About
Hi, my name is Dylan Chuang, and I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida through the Honors Program. I expect to graduate in May 2026.
This summer (2025), I completed an internship at Duke Energy as a Distribution Engineering Intern. I designed underground power distribution systems for new residential developments. I also executed transformer and underground primary cable replacements to improve power quality for customers. One of my major projects involved investigating “Do Not Operate” tags across feeder circuits, verifying associated repair work orders, and coordinating with the Distribution Control Center to remove tags for underground cables that had been repaired.
Last summer (2024), I interned at Dow Chemical as a Maintenance Engineering Intern. My main project involved re-evaluating 40 non-conformance reports (NCRs) for process containment equipment. I used isometric pipe schematics to identify potential field issues and conducted visual inspections for corrosion, thread engagement issues, damaged insulation, and other deficiencies. I also identified and inspected an acetic acid leak from the reboiler in the Vinyl Acetate Plant and analyzed ultrasonic testing data from a Creaform 3D laser scan to perform a Fitness for Service Evaluation on a tank.
On campus, I’m involved in undergraduate research with the Flux Lab, which focuses on heat transfer phenomena . My current research explores thermochemical energy storage (TCS), where I'm investigating how to efficiently store and release heat through salt hydration and dehydration cycles. I’m working to evaluate the system’s thermal charging and discharging efficiency.
I’ve also served as a teaching assistant for an Honors Professional Development course for engineering students. I led weekly small-group sessions for first-year students and provided personalized guidance on resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation which helped them build confidence in pursuing professional opportunities.
As a former member of UF’s Swamp Launch Design Team, I contributed to the structures sub-team for the NASA Student Launch competition. I helped design and create technical drawings for rocket components and assisted with manufacturing using tools like lathes, mills, bandsaws, and epoxy layups.
Outside of class, I’m a member of Pi Delta Psi, an Asian-interest fraternity at UF.
Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a master’s degree.
Research
Research Project Title:
Engineering interfacial phenomena for enhanced phase-change heat transfer.
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Youngsup Song
Institution and Department:
University of Florida, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Duration:
January 2025 – Present
Research Focus:
My project investigates the use of thermochemical energy storage systems (TCS) for practical applications. TCS leverages reversible chemical reactions, specifically salt hydration and dehydration cycles, to absorb and release heat with high energy density and minimal heat loss over time. My project aims to evaluate the efficiency of these systems under various operating conditions.
Project Responsibilities:
As an undergraduate researcher in the Flux Lab, I am responsible for conducting experimental work on the thermochemical energy storage cycle. My responsibilities include building the experimental apparatus, collecting detailed reaction data, and performing data analysis to evaluate system efficiency
Coursework
Major: Mechanical Engineering
List of Courses: Heat Transfer, Vibrations, Control Systems, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Dynamics, Mechanical Design I, Thermodynamics, Design and Manufacturing Lab, Numerical Methods, Statics, CAD, Circuits, Differential Equations
Certifications: Solidworks Associate in Mechanical Design