Melody's project studies how the structure of textiles—from individual fibers to complete fabrics—affects their ability to manage moisture. By combining computer models, simulations, and hands-on experiments, she aims to design fabrics that quickly absorb sweat and help it evaporate, keeping the body cool and comfortable.
Melody (Tongge) Yu is a graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at MIT whose work blends innovative textile design with advanced engineering. Drawing on her background in industrial design, intelligent manufacturing, and data science, she uses design thinking to develop smart textiles that interact dynamically with their environment to enhance user comfort and experience. Her research spans the study of moisture management in fabrics based on structure and material, as well as the design of responsive textiles that transform traditional applications by adding visual appeal and sustainability. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, she champions a design-led approach that redefines textile innovation while cultivating human-centered solutions to everyday challenges.