Personal profile
Personal profile
Ir. Dr. Lai Nai Yeen Gavin is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering with the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China. He is a Chartered Engineer registered with Engineering Council UK, a Professional Engineer (PE) registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia and holds the Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). He is a Senior Member of IEEE (SMIEEE).
He was previously a product line manager with a German semiconductor device manufacturer in Malaysia, with responsibilities in manufacturing, engineering, planning, and operations management before pursuing his academic and research ambitions.
He had been involved in professional training and development during his time in the industry. More recently, he led the delivery and assessment of the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) for the Ningbo Campus academics from 2017-2019.
His areas of expertise and research interest include sustainable manufacturing systems, Industry 4.0, and engineering education. His specific field in T&L scholarship (SOTL) includes academic staff development, problem-based education, and the use of technology to enhance T&L.
Dr. Lai is a corporate member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE). He had also previously served as the Honorary Secretary of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Malaysia Branch.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA in Technology & Innovation Management, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
Professional memberships
Corporate Member, Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
Professional Engineer (PE), Board of Engineers Malaysia
Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
Senior Member IEEE (SMIEEE)
Teaching
Undergraduate
- Programming, Professional and Laboratory skills
- Engineering Design and Design Project
- Design, Manufacture and Project
- Engineering Management 2
- Introduction to Material Forming
- Near Net Shape Manufacturing
- Thermodynamics II
- Introduction to Production and Manufacturing
Postgraduate
- Industry 4.0
- Sustainable Manufacture: Production & Consumption
- Individual Pathway (PGCHE)
- Teaching Dialogue (PGCHE)
- Project Module (PGCHE)
Research Interests
- Lean Manufacturing
- Industry 4.0
- Sustainable Manufacturing
- Circular Economy
- FRP Recycling
- SOTL
Disciplines
- Mechanical Engineering
- Management Science and Engineering
- Pedagogy
Person Types
- Staff
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 13 Climate Action
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Enhancing patient healthcare experience: A systematic review of emotional design in medical devices
Wu, Y., Wang, Y., Lai, N. Y. G., Tan, N., Luo, S. & Wong, K. H., Jan 2026, In: Design Studies. 102, 101374.Research output: Journal Publication › Review article › peer-review
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A rate-dependent constitutive model for 3D printed discontinuously carbon fiber composite foam
Zhou, X., Xie, X., Feng, P., Tang, J., Lai, N. Y. G., Xu, J. & Yang, J., Jun 2025, In: Journal of Sandwich Structures and Materials. 27, 5, p. 1090-1106 17 p.Research output: Journal Publication › Article › peer-review
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Bending failure mechanisms and free vibration properties of three-dimensional irregular and integrally manufactured composite sandwich structures
Zhou, X., Feng, P., Xie, X., Shao, K., Yao, Z., Lai, N. Y. G., Xu, J. & Yang, J., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures.Research output: Journal Publication › Article › peer-review
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Role-Playing as an Embodied Cognition Strategy to Enhance Learning Outcomes in the Empathize and Define Stages of Design Thinking Within Project-Based Design Courses
Luo, Y., Jia, P., Liu, B., Lai, N. Y. G., Li, G. & Chai, W. S., 2025, Learning and Collaboration Technologies - 12th International Conference, LCT 2025, Held as Part of the 27th HCI International Conference, HCII 2025, Proceedings. Smith, B. K. & Borge, M. (eds.). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, p. 89-101 13 p. (Lecture Notes in Computer Science; vol. 15806 LNCS).Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
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Analysis of factors influencing GFRP shredding energy consumption and the physical properties of the resulting recyclates
Cheng, S., Lai, N. Y. G. & Wong, K. H., Nov 2024, In: Composites Part B: Engineering. 286, 111805.Research output: Journal Publication › Article › peer-review
3 Citations (Scopus)