PI
Qing Tu
qing.tu@tamu.edu
Dr. Qing Tu is an assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University (TAMU) starting from Jan. 2020. Prior to joining TAMU, he was a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University. He received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science with Outstanding Dissertation Award from Duke University. He also obtained a certificate (minor) in Nanoscience and M.A. in Economics from Duke University. His research has been focused on understanding and engineering the surfaces and interfaces in advanced functional materials (e.g., 2D materials, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites) from a mechanics perspective to design and optimize their properties for applications.
**Openings of PhD Students and Postdocs are available**
Graduate Students
Shengjia Zhang
Shnegjia@tamu.edu
Shengjia Zhang is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University since fall 2023. He earned his B.S. in Material Molding and Control Engineering from the China University of Petroleum and his M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from UC San Diego, where he focused on research in polymer physics and soft robotics. His current research explores the mechanical properties of semiconductor materials and the mechanically induced physical properties of 2D materials. His work aims to enhance the performance of electronic devices as well as improve the quality of life for individuals. He is an accomplished piano player and enjoys swimming.
Mengru Jin
anna990607@tamu.edu
Mengru (Anna) joined the Tu group in August 2023 as a PhD student. She received her MS in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University and BS in Polymer Science and Engineering from NIT, Zhejiang University. Her research focuses on understanding the transport and breakdown behavior of emerging semiconductor materials. Outside the lab, she likes traveling, sketching, and learning musical instruments. She has a cute cat at home.
Yinxuan Liang
liangyx25@tamu.edu
Yinxuan is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University since fall 2025. She earned her B.S. in Xiamen University and her M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Tsinghua University, where she focused on research in battery materials. Her research focuses on elucidating the degradation mechanisms of semiconductors and employing electrochemical methods for material modification. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing badminton.
Derin Abitagaoglu
derinabitagaoglu@tamu.edu
Derin is a PhD student at Texas A&M University within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering beginning in Aug. 2025. Derin earned his B.S. in Materials Science and Nanoengineering with a minor in Energy and Chemistry from Sabanci University (Istanbul, Turkey). During his undergraduate he mainly focused on the introduction of asterism into sapphire through epitaxial growth. His current research focuses on the thermo-mechanical behavior of 2D hybrid organic inorganic perovskites. In his spare time, Derin enjoys going on walks, playing board games, and practicing the accordion.
Undergraduate Students
Felipe Sanchez
felipe.sanchez2005@tamu.edu
Felipe Sanchez is a sophomore in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at TAMU from the Rio Grande Valley. He is interested in studying two-dimensional and nanoscale materials and is currently working on computer simulation of the failure behavior of 2D metal halide perovskites. Outside of school, he enjoys reading and solving puzzles.
Nick Trejo
nicholas.trejo@tamu.edu
Nicholas Trejo is an undergraduate student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at TAMU from San Antonio, Texas. He is interested in the development of new materials and is currently working on the fracture analysis of thin films on substrate. Outside of academics, he enjoys photography, rock climbing, and nature.