Forged by Industry, Inspired by Innovation: The Journey of Mihaela Banu

Mihaela (Miki) Banu’s journey into engineering began in an environment steeped in industry. Growing up in Galati, Romania, a city dominated by iron, steel, and shipbuilding, she was immersed in the world of manufacturing from an early age. The largest iron and steel company in Europe was in her backyard, as was Romania’s biggest shipyard, both feeding a culture of engineering and industrial excellence.

“It was a flourishing economic time, even under communism,” she recalls. “The entire process chain of manufacturing – from raw materials arriving by the Danube River to finished products being exported – was all happening in my hometown.”

Her earliest exposure to engineering came not only from her industrial surroundings but also from her family. With engineers spread across disciplines like naval architecture and material science, conversations at home often revolved around manufacturing challenges and problem-solving. One of her fondest memories involves her mother, who worked in polymer composite manufacturing. As a child, Miki would accompany her to work and watch injection molding machines shape various materials. “One day, the team designed something special for me – a pink doll, custom-molded just for me. I still remember it vividly,” she says with a smile.

A Passion for Mechanical Engineering

From an early age, Miki showed a natural aptitude for science and engineering. In high school, she enrolled in a rigorous math and physics program with a focus on mechanical engineering. As part of the curriculum, she participated in summer internships at the local shipyard, where she gained hands-on experience in welding. “I loved the smell of the factory,” she admits. “I became the best in my group at arc welding, especially difficult corner and sealing welds.”

Her passion for engineering took her to Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, where she pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. Internships at the iron and steel company further solidified her expertise, as she closely observed processes like casting, forging, and sheet rolling. “These experiences reinforced my desire to be an engineer,” she explains. “Mechanical engineering is broad – it deals with materials, manufacturing processes, and beyond.”

A Global Perspective: From Romania to Japan and Beyond

Miki’s academic excellence led her to opportunities beyond Romania. As a PhD student, she earned a fellowship to study at Japan’s prestigious Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), a dream come true for someone fascinated by Japanese culture. “If I hadn’t been born in Romania, I think I would have wanted to be born in Japan,” she laughs. “Their discipline, their approach to research – it was incredible.”

At RIKEN, she learned advanced finite element modeling techniques, complementing her experimental background with sophisticated simulations. Her work in Japan was part of a larger international collaboration, which also included the University of Paris. “We formed a triangle – Romania, Japan, and France – where I gained exposure to some of the best minds in engineering,” she says.

Her global experiences shaped not only her technical expertise but also her approach to teaching and mentoring. “Understanding different engineering cultures – European, American, Asian – gives you a broader perspective on how to innovate and solve problems,” she notes.

Innovating with Natural Fiber Composites and Lightweight Materials

Miki’s research at the University of Michigan focuses on lightweight materials, particularly natural fiber composites. Her inspiration came from an unexpected source: bamboo. “Japan’s use of bamboo fascinated me, and I thought, why not explore it as a material for composites?” she recalls. Her work led to breakthroughs in using natural fibers for automotive applications, resulting in lightweight yet durable car components.

One of her proudest achievements is the development of a car console made from natural fiber composites, which weighs just 217 grams – nearly 50% lighter than conventional materials. “Lightweight materials are key to improving fuel efficiency and sustainability,” she says. While her work has primarily focused on automotive applications, she sees potential in furniture, construction, sporting goods, and more.

Miki has also ventured into biomedical engineering. Her research on dental implants aims to make them lighter, stronger, and more adaptable to bone changes over time. “We’re working on embedding sensors in implants to monitor pressure points, which could prevent complications and improve long-term success,” she explains.

Leading at the EV Center: Collaboration Over Competition

As Technology Director at the University of Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Center, Miki plays a crucial role in advancing research and fostering industry-academic partnerships. Her collaboration with EVC Director Alan Taub dates back to the founding of the Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT) Institute, where they successfully built a thriving ecosystem for lightweight materials research. “Alan and I started at U-M on the same day, and our first big project together was writing the proposal for LIFT,” she recalls. “The lessons we learned there – bringing competitors together to collaborate instead of compete – we’re now applying successfully at the EV Center.”

Her leadership at the EV Center is helping bridge gaps between industry and academia, ensuring that research efforts lead to real-world applications. “The EV Center is becoming an incubator of new ideas,” she says. “By this time next year, we’ll start seeing the results of our latest projects, with demonstrators proving that innovation isn’t just theoretical – it’s tangible.”

Life Beyond Engineering: Baking, Travel, and Future Plans

Despite her demanding career, Miki finds joy in creative pursuits outside of engineering. “If I had more time, I’d love to be a pastry chef,” she says. She enjoys baking intricate recipes, arranging flowers – a skill she honed in Japan – and traveling to Europe to visit her family. “My family is spread across Romania, the Netherlands, and Spain, so whenever I can, I travel to see them,” she says.

Though she doesn’t have pets now due to her busy travel schedule, she has a retirement plan in mind. “One day, I want a dog,” she says with a smile. “That will be my retirement gift to myself.”

Advice for Aspiring Young Women

As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, Miki is passionate about encouraging young women to pursue engineering. “Mechanical engineering isn’t about lifting heavy things anymore – it’s about lifting ideas,” she says. “Creativity, intelligence, and problem-solving matter more than physical strength. Women bring incredible perspectives to engineering, and I want to see more of them in this field.”

Her advice to students is simple but profound: “Listen to yourself. Understand what excites you. If you find joy in discovering how things work, designing solutions, and solving challenges, engineering might be for you. Once you choose your path, embrace it fully and enjoy the journey.”

From welding in a Romanian shipyard to pioneering lightweight materials to driving technology breakthroughs at the EV Center, Miki Banu’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and groundbreaking innovation. And while her career has taken her across the world, her mission remains the same: to create, to inspire, and to leave a lasting impact on the future of engineering.