Blending Engineering Innovation with Legal Expertise

Kevin Chan once believed research was only for those with big, unanswered questions. However, after discovering his passion for engineering, he found his place in graduate research.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University, Chan went on to complete his JD at the University of Florida. Interested in patent prosecution, he sought to combine his legal background with engineering and enrolled at UCF to build his technical foundation before pursuing graduate studies in electrical engineering.

While at UCF, Chan began working with his mentor, Dr. Reza Abdolvand, whose guidance reshaped his perspective on research. “What you contribute to the field doesn’t have to come entirely from within you,” he says. He later continued his work toward a PhD in Electrical Engineering with support from faculty including Dr. Abdolvand and Dr. Xun Gong.

Chan’s research focuses on the design and fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), small-scale technologies used in everyday devices like smartphones and gaming systems. His work includes developing piezoelectric beams that can bend or twist, potentially transforming how devices are powered.

Beyond research, Chan is deeply involved on campus. He is a founding member of the Scholastic Association of Graduates in Engineering (SAGE), a member of the Graduate Student Advisory Council, and a recipient of the ORCGS Doctoral Fellowship. Outside academics, he practices martial arts and connects with peers through the Fitness and Martial Arts club.

After completing his PhD, Chan hopes to pursue a career in patent prosecution or research, combining innovation with his legal expertise.

• Founding member of the Scholastic Association of Graduates in Engineering (SAGE)
• ORCGS Doctoral Fellowship recipient
• Graduate Student Advisory Council member