News Release

In September, Jing Cai came to the Jacobs School from China to pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Specifically, she researches the mechanical properties of Teflon, such as shear band localization. Teflon, an excellent lubricant, is a polymer can be very effective in military applications. As a coating on tanks and other battle gear, Teflon can act as an armor, while at the same time providing flexibility. “I am studying its deformation under very high levels of strain – such as those produced by an explosion. It is strong enough to protect but giving enough to avoid fracture,” explained Cai.

According to Cai, there has not been a lot of prior research in polymers. “It’s a relatively new topic. Before, most people did shear band research on metals, which behave very differently than polymers.” She has been working with her advisor, Professor Vitali Nesterenko and finds the area of study quite challenging. “I love discovering new things. Sometimes, I cannot find enough prior research to read, and occasionally my advisor does not have the answer either because most of his prior work was in metals – not polymers. We learn together.” This topic will likely become Cai’s thesis.

As further evidence that the Irwin and Joan Jacobs-funded scholarships and fellowships are succeeding in attracting the best students, Cai cites the award as her main reason for selecting UCSD. “I think it’s the best fellowship available at the School, so I feel very happy to have this honor. The Jacobs School thinks I am very qualified and that makes me feel good. Now I can concentrate on my research instead of working to raise money for tuition and living expenses. When the university told me I had received the fellowship, it made choosing UCSD easy. I compared other universities, but they could not match the offer from the Jacobs School.” In addition, Cai found that her advisor’s research was well matched with her own interests, and the large Chinese student population promised a more familiar environment. She has even contacted a former undergraduate classmate who is also attending UCSD.

In retrospect, Cai is very pleased with her decision. Even though gets homesick at times, she thinks UCSD is wonderful. “The equipment is much more advanced than in China, and the professors are very knowledgeable. The most exciting thing is the UCSD library — it has everything I need.”