Dr. Wendy Gu is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in Materials Science and Engineering. Her research explores the mechanical behavior of nanomaterials, designing strong, tough, and lightweight materials for extreme environments and advanced sensing. A member of Stanford Bio‑X, she integrates solid mechanics, materials science, and nanochemistry to pioneer innovations in nano‑architected composites. Dr. Gu has received multiple honors, including the DOE Early Career Award and ARO Young Investigator Award, recognizing her leadership in materials research. She continues to shape the future of engineering through teaching, mentorship, and interdisciplinary discovery.