Zeyu Yan

Zeyu Yan is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at the University of Maryland (UMD). He conducts interdisciplinary human-computer interaction (HCI) research, spans digital fabrication, tangible user interfaces, accessibility, and haptic interaction, with a recent focus on designing innovative digital fabrication techniques that promote sustainable practices in printed circuit board (PCB) prototyping. His work has been published and recognized at top-tier HCI conferences, contributing to advancements in accessible and eco-conscious technology design.

https://www.zeyuyan.com/

Talk Title: Towards localized sustainable PCBA making

Every year, the world generates millions of tons of electronic waste—but only about 22% is properly recycled. Most of it ends up in landfills or is shipped overseas to energy-intensive recycling facilities that recover only a fraction of the materials, leaving harmful residuals to pollute the environment. And as demand for custom electronics continues to rise, this problem is only accelerating. My research explores a different approach: instead of sending e-waste far away, what if we could close the loop locally? With the growing accessibility of desktop fabrication tools, maker communities are uniquely positioned to play a critical role in sustainable electronics. By rethinking how we design, build, and rebuild printed circuit boards (PCBAs), we can enable local repair, reuse, and recycling—right where waste is generated. In this talk, I’ll share insights from in-depth conversations with stakeholders in the maker community and introduce three prototype methods that enable the reuse, repair, and recycling of PCBA components and materials. I’ll also discuss what it would take—technologically and infrastructurally—to realize a truly closed-loop, local electronics ecosystem.

Location: Etcheverry Hall 5148, 2521 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA

Live stream online: no online option