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Lassonde celebrates student achievements in Mechanical Engineering


At York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering, student researchers are a driving force behind many innovative and groundbreaking projects. With fresh ideas and artistic skills, these creators are instrumental in leading research initiatives across the School, setting the stage for their development into the next generation of leading scientists and engineers.

Beyond the lab, Lassonde offers a diverse range of opportunities for students to showcase their knowledge and expand their skillset. From international conferences and competitions to research projects abroad, these experiences enrich the student journey and prepare them for rewarding careers.

Recently, two PhD candidates in the Mechanical Engineering department, Fuzhen Yao and Ahmad Al Ali, were awarded for their outstanding efforts and contributions to the field. This recognition not only serves as a powerful motivator for future work, but also affirms that they are on a promising path toward success in mechanical engineering.

Learn more about these students and how they are impacting the field.

Fuzhen Yao – International Conference on Tethers in Space, Best Paper Award  

Fuzhen Yao with Professor George Zhu and judges at the International Conference on Tethers in Space
Fuzhen Yao presenting at the International Conference on Tethers in Space

Currently in his second year of doctoral studies, Yao is a diligent student researcher making significant impact under the mentorship of Professor George Zhu. His work has been widely acknowledged by prestigious organizations like the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME).

“My PhD research focuses on in-orbit manufacturing, with space solar power stations being a prime application,” says Yao.

His groundbreaking work recently garnered him the Best Paper Award at the 7th International Conference on Tethers in Space. This event brought together leading researchers from across the globe to share their latest advancements in the field of tethered satellite systems.

Yao’s paper, Concept Design of a Novel Dyson-Harrop CubeSat for Solar Wind Energy Harvesting, addresses the challenge of manufacturing solar power stations, a crucial structure for advancing space exploration.

The conference committee praised Yao’s innovative approach to integrating space solar power stations with tethered satellite systems to harness valuable energy.

“My research on tethered satellite systems during my master’s program laid the groundwork for this paper,” he says. “I am confident that some of my new ideas on in-orbit manufacturing will also be published soon.”

Presenting his research at the 7th International Conference on Tethers in Space provided Yao with the opportunity to share ideas, while building his professional skills and mobilizing his research across the space research community.

“This achievement is a result of many supports from Lassonde and funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, as well as guidance from my mentors and colleagues. Lassonde provides everything needed for successful research.”

Ahmad Al Ali – Canadian Space Agency, Student Travel Award

Ahmad Al Ali at the 2024 COSPAR Scientific Assembly
Ahmad Al Ali with Professor George Zhu at the 2024 COSPAR Scientific Assembly

“As a child, I often imagined how great it would be if robots could assist my parents with chores and housework. This curiosity evolved into a desire to make this a reality,” says Al Ali. “Given that robotics is a sub-specialty of mechanical engineering, it naturally became my field of study.”

Al Ali is a dedicated student researcher working in the Space Engineering Design Laboratory under the supervision of Professor Zhu. His passionate research efforts recently led him to receive a Student Travel Award from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), funding his participation at the 45th Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly in South Korea.

“This award not only recognizes my potential in the field of space research, but also provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with leading scientists, expand my knowledge and contribute to the global space research community,” he says.

At the conference, Al Ali showcased his research on the use of robotic manipulators for space debris removal. As space environments become increasingly saturated with debris, there is a growing risk of human space activity and mission interference. Al Ali’s work addresses this urgent challenge by presenting innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of space exploration.

Through sharing his research at the COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Al Ali hopes to ignite collaborations with fellow researchers and bring attention to the urgent need for more feasible practices in space operations.

Both these students’ accomplishments are a testament to the vibrant research culture at Lassonde and the School’s commitment to fostering talent and supporting student growth. Both Yao and Al Ali, who share the same research supervisor, have raved about their academic opportunities and experiences, including access to cutting-edge equipment, supportive resources and mentorship from Professor Zhu.

By engaging students in high-impact research and experiential learning, Lassonde is not only shaping future leaders in science and engineering but also contributing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.