Na Junyeop, an undergraduate student in the Department of Electro-Mechanical Systems Engineering at Korea University Sejong Campus, received the Excellence Award for his poster presentation at the 28th Korean Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Conference of the Society of Micro and Nano Systems (SMNS). The event was held at the International Convention Center (ICC) Jeju from March 25 to 27, 2026.

The research was a collaborative effort by a team from the Department of Electro-Mechanical Systems Engineering, consisting of Na Junyeop (First Author), Ko Heewung (Second Author), Ko Dayoung (Third Author), and Professor Park Jaewon (Corresponding Author).

The SMNS is a leading academic organization in Korea, covering micro/nano devices, sensors, systems, and convergence technologies. It serves as a vital platform for researchers across academia, industry, and research institutes to share and exchange significant findings. The 2026 Spring Conference featured various oral and poster sessions focusing on the latest micro-nano technologies, including applications in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and energy.

The research presented by Na, titled “Highly Stretchable Ultrathin Strain Sensor Based on Liquid-Metal Electrodes,” details the development of a strain sensor that achieves both high stretchability and stable signal response using liquid metal and flexible polymer materials.

The research team implemented the sensor to quantitatively measure deformation by utilizing the principle that the geometric structure of the electrodes changes according to tensile strain, thereby altering electrical resistance. The sensor demonstrated the ability to stretch up to approximately 800% and maintained stable operation even under significant deformation. Furthermore, it secured high reliability by showing consistent responses during repeated deformation cycles.

Notably, Na personally designed the sensor and conducted performance evaluations. He successfully realized the ultrathin, highly stretchable sensor through a Freeze Casting method, which is simpler than traditional manufacturing processes. This confirms the potential for the sensor's expansion into the fields of wearable electronics and bio-signal monitoring.

This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), and research funding from Korea University Sejong Campus.