AR in Education & Healthcare: Xiangyi Cheng’s Innovation

From Mining Town Roots to Cutting-Edge Research

Born in Xi’an, China, Cheng’s intellectual journey began with a unique blend of influences. Her father, a mining engineer, instilled a love for logical problem-solving, while her mother, a high school teacher of Chinese and literature, fostered an appreciation for nuanced thinking. This duality, she explains, helped her understand herself and her aptitude for STEM fields early on. A particularly impactful math teacher emphasized reasoning and understanding over rote memorization, a philosophy that continues to shape her approach to education and research.

Cheng’s academic path led her to the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2015. A pivotal moment arrived when she embarked on studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, initially viewing the move as exploratory. However, the acceptance of her paper, “IntuBot: Design and Prototyping of a Robotic Intubation Device,” at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in 2017, ignited a passion for research. This breakthrough, presented at ICRA in 2018, provided early exposure to a global research community and solidified her commitment to the field.

Continuing her doctoral studies at Texas A&M University, Cheng completed her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 2022. Before arriving at Loyola Marymount University in 2024, she held a position at Ohio Northern University. Throughout her career, Cheng has consistently sought to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, focusing on human-centered engineering solutions.

Human-Centered Engineering: Personalized Healthcare and Immersive Learning

Cheng’s research portfolio is remarkably diverse, encompassing robotics, intelligent systems, human-machine interaction, and artificial intelligence. A significant focus lies in patient-specific surgical planning, utilizing technology to tailor treatments to individual anatomical needs. She’s currently developing innovative solutions for syndactyly, a congenital condition where fingers are fused, employing 3D scanning and finite element analysis to determine optimal skin graft sizes for corrective surgery. “Everyone’s hand is different,” Cheng emphasizes, “so the surgery should be personalized.”

Beyond surgical applications, Cheng is pioneering the development of smart gloves for hand rehabilitation, leveraging the power of mirroring to guide therapy. She’s also exploring the potential of augmented reality to transform engineering education, creating immersive learning experiences that allow students to interact with complex concepts in a more intuitive way. This approach moves beyond traditional textbook learning, enabling students to visualize and manipulate three-dimensional models as if they were physically present.

Did You Know?:

The Importance of Critical Thinking in an AI-Driven World

Cheng’s commitment to fostering critical thinking extends beyond her research into her teaching philosophy. Recognizing the increasing prevalence of AI tools, she urges her students to approach AI-generated information with healthy skepticism. “AI can give you ideas,” she states, “but it should never lead your thinking.” She emphasizes the importance of cross-checking AI outputs against foundational knowledge, ensuring students develop independent judgment and a deep understanding of the underlying principles.

What role do you believe ethical considerations should play in the development and deployment of AI in healthcare?

This emphasis on critical thinking is particularly relevant as AI continues to reshape the engineering landscape. Cheng believes that while AI offers immense potential, it should be used as a tool to augment human capabilities, not replace them. Her lab and classroom prioritize independent thought, rigorous evaluation, and a willingness to learn from failure. She finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the transformation of her students, from reserved newcomers to confident researchers capable of tackling complex challenges.

Pro Tip:

For aspiring engineers, Cheng offers straightforward advice: “Focus on mathematics. Engineering looks hands-on, but math is the foundation behind everything.”

IEEE: A Cornerstone of Professional Development

Cheng’s involvement with IEEE began in 2017 and has been instrumental in her professional growth. She has actively contributed as a reviewer for numerous IEEE journals and conferences, including Robotics and Automation Letters, Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics, Transactions on Robotics, the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, and ICRA. She highlights IEEE’s interdisciplinary nature as a key strength, fostering collaboration across boundaries and providing a welcoming environment for researchers from diverse backgrounds. For Cheng, IEEE wasn’t just a professional organization; it was a place where she found a sense of belonging and realized her potential.

How can professional organizations like IEEE better support emerging researchers in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of technology?

Frequently Asked Questions About Xiangyi Cheng’s Research

• What is the primary focus of Xiangyi Cheng’s research?

  Xiangyi Cheng’s research centers on human-centered engineering, particularly in healthcare, with a focus on utilizing robotics, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality to improve patient outcomes and enhance medical training.

• How does augmented reality contribute to surgical planning in Cheng’s work?

  Cheng is developing AR-based tools that allow surgeons to visualize patient-specific anatomy in 3D, enabling more precise and personalized surgical planning, especially for conditions like syndactyly.

• What is Cheng’s stance on the use of AI in engineering and healthcare?

  Cheng believes AI is a powerful tool but emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and independent judgment. She cautions against blindly accepting AI-generated results without verifying them against foundational knowledge.

• What role did IEEE play in Cheng’s career development?

  IEEE provided Cheng with a platform to present her research, connect with a global community of experts, and gain confidence in her abilities, ultimately shaping her career trajectory.

• What advice does Cheng offer to students considering a career in engineering?

  Cheng advises aspiring engineers to prioritize a strong foundation in mathematics, as it is the fundamental building block for all engineering disciplines.