Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, 2025
  • M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, 2019

Specialized in polymer engineering, additive manufacturing, and the design of high-performance polymer nanocomposites, Dr. Bu's expertise lies in the areas of thermoplastic elastomers, polymer-metal hybrid materials, and 3D-printable formulations for flexible electronics, energy storage, and thermal management. His doctoral research focused on the formulation, rheological analysis and process optimization of nanocomposite feedstocks for extrusion-based additive manufacturing. He also developed printable systems integrating low-melting-point-metals and elastomeric matrices for multifunctional material platforms. 

Dr. Bu is well versed in various material characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheometer, laser flash apparatus (LFA). He is also proficient in interfacial design, structure-property correlation, and performance optimization for nanocomposite materials and soft-matter systems.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Bu conducted doctoral research at the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at University of Akron, where he led projects on polymer nanocomposites and functional elastomers. His work contributed to the development of next-generation materials with tunable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties suitable for emerging applications in soft electronics and energy systems.