Billy Chen
PhD Student

Billy is a second-year PhD student focusing on degradable resin formulations for carbon fiber composites. He holds an MSci in Medicinal Chemistry from University College London, where his master's research dissertation explored the use of boronic acids as a phase-transfer catalyst. Prior to his doctoral studies, Billy worked as a research and formulation chemist developing personal care products. He is also a former D1 badminton athlete who enjoys board games, cycling, and watching sci-fi shows.

 

Aanchal Jaisingh
Postdoctoral Researcher

Aanchal is a postdoctoral researcher developing photocurable resins for 3D printing applications. She previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Diego, where she focused on biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethanes and functional waterborne PU coatings. She earned her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, where she designed and synthesized additives to enhance polyolefin performance. She also holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Organic Chemistry. Outside the lab, she enjoys chasing sunsets, exploring scenic views, hiking, traveling with her husband, watching Netflix, and spending time with family.

 

Jack Evans
MS Student

Jack is a master’s student in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Utah, expected to graduate in Fall 2025. His research focuses on thermoset epoxy resin formulations for stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. He earned his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Arizona State University. In his free time, Jack enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling

 

Ben Finley
PhD Student

Ben is a first year PhD student working on carbon fiber composites. Prior to joining the research group, he worked on the characterization of microplastics and their interactions with PFAS at the University of Utah, and got his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University. Outside of his research, Ben enjoys hiking, cooking, camping, and skiing really fast.

 

Zehao Jin
PhD Student

Zehao (you can call me Jimmy) is a 1st-year PhD student specializing in novel materials for 3D printing. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Beijing Normal University, where he focused on photopolymerization and advanced additive manufacturing. Outside the lab, Zehao enjoys playing guitar, basketball, skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

 

Andrei Dan
MS Student

Andrei is a first-year master's student in Materials Science and Engineering. His previous work at Gentex focused on the design of novel organic semiconductor vapor-phase sensing technology, characterizing and synthesizing sensing materials. His current research aims to focus on biodegradable and recyclable hard plastics, with a focus on polyurethane and polyethylene-based polymers. Outside of his research, Andrei is a passionate climber, as well as enjoys hiking, running, and biking.

 

Kara Iverson
Undergraduate Researcher

Kara is a MSE junior, expected to graduate in Fall 2026. Kara's research interests include sustainability and stereolithography 3D printing. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, rock climbing, and being outside.

 

Nate Gangelhoff
Undergraduate Researcher

Nate is a senior undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Chemistry, expected to graduate in the spring of 2026. His research interests include the development of sustainable composite materials through novel resin synthesis and exploration of resin kinetics. Outside of school, Nate can be found outdoors engaging in a variety of activities, including monoskiing, trail running, and mountain biking.

 

Tyler Kirk
Undergraduate Researcher

Tyler is a MSE senior, expected to graduate in 2026. His interests lie in fiber reinforced composite materials, and previous to being hired on the Wang research group, he worked in the composites manufacturing industry for two years in both production and engineering positions. Tyler's hobbies include wildlife photography, duck hunting, and playing board games with his wife and family.

 

Sophie Morton
Undergraduate Researcher

Sophie is currently a MSE junior. In the lab Sophie is researching ion exchange resins and their compatibility with stereolithography as a method of recovery for rare earth elements. Sophie hopes to pursue a career in sustainable product development, specializing in material synthesis that prioritizes reusability, biodegradability, and reduced environmental impact. Outside of school Sophie enjoys spending time rock climbing, skiing, hiking, and knitting.

 

Eden Yau
Undergraduate Researcher

Eden is a MSE junior. His research interests lie in methods of recycling polypropylene and LDPE (low density polyethylene) waste into 3D printing filament. His hobbies include rock climbing, photography, and researching/building prosthetic hands.

 

Zuzanna Smoszna
Undergraduate researcher

Zuzanna is a second-year undergraduate student in Biomedical Engineering, expected to graduate in Spring 2027. Zuzanna's research interests are mainly focused on biodegradability. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with friends

 

Chen Wang
Principal Investigator
Email: chen.wang@utah.edu

Chen obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. After residences in the 3D printing industry and at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Chen now joins the "U" to explore meaningful questions, and hopefully, answers. Current research interests include (1) reduce cost of carbon fiber composite by 10X; and (2) improve toughness of photopolymers by 10X.
Outside of work, Chen tends to stay outside — snowboarding & splitboarding, backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering. Notable mentions in his “outdoor resume” include summiting Mt. Rainier, Mont Blanc, Pico de Orizaba, and ~45 summits of "14ers" (>14000 feet peaks) in Colorado and California. He also likes cooking, sipping good beer, and as always, great conversations.

Group Alumini