Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lina Yu | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award
Ph.D. at The University of Osaka, Japan
Dr. Lina Yu is an accomplished materials science and engineering expert whose work bridges advanced welding technologies with practical industrial applications. Currently serving as an Associate Professor (Specially Appointed) at Osaka University, she specializes in welding and joining engineering, maintenology techniques, microstructure control, and the development of high-performance structural and functional materials. Her research integrates innovative methods such as temper bead welding, residual stress improvement, and stress corrosion cracking prevention with predictive modeling using neural networks. Over her career, she has contributed significantly to nuclear power plant safety, advanced manufacturing, and metallurgy. She has published widely in high-impact journals, presented at international conferences, and earned prestigious awards for her contributions. In addition to academic excellence, Dr. Yu is an active mentor, collaborator, and community contributor, fostering cross-cultural scientific engagement. Her multidisciplinary approach and proven leadership make her a key figure in advancing global research in materials engineering.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile
Education
Dr. Yu completed her undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in materials science and engineering at Shandong University, China. During her academic training, she focused on materials processing engineering, with a particular emphasis on light metals technology and the behavior of submicron intermetallic particles in molten aluminum alloys. Her graduate research laid a strong foundation for her later work in welding and joining technologies, as it provided deep insight into material properties, microstructural evolution, and fabrication processes. She developed a strong theoretical base in metallurgy, combined with practical experimental skills, enabling her to conduct research applicable to industrial needs. This academic path not only honed her expertise in materials science fundamentals but also nurtured her capacity for problem-solving, interdisciplinary integration, and innovative thinking. The comprehensive training she received has been instrumental in her subsequent research achievements and her ability to lead complex engineering projects on an international scale.
Experience
Dr. Yu’s professional career spans academic research, international collaboration, and advanced materials engineering applications. She began as a post-doctoral researcher at Osaka University, where she explored cutting-edge welding methods such as fiber laser welding, friction stir welding, and hybrid welding techniques. Progressing to Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor (Specially Appointed), she expanded her research into nuclear power plant safety, studying temper bead welding, stress corrosion cracking mitigation, and long-term residual stress stability. She has successfully led multiple large-scale research projects, collaborating with teams in Japan, China, and beyond, and her work has influenced industrial standards for metallic material fabrication and maintenance. In addition to research, she plays an active role in mentoring students, guiding experimental projects, and fostering cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange. Her combined academic and applied engineering experience demonstrates a rare ability to translate theoretical advances into industrially relevant, globally impactful solutions in materials science and manufacturing engineering.
Research Interest
Dr. Yu’s research interests lie at the intersection of advanced welding technology, material behavior analysis, and structural performance enhancement. She focuses on welding and joining engineering, including temper bead welding, friction stir welding, and laser welding techniques, with the goal of improving the reliability and longevity of structural materials. She is particularly interested in stress corrosion cracking in stainless steel welds, residual stress improvement methods for Ni-based alloys, and predictive modeling of mechanical properties using artificial intelligence and neural networks. Her work integrates experimental analysis with simulation-based approaches to optimize material fabrication and microstructure control. In addition, she explores maintenology techniques aimed at ensuring the safety and performance of critical industrial components, especially in energy and nuclear sectors. By combining metallurgical science with manufacturing innovation, her research aims to develop high-performance materials and processes that meet the evolving demands of modern engineering applications across multiple industries.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Yu has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing her research excellence, academic contributions, and professional achievements. Among her honors is the Best Paper Award from the Japan Society of Maintenology, acknowledging her impactful work in material performance improvement. She has also earned international recognition through awards at global conferences such as WSE and CAWE, highlighting her contributions to welding and materials science. In addition to academic accolades, she has been recognized for outstanding presentations, reflecting her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Her early academic excellence was marked by several scholarships and merit-based honors during her university years, which reinforced her commitment to research excellence. Beyond her professional work, she has demonstrated leadership and team spirit through competitive sports achievements, winning championships in badminton at both city and regional levels. These combined accomplishments illustrate her dedication, versatility, and ability to excel across professional, academic, and community domains.
Research Skills
Dr. Yu possesses a broad range of research skills spanning experimental, analytical, and computational domains. She is proficient in advanced welding techniques such as fiber laser welding, friction stir welding, TIG welding, and hybrid welding systems, enabling her to engineer high-performance joints and structures. Her expertise extends to microstructural characterization, metallurgical analysis, and residual stress evaluation using cutting-edge equipment and methods. She is skilled in predictive modeling of material properties using neural networks and simulation tools, integrating data-driven approaches with empirical research. Her project management skills include planning and executing large-scale, multidisciplinary research initiatives, often involving cross-border collaborations. She is adept at interpreting experimental results, optimizing fabrication processes, and translating findings into practical industrial applications. In addition, she demonstrates strong technical writing, publication, and presentation skills, contributing to knowledge dissemination in reputable journals and international conferences. This combination of technical expertise and collaborative ability defines her as a highly effective researcher.
Publications Top Notes
Conclusion
Dr. Lina Yu’s outstanding career trajectory, marked by innovative welding technologies, long-term materials performance studies, and strong cross-border collaborations, makes her a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has contributed directly to industrial safety, advanced manufacturing processes, and the development of next-generation structural materials. With her proven leadership, dedication to research excellence, and commitment to mentoring young scientists, Dr. Yu not only exemplifies technical expertise but also has the vision and capability to make future breakthroughs in materials science and engineering on a global scale.
