Yun Liu | Material Science | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Yun Liu | Material Science | Research Excellence Award 

Ms. Yun Liu | Beihua University | China

Yun Liu is a materials researcher affiliated with Beihua University, specializing in wood protection, wood anatomy, and weather-resistant material modification. With a strong academic foundation supported by a Master’s degree in Materials and Chemical Engineering, Yun Liu has developed expertise in material characterization, performance testing, and advanced analytical techniques used to evaluate structural, chemical, and aesthetic changes in lignocellulosic materials. A key contribution of Yun Liu’s work is the innovative investigation into the dynamic weathering behavior of heat-treated wood. This research integrates continuous monitoring of visual and structural degradation with in-depth chemical analysis, offering a holistic framework for understanding the durability of modified wood materials. By correlating changes in color, gloss, and surface properties with transformations in lignin, extractives, and microstructural features, the study provides essential insights into how heat treatment influences early-stage weathering. Importantly, the findings reveal that heat treatment adjusts the degradation pathways of lignin, contributing to enhanced color stability rather than merely slowing chemical deterioration. This mechanistic understanding supports the development of targeted modification strategies for improving the long-term service life and aesthetic performance of outdoor wood products. Yun Liu has published as first author in the journal Polymers, where the study on dynamic weathering of heat-treated Chinese fir highlights the scientific and practical relevance of this research. This work establishes a foundation for future advancements in sustainable wood protection technologies and environmentally conscious material engineering. Committed to academic integrity and professional growth, Yun Liu maintains active research links through recognized scholarly platforms and contributes to the broader scientific community through collaboration and knowledge dissemination. With a focus on innovation, material durability, and eco-friendly wood modification, Yun Liu aims to advance high-impact research aligned with the standards of the Research Excellence Award category.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Liu, Y., Gao, C., Wang, Q., Hadili, B., Miao, Y., Cui, X., & Matsumura, J. (2025). Dynamic weathering behavior of heat-treated Chinese fir: Surface properties, chemical composition, and microstructure. Polymers, 17(23), 3143. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233143

Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Material Science | Best Researcher Award | 2625

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Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Queensland University of Technology | Austria

Dr. Sacha Cavelier is a mechanical engineer and postdoctoral researcher at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), specializing in advanced biomaterials, bone tissue engineering, and biomechanical characterization. Graduating as a biomedical-focused engineer from the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne (France), he advanced his research career through a Master’s and PhD in Mechanical Engineering at McGill University (Canada). His doctoral work introduced innovative strategies for next-generation bone graft materials, including multilayered titanium–calcium sulfate composites with superior strength, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, and led to multiple high-impact publications and patents. With more than seven years dedicated to developing ceramic-titanium bone graft composites, Dr. Cavelier has become a recognized expert in toughened biomaterials and bone regeneration. He further expanded his expertise during his postdoctoral fellowship at Ohio University, where he developed mineralized collagen scaffolds, supervised graduate students, and contributed to grant writing. At the University of Adelaide, he served as a visiting researcher, investigating the mechanical properties of human dura mater and pericranium. Currently at QUT’s ARC Centre for Cell & Tissue Engineering Technologies, Dr. Cavelier leads research on cartilage characterization, antibacterial coatings, and intramedullary implant technologies, including in vivo efficacy studies. He supervises PhD students, contributes to collaborative research programs, and continues to publish in leading journals such as Advanced Materials, Nanomaterials, Bioactive Materials, and Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. Dr. Cavelier’s technical skillset spans additive manufacturing, finite-element modeling, biochemistry, mechanical testing, microscopy, and high-precision fabrication.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Yu, L., Cavelier, S., Hannon, B., & Wei, M. (2023). Recent development in multizonal scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration. Bioactive Materials, 25, 122–159.

Cavelier, S., Dastjerdi, A. K., McKee, M. D., & Barthelat, F. (2018). Bone toughness at the molecular scale: A model for fracture toughness using crosslinked osteopontin on synthetic and biogenic mineral substrates. Bone, 110, 304–311.

Cavelier, S., Mirmohammadi, S. A., & Barthelat, F. (2021). Titanium mesh-reinforced calcium sulfate for structural bone grafts. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 118, 104461.

Cavelier, S., Quarrington, R. D., & Jones, C. F. (2022). Mechanical properties of porcine spinal dura mater and pericranium. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 126, 105056.

Cavelier, S., Quarrington, R. D., & Jones, C. F. (2022). Tensile properties of human spinal dura mater and pericranium. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 34(1), Article 4.

Cavelier, S., Tanzer, M., & Barthelat, F. (2020). Maximizing the strength of calcium sulfate for structural bone grafts. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 108(4), 963–971.