Chang-Hwan Choi

Not to be confused with Choi Chang-hwan.

Chang-Hwan Choi is an American engineer and professor specializing in nanofabrication, micro‐ and nanofluidics, and surface engineering. He is currently a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.^[1][2] His research focuses on developing micro/nanomanufacturing techniques and multifunctional surface technologies for applications in fluid mechanics, additive manufacturing, corrosion protection, and biomaterials.^[3][4]

Early life and education

Choi completed his early studies in South Korea, earning his Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Seoul National University. He later pursued graduate studies in the United States, obtaining a second Master’s degree in Engineering—with a focus on fluid, thermal, and chemical processes—from Brown University, followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2006. These formative experiences provided him with a strong foundation in both aerospace and nanotechnology fields.^[5]

Academic career

Since joining Stevens Institute of Technology in 2007, Choi has held various academic positions—from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, and now as a full Professor.^[6] His appointment reflects his commitment to teaching and research excellence in mechanical engineering.^[7] At Stevens, Choi is recognized for both his research contributions and his dedication to mentoring students in interdisciplinary projects that bridge classical mechanical engineering with emerging fields such as additive manufacturing and nanofluidics.^[8] His work is characterized by inspiration from natural structures—such as the micro- and nanoscale features found on lotus leaves and insect wings—to design surfaces with improved functionalities.^[9]

Research and contributions

Choi’s research encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including:

• Nanofabrication and Surface Engineering: Development of scalable techniques for creating well-ordered, large-area nanostructured surfaces that reduce friction, enhance corrosion resistance, and impart antimicrobial properties.^[10]
• Micro/Nanofluidics: Investigation of fluid dynamics at the micro- and nanoscale with applications ranging from energy harvesting (e.g., streaming current in nanofluidic channels) to drag reduction and anti-icing surfaces.^[11]
• Additive Manufacturing: Exploration of 3D metal printing processes, including the development of new metal alloys and surface modifications to improve anti-corrosive properties.^[12]

His interdisciplinary approach has resulted in over 100 peer-reviewed publications, several patents, and high-impact research grants from agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and DARPA.^[13][14]

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Choi has received several notable awards and fellowships, including:

• Humboldt Research Fellowship (2016)^[15]
• Multiple awards and research grants from the NSF and ONR^[16]
• Recognition for teaching and research excellence at Stevens Institute of Technology

Selected publications

His work covers topics such as surface wettability, drag reduction on superhydrophobic surfaces, and the integration of nanostructures into additive manufacturing processes.^[17][18][19] One representative publication is his research on "Large Slip of Aqueous Liquid Flow over a Nanoengineered Superhydrophobic Surface," which has influenced subsequent studies in the field.^[20][21]