Alumni Spotlight: Tianyi Guo

 

This week, we’re highlighting the amazing work of Dr. Tianyi Guo, who successfully defended her dissertation on July 10, 2020.

Prior to earning her doctorate, Tianyi was a graduate student in the Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP). Now, she works as a post-doctoral research fellow in a multi-university research collaboration to design and characterize new shape-changing materials which convert light directly into mechanical work.

During her graduate experience, Tianyi gained extensive research experience; she has co-authored nine papers, seven of which have appeared in scientific journals. Additionally, with another Kent State CPIP alumnus, Dr. Misha Pevnyi, and in collaboration with the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, she developed a device that measures the shear of someone’s foot while they walk. Such a device is essential to provide data for the diagnosis and treatment of foot ulcers for diabetic patients. She is named as an inventor on the KSU patent for this device. These experiences are only the tip of Tianyi’s iceberg of research projects and accomplishments. 

Tianyi has worked hard, but she still finds time to enjoy herself. She is a huge fan of flamenco, which she has been studying for several years. She participates in weekly juergas—flamenco get-togethers with singing, guitar and dancing—and even performed with ABREPASO flamenco at Cleveland Public Square in September of 2020.

When asked about the biggest lessons learned from her graduate experience, Tianyi says: “Be curious and push through.” It’s safe to say that her curiosity and determination are exactly what drove her to her doctorate. Congratulations, Dr. Guo!

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