Hyunwoo Kwon
Hyunwoo Kwon
Home Institution
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Major
Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Computational Science and Engineering + Computer Science
Expected Undergraduate Graduation Date
May 2025
Year of Participation
- 2023
Faculty Advisor
Mattia Gazzola
Faculty Advisor
Xiaotian Zhang
Project Title
Microfluidic pump control using PID
Research Abstract
This research focuses on developing a cost-effective, open-source cell culture system to advance biohybrid robotics research. The system features an automated media refresh mechanism utilizing PID-controlled peristaltic pumps for precise fluid control. By implementing real-time cell detection algorithms and feedback control, we achieved pump speed regulation with 1% accuracy, enabling consistent and reliable media exchange for sustained cell culture maintenance. This system significantly reduces the cost barriers in biohybrid robotics research while maintaining high precision in cell culture conditions.
Biography
I am a senior pursuing a BS in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Computer Science and Computational Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. My research experience spans multiple domains of mechanical engineering, including the development of dynamic mechanical analysis setups, digital twin modeling of bridges, and reliability studies of thermal interface materials. Through these experiences, I have developed strong foundations in computational methods and multiphysics simulations. I am passionate about advancing the field of computational mechanics, particularly in developing novel numerical methods and multiscale modeling approaches. I aim to pursue a Ph.D. to contribute to these areas, combining my background in mechanical engineering with computational expertise to solve complex engineering challenges.
Project Video