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Current Members

(1) Graduate Students

 Mr. Andrew Kocak, Graduate Research Assistant (August 2020~present)

     Welding metallurgy and mechanics

 Ms. Lia Amalia, Graduate Research Assistant (January 2022~present)

     Mechanical metallurgy

(2) Visitors, Post-Docs, and Research Scholars

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(3) Undergraduate and High School Students

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Past Members

(in reverse chronological order)

(1) Past Graduate Students

PhD students

 (PhD-16) Dr. Dong Han, former PhD graduate student (8/2020~7/2024), advied by Yanfei Gao and Zhili Feng, Microstructure-Based High Temperature Processing and Failure Analyses of Engineering Alloys under Complex Conditions. Following his graduation, he works as Caterpillar Inc.

 (PhD-15) Dr. Yi Yang, former PhD graduate student (5/2019~11/2023), advied by Zhili Feng and Yanfei Gao, Stress relaxation cracking in 347H austenitic steel weldments under various heat treatments: experiments and modeling. Following her graduation, she works briefly as a post-doc at Ohio State University and then as a research scientist at CRES Inc.

 (PhD-14) Dr. Zongyang Lyu, former PhD graduate student (1/2017-5/2023), advised by Prof. Peter Liaw and Prof. Yanfei Gao, Synergistic fatigue performance in high entropy alloys with novel precipitates and metastable phases, with journal publications #153, #157, #168, #175, and #176. Following his graduation, he works as a post-doc at Iowa State University.

 (PhD-13) Dr. Liubin Xu, former PhD graduate student (8/2015~5/2022), advised by Prof. Haixuan Xu (major professor) and Prof. Yanfei Gao (co-advisor), Computational investigation of planar fault structures in Ni-based concentrated alloys, with journal publication #160.

 (PhD-12) Dr. Di Xie, former PhD graduate student (8/2017~11/2021), advised by Yanfei Gao and Peter K. Liaw, In situ diffraction experiments and multiscale mechanics modeling of fatigue behavior in Mg alloys, with journal publications #140, #153, #155, #157, #164, and #168. Following her graduation, she works at 3M, Inc.

 (PhD-11) Dr. Xue Wang, former PhD graduate student (8/2016~11/2020), advised by Yanfei Gao and Zhili Feng, Mechanics of the solid-state bonding under severe thermomechanical processes, with journal publications #133, #134, #135, #139, #142, #151, #158, #161, and #165. Following her graduation, she works briefly as a post-doc at Penn State University and then as a process modeling engineer at Corning Inc.

 (PhD-10) Dr. Tingkun Liu, former PhD graduate student (6/2015~5/2019), advised by Yanfei Gao and Hongbin Bei, Structural and Deformation Heterogeneities in Chemically Complex Multicomponent Alloys, with journal publications #113, #116, #124, #126, and #141. Following his graduation, he works first as a post-doc and then as a staff member at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

 (PhD-9) Dr. Wei Zhang, former PhD graduate student (8/2015~11/2018), Lifetime Prediction and Type-IV Failure Analysis in Weldment of Creep-Resistant Ferritic Alloys, vwith journal publications #94, #97, #112, #133, #134, #135, #146, #150, #151, #162, and #168, and also Book Chapter #2. Following her graduation, she works at a post-doc and then as the staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

 (PhD-8) Dr. Chao Pu, former PhD graduate student (8/2012~11/2015), Failure Simulations at Multiple Length Scales in High Temperature Structural Alloys, with journal publications #75, #86, #92, #114, and #126. Following his graduation, he works at Fiat Chrysler Automobile, AK Steel, and then Amazon.

 (PhD-7) Dr. Haoling Jia, former PhD graduate student (1/2010-3/2015), advised by Prof. Peter Liaw, co-advised by Prof. Yanfei Gao, Improving Mechanical Properties of Bulk Metallic Glasses by Approaches of In-situ Composites and Thin Films, with journal publications #66, #80, #108, #121, and #123. Following his graduation, he works at Fiat Chrysler Automobile, and then AK Steel.

 (PhD-6) Dr. Lin Li, former PhD graduate student (8/2010~11/2014), Plastic Anisotropy of Complex Crystals and Hierarchically Structured Alloys Using Micromechanical Computational Analysis, with journal publications # 88, #92, #94, and #110. Following his graduation, he works at Eli Lily.

 (PhD-5) Dr. Yuzhi Xia, former PhD graduate student (8/2011~11/2014), Investigation of Deformation and Failure Mechanisms by Nanoindentation Mechanics, with journal publications #68, #69, #70, #90, #96, and #112. Following his graduation, he works at 3M Inc.

 (PhD-4) Dr. Weidong Li, former PhD graduate student (8/2010~7/2013), Ductility Enhancement and Structural Origin of Ductile-Brittle Transition in Bulk Metallic Glasses, advised by Y.F. Gao (major advisor) and H. Bei (co-advisor), with journal publications #51, #52, #62, #64, #66, #80, #87, #103, #104, #120, #121, #123, and #155. Following his graduation, he worked at Corning Inc, Goodyear Inc, and Blue Origin. He became a Full Professor at University of Science and Technology Beijing since 2023.

 (PhD-3) Dr. Lili Zheng, former PhD graduate student (8/2006~11/2011), Micromechanical Studies of Intergranular Strain and Lattice Misorientation Fields and Comparisons to Advanced Diffraction Measurements, with journal publications #47, #57, #72, and #80. Following her graduation, she stayed as a post-doc in the group for a short period and then became a post-doc at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Since summer 2013, she works at Hitachi America.

 (PhD-2) Dr. Tianlei Li, former PhD graduate student (8/2007~11/2010), Energetics and Kinetics of Dislocation Initiation in the Stressed Volume at Small Scales, with journal publications #27, #29, #43, #44, #55, and #68, and conference publication #c6. Following his graduation, he worked as a post-doc at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, followed by National High Magnetic Field Laboratry, Danfoss, and then Honeywell.

 (PhD-1) Dr. Fengxiao Liu, PhD defended in November 2008, Microstructures and Mechanical Behavior of Multicomponent Metallic-Glass Thin Films, advised by P.K. Liaw (major advisor) and Y.F. Gao (co-advisor), with journal publications #18, #23, #28, #52, and #66, as well as conference papter #c4. Following his graduation, he works with Smith International (now part of Schlumberger), and then at CB&I.

Master students

 (MS-7) Ms. Mollie Daniell, awarded Master degree in May 2023 for the work on: Characterizing twinning behavior in Mg alloys by advanced diffraction techniques and crystal plasticity simulations.

 (MS-6) Mr. James Lee, awarded Master degree in May 2022 for the work on: Laser-Driven Fracture in Brittle Materials. Following his graduation, he works at Lockheed-Martin.

 (MS-5) Mr. C. Andrew Kocak, awarded Master degree in May 2022. He then continues his PhD degree in Gao group. See information above.

 (MS-4) Mr. Stephen R. Fly, former graduate student, awarded MS/MBA dual degree in May 2016 for the work on: Optimization Strategies and Development of Bayesian Statistics in Materials Characterization. Following his graduation, he works at Amazon.

 (MS-3) Mrs. Margarita Petrova, former graduate student (4/2015~5/2016), advised by Prof. Yanfei Gao, co-advised by Prof. Wei He. Awarded Master degree in May 2016 for thesis work, Cell Contraction, De-adhesion, and Shape Effects Investigated by Cohesive Model with Finite Element Simulations, with journal publication #115. Following her graduation, she works at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

 (MS-2) Dr. Lin Li, former PhD graduate student (8/2010~11/2014). He obtained a Master on the way to his PhD degree in Gao group. See information above.

 (MS-1) Mr. Jianyong Meng, former graduate student. Awarded MS degree in May 2009 for thesis work, Epitaxial-Strain Controlled Size Selection and Vertical Ordering in REBCO-BZO Heterostructrual Films, with journal publications #26, #45, and #58. Currently he works at Microsoft Inc.

(2) Past Research Scholars and Visitors

 Dr. Wei Niu, former visiting researcher (Fall 2020), has worked on oxidation failure (see journal publication #152). She continues as a post-doc at UTK.

 Prof. Yanchun Zhao, former visiting professor from Lanzhou University of Technology, China (Feb. 2019-Jan. 2020), has worked on bulk metallic glasses (see journal publications #133, #137, and #169). She was a Professor at Lanzhou University of Technology during her visit.

 Mr. Xin Cai, former visiting student from China University of Petroleum (Qingdao) (Nov. 2018-Oct. 2019), has worked on computational fracture mechanics (see journal publication #151 and #156).

 Mr. Xiaoqing Zhu, former visiting student from Beijing Institute of Technology, China (Oct. 2018-Nov. 2019), has worked on the mechanical abuse and failure in Li-ion batteries (advised by Dr. Hsin Wang at ORNL and Yanfei Gao, with journal publications #139 and #144).

 Ms. Junxia Wen, former visiting student from Lanzhou University of Technology, China (Oct. 2018-Sep. 2019), has worked on oxidation failure at high temperatures (see journal publications #136, #145, and #149.

 Mr. Xin Wang, former visiting student from Central South University, China (Sep. 2018-Dec. 2018), has worked on high temperature alloys (see journal publication #129 and #146).

 Prof. Zhiwen Gao, former visting scholar (October 2015~October 2016), has worked on computational mechanics across length scales and biomechanics (see journal publications #97, #100, and #115). He was an Associate Professor at Lanzhou University prior to his visit.

 Dr. Zhenggang Wu, former Post-Doctoral Research Associate (2015), has worked on mechanical metallurgy and thermally activated processes of high entropy alloys (see journal publications #84, #99, #113, #117, and #125). After a post-doc stay at ORNL (2015-2018), he became a full professor in Hunan University, China.

 Prof. Yuan Wu, former visiting research scholar (April 2013~March 2014), has worked with Dr. Hongbin Bei, Dr. Easo George, and me on mechanical behavior of bulk metallic glasses and their composites (see journal publications #82, #85, and #98). He was an Associate Professor at the State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China prior to his visit.

 Dr. M. Claudia Troparevsky, former Research Assistant Professor (February 2011~ January 2013), has worked with Prof. Zhenyu Zhang, Dr. G. Malcolm Stocks, and me on theoretical studies of nanostructures, thin films, nanoparticles, and high entropy alloys.

 Prof. Shunfang Li, former visiting research scholar (April 2010~May 2012), has worked with Prof. Zhenyu Zhang and me on mechanisms of atomic friction, and stability and physical properties of nanostructures (see journal publications #63, #89, #102, #105, and #118). He was an Associate Professor at Zhengzhou University (Henan Province, China) prior to his visit.

 Dr. Lili Zheng, former post-doctoral research associate (November 2011 ~February 2012), has worked on plasticity and fracture of HCP materials (see journal publications #47, #57, #72, and #80). Following her PhD in my group in November 2011, she stayed as a post-doc for a short period, before taking a post-doc position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Since summer 2013, she works at Hitachi America.

 Dr. Chi-Hua Yu, former visiting graduate student (August 2010~February 2011). Mr. Yu was a graduate student at National Taiwan Univresity. During his visit, he developed computational code for grain boundary cavitation and sliding problems (see journal publications #54, #60, and #71). He has won the second prize on this work at the 35th National Conference on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Taiwan, November 2011. He later became a professor at National Cheng Kung University.

 Dr. Jinhaeng Lee, former post-doctoral research associate (joint with Pharr group, Feb. 2007~Jul. 2010), has worked on computational modeling of contact, friction, and nanoindentation (see journal publications #27, #29, #38, #47, #49, #53, #65, #79, #81, #119, and #130, and conference publication #c5 and #c6). Since July 2010, he works at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, South Korea.

 Prof. Erik G. Herbert, former post-doctoral research associate (Dec. 2009~Jun. 2010), has worked on in situ scanning electron microscopy and nanoindentation, as well as applications in small scale mechanical behavior (see journal papers #34, #46, and #59). Since May 2010, he is a Research Assistant Professor in Materials Science and Engineering Department, UT, and then an Assistant Professor in Michigan Technological University

 Dr. Sung-Hun Wee, former Research Assistant Professor (April 2008~February 2010), has worked on nanostructured thin film growth and functional ceramic oxides (see journal publications #45 and #58). Since February 2010, he is a Staff Member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

(3) Past Undergraduate Students

 Ms. Fabriana Prawiranata, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2022) has worked on fatigue testing of advanced structural materials.

 Mr. Conner Cornachione, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2021) has worked on phase transformation induced plasticity in advanced high strength steels.

 Mr. Clarence Wong, Undergraduate Research Assistant (summer 2014), class of 2017, works on thermal contact analysis.

 Mr. Jianwen Zhao, Undergraduate Research Assistant (summer 2013 & 2014), class of 2015, has been working on computational simulations of indentation and friction.

 Mr. Guoyu Jia, former Undergraduate Research Assistant (6/2012-5/2013), class of 2013, has worked on computer simulations of neutron diffraction experiments and mechanical behavior of Mg and Ti alloys.

 Mr. Brett Guidish, former Undergraduate Research Assistant (summer 2011 & 2012), class of 2014, has worked on computer aided engineering, materials failure analysis, and research outreach activities.

 Mr. Stephen R. Whitson, former Undergraduate Research Assistant (2/2010~5/2011), class of 2013, has worked on numerical simulation of rough surface contact and adhesion, as well as on research outreach.

 Mr. Jordan M. Schultz, former Undergraduate Research Assistant (5/2009~8/2010), has worked on finite element analysis and failure analysis of metallic glasses.

 Mr. Cong (Will) Zhou, former Undergraduate Research Assistant, has worked in Gao's group on finite element analysis of thermal stress and nanoindentation (see conference publication #c5). Following his graduation (BS in May 2009), he works with ExxonMobil Chemical Company at Texas.

(4) Past High School Students

 Ms. Autumn Hicks (junior, Campbell County High School) and Ms. Guadalupe Martinez (senior, Grainger High School) worked with my group in Summer 2024 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT.

 Mr. Giovani Gonzalez (senior, Loudon High School), Ms. Avishi Gupta (senior, Pigeon Forge High School), Mr. Brandon Collins (junior, Grainger High School), and Mr. Brandon Pouge (junior, Jefferson High School) worked with my group in Summer 2023 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT.

 Ms. America Gomez (senior, Jefferson County High School) and Ms. Rylea Holbert (junior, Jefferson County High School) worked with my group in Summer 2022 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT.

 Ms. Jocelyn Webb (Sophomore, Campbell County High School) and Mr. Robert Trevathan (senior, Jefferson County High School) worked with my group in Summer 2021 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT.

 Mr. Eligh Roberts (senior, Campbell County High School) and Mr. Luke Chassereau (senior, Grainger High School) worked with my group in Summer 2019 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT.

 Mr. Jonanthan Taylor (junior) and Ms. Hannah Heatherly (junior) worked with my group in Summer 2018 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT.

 Mr. Sean George (Jefferson Country High School) and Ms. Lindsay Weaver (Union County High School) worked with my group in June-July 2017 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT. The program promotes science/math educations for rural county schools. They worked on finite element simulations.

 Ms. Jessica Bellew (Jefferson Country High School) and Mr. Connor McCluskey (Pigeon Forge High School) worked with my group in June-July 2016 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT. The program promotes science/math educations for rural county schools. They worked on computer-aided engineering and simulations.

 Mr. Austin Baker (senior, Jefferson Country High School) and Mr. James Holt (junior, Grainger High School) worked with my group in June-July 2015 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT. The program promotes science/math educations for rural county schools. They worked on computer simulations of diffraction and crystal deformation.

 Ms. Cassie Mills (junior, Grainger High School) and Mr. Joe McCann (senior, Grainger High School) worked with my group in June-July 2014 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT. The program promotes science/math educations for rural county schools. They worked on computer simulations of thermo-mechanical treatments of advanced structural components.

 Mr. Charles D. Hawkins (senior, Pigeon Forge High School) and Ms. Victoria N. Rutherford (senior, Union County High School) worked with my group in June-July 2013 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT. The program promotes science/math educations for rural county schools. They worked on transport analysis in advanced metallic materials.

 Mr. Chandler England (senior, Central High School) worked in Summer and Fall 2012 on computer aided engineering in analysis of neutron strain measurements, as part of UT-Knox County Pre-Collegiate Program.

 Mr. Christian T. Scott (senior, Jefferson County High School) and Mr. Charles D. Hawkins (junior, Pigeon Forge High School) worked with my group in June-July 2012 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT. The program promotes science/math educations for rural county schools. They worked on Mass diffusion of carbon into iron.

 Ms. Megan Lamon (junior), Ms. Sabina Lyszczarczyk (sophomore), and Mr. Devin Cowell (sophomore) from Pigeon Forge High School worked with my group in June-July 2011 as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT. The program promotes science/math educations for rural county schools. Ms. Lamon and Ms. Lyszczarczyk worked on Friction and tractions on thin film-substrate system, and Mr. Cowell teamed with my undergraduate, Mr. Guidish, on Thermomechanical warping due to surface treatment of engineering components.

 Ms. Cherisse Wilkins and Mr. Chase Phifer worked with my group in 6/14/2010~7/8/2010 on Adhesion between non-flat elastic surfaces and implications in geckos and spiders, as part of Math and Science Center Summer Program of UT. They are high school students from rural counties in East Tennessee.

 
File last updated: September 1, 2024
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