John Z. Zhang

John Z. Zhang is a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering whose research examines the interaction between electrostatic and mechanical forces in piezoelectric materials and in high- intensity electric fields. Through modeling, he seeks to understand these interactions and provide useful guidelines for design. As a MathWorks Fellow, John’s first project involves designing a totally implantable microphone and amplifier for cochlear implants. The sensor uses a bending piezoelectric cantilever to measure eardrum motion as a proxy for free-field sound. The second project concerns the active shaping of in-space manufactured ultra-large diameter reflector antennas using electrostatic pressure. Both systems involve specialized electronics; the cochlear implant microphone requires an exquisitely low-noise and low-power sensing amplifier, while the reflector requires high-voltage electronics to adjust the electric fields that shape it. MATLAB is an essential tool for both projects and in the course of his work. His research is yielding innovative approaches for modeling and designing continuum electromechanical systems and has the potential to advance a variety of applications beyond hearing implants and space communication systems.