. Program in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics (MEMP)
  Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST)
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA

​​​​B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
​  Summa cum laude

Jun 2018 - Present


Sep 2016 - May 2018




Sep 2016 - May 2018
(Left)

​
Mar 2008 - Aug 2013

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Academic Experiences

Graduate Research Assistant
  MIT Zhao Lab, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
  Advisor: Prof. Xuanhe Zhao (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering)

• 3D Printing / Mechanics of Programmable Soft Active Materials 
• Medical Soft Robots (Ferromagnetic Soft Continuum Robots) 
• Medical Robotics (Telerobotic Neurointerventional Platform) 

Undergraduate Researcher
  SNU Biorobotics Lab (BRL), Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea       
  Advisor: Prof. Kyu-Jin Cho (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering)

• Design of Motorized Instruments for Laparoscopic Surgery  

Undergraduate Research Program (URP)
  Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
  Advisor: Prof. Sun G. Chung (Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine)

• Biomechanical Analysis of Deformation of Intervertebral Disc and Migration of Nucleus Pulposus in Cervical Extension

Independent Undergraduate Study Program
  Innovative Design and Integrated Manufacturing Lab (IDIM),
  Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
  Advisor: Prof. Sung-Hoon Ahn ​(Dept. of Mechanical Engineering)

• ​Design of Rehabilitation Devices for Patients with Cervical Disc Herniation

Jan 2017 - Present

Sep 2011 - Aug 2013

May 2012 - Aug 2013

May 2012 - Feb 2013

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Academic Honors & Awards

• 2021 Luis de Florez Award - Graduate Design First Place
    MIT Mechanical Engineering
• 2020 Collegiate Inventors Competition - Graduate Finalist
    Named one of the graduate finalists by National Inventors Hall of Fame.

• 2020-2021 MIT SoE MathWorks Engineering Fellowship
    Selected by MIT School of Engineering (SoE) and MathWorks Inc.
• MRS Graduate Student Award - Gold Award Recipient
    2019 Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall Meeting, Boston, USA
• ILJU Scholarship, ILJU Academy and Culture Foundation, Korea
    Selected as one of the most outstanding PhD students studying abroad
• 2017 PM&R Journal Best Paper: Original Research - International
    American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)
• Best Podium Research Presentation Award
    23rd Spring Conference of Clinical Pain, Korean Association of Pain Medicine
• Best Research Award - Undergraduate Research Program (URP)
    Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity (KOFAC)

May 2021

Jun 2020

Dec 2019

Jun 2018

Nov 2017

Mar 2013

Dec 2012

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Industrial Experience *

​Design of Hybrid Propulsion Systems for Naval Ships
  Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME), Geoje, Korea 
  *in replacement of military service

Aug 2013 - Aug 2016

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Invited Talk/
​Seminar

• SNU Mechanical Engineering Seminar
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
• Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics 2019, London, UK  
    in Workshop on "e-skins and Advanced Materials for Soft Robotics"
• SNU Smart Materials & Design Seminar
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
• SNU Biorobotics Group Seminar
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea​

Nov 2019

Jun 2019

Jun 2018

Mar 2018

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