Huina Mao

Huina Mao received her master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Zhejiang University in 2012 and her Ph.D. degree in Engineering Mechanics from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in 2017.

Her doctoral research (2012–2017) was conducted within several small satellite projects funded by the European Union, including the Small Explorer for Advanced Missions (SEAM) project. The SEAM initiative resulted in two electromagnetically clean nanosatellites launched from Russia, featuring precision attitude determination, autonomous data acquisition, high-bandwidth telemetry, and ground control systems.

During her postdoctoral research (2017–2021), she focused on the numerical modeling and design of acoustic metamaterials, with emphasis on finite element modeling, inverse estimation, machine learning, and 3D printing of acoustic multi-functional metamaterials for light-weight, high-stiffness, and noise-reduction applications. She was involved in several pioneering projects, including AERIALIST (AdvancEd aicRaft-noIse-AlLeviation devIceS using meTamaterials), funded by the European Commission, which developed metamaterials to reduce noise propagating outside turbofan nacelles by modifying noise scattering patterns. She also contributed to the development of an inverse estimation method for anisotropic acoustic metamaterials, representing an important advancement in artificial porous material characterization and microstructural design.

In the area of sustainable design based on multi-functional structural components, she has been actively involved since 2017 in low-density material design within the Centre for ECO² Vehicle Design.

Dr. Mao became an Assistant Professor at the Department of Engineering Mechanics, KTH, in 2022. Her current research focuses on metamaterials design, smart and flexible materials, space robotics, and additive manufacturing. She is also engaged in the KTH Industrial Transformation Platform, which promotes collaboration between KTH researchers and external partners across academia, public organizations, and industry to advance industrial transformation research.