Prof. Hongliang Zhang | Machine Learning in Physics | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Fudan University, China

Dr. Hongliang Zhang is a Young Professor in the Department of Nuclear Science and Technology at Fudan University, Shanghai, China. His research primarily focuses on nuclear materials, radiation resistance, and advanced energy systems. Zhang has worked at University of Wisconsin-Madison as an Assistant Scientist and later as Director of the Wisconsin Ion Beam Lab. With significant contributions to the understanding of material behavior under extreme conditions, he has become a key figure in nuclear physics and materials science.

🎓Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Hongliang Zhang began his academic journey at Fudan University, Shanghai, where he earned his B.S. in Nuclear Technology in 2013. His fascination with physics and material sciences led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics at Fudan University, where he graduated in 2018. During his doctoral research, Zhang focused on advancing the understanding of materials under extreme conditions, setting the foundation for his future work in nuclear science and technology. His early academic achievements earned him numerous accolades, including the National Scholarship in 2012 and the Graduate Student Scholarship First-Class in 2015 from Fudan University. These early pursuits were pivotal in shaping his future career and deepening his commitment to scientific exploration in nuclear technology and materials science.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Zhang’s professional trajectory is marked by significant contributions to academia and research institutions. After completing his Ph.D., he became a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2018–2020), where he worked under the mentorship of Prof. Izabela Szlufarska. In 2020, he was appointed Assistant Scientist and later promoted to Associated Scientist and Director of the Wisconsin Ion Beam Lab (2021–2023). His leadership at the lab was instrumental in advancing ion beam research. In 2023, Zhang transitioned to his current role as Young Professor at Fudan University in the Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, where he continues to lead cutting-edge research and mentor young scientists in the field. Throughout his career, Zhang has held pivotal roles that blend scientific research with institutional leadership, positioning him as a prominent figure in nuclear science.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Hongliang Zhang’s research interests lie at the intersection of nuclear science, materials science, and advanced energy technologies. His early research focused on the development and enhancement of materials for use in nuclear reactors, including radiation-resistant materials and the study of materials under extreme irradiation conditions. His work on ion beam technology has provided deep insights into the behavior of materials exposed to radiation, with applications in nuclear energy systems, semiconductor industries, and space exploration. As a professor, Zhang’s work has expanded into the development of nuclear technology for clean energy and advanced materials for sustainable energy applications. His ongoing research in advanced radiation-resistant materials, nuclear fusion, and energy storage continues to contribute to the global scientific community’s efforts to address the challenges of nuclear energy and material performance under extreme conditions.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Zhang’s work has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and the industries involved in nuclear technology and materials science. His contributions have influenced global research on nuclear materials, radiation resistance, and energy systems. Zhang’s role as a reviewer for prestigious journals like Nature Communications, Acta Materialia, and Scripta Materialia, and his leadership positions in various scientific societies such as the Chinese Nuclear Society and American Nuclear Society, highlight his influence in the scientific community. His research has not only advanced fundamental understanding but has also translated into practical applications in the fields of nuclear energy, energy storage, and advanced materials engineering, making him a highly respected figure in his field.

Academic Cites 📚

Zhang’s research is widely recognized and cited in academic circles, underscoring the significance of his contributions to nuclear and materials science. His work on radiation-induced defects and material behaviors under extreme conditions has been referenced extensively in studies related to nuclear energy, fusion reactors, and high-energy physics. As an author of numerous publications in top-tier journals like Materials Science and Engineering, his work continues to influence ongoing research in energy systems and materials performance. His publications on ion beam effects, nuclear materials degradation, and energy storage technologies are frequently cited by researchers working in the fields of nuclear physics, materials science, and advanced engineering.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Hongliang Zhang possesses a broad range of technical skills that complement his research. He is proficient in advanced material characterization techniques, such as ion beam analysis, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. His expertise also extends to radiation modeling, nuclear materials testing, and the development of advanced computational models for simulating the behavior of materials in extreme conditions. Zhang is skilled in using cutting-edge software and techniques such as Monte Carlo simulations, molecular dynamics, and finite element analysis to model complex material behaviors. His experience in nuclear technology, ion beam processing, and material synthesis positions him as a leading researcher in the field of advanced energy systems and materials science.

Teaching Experience 📚

As a Young Professor at Fudan University, Zhang plays an integral role in shaping the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers. He has developed and taught several courses related to nuclear science, materials engineering, and advanced energy technologies. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and a deep understanding of the fundamental principles governing nuclear materials and energy systems. Zhang’s mentorship is highly valued by students and junior researchers, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia and industry. He also actively participates in academic conferences and workshops, sharing his expertise with the broader scientific community.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Zhang’s career is still in its early stages, but his contributions have already set the stage for a lasting legacy in nuclear science and materials research. His work on developing radiation-resistant materials and advanced nuclear technologies is poised to influence the future of clean energy, nuclear power generation, and fusion energy. As he continues to lead research initiatives at Fudan University, his future contributions are expected to address global energy challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainable energy, nuclear fusion, and advanced materials for energy storage. Zhang’s commitment to scientific advancement and his role as a mentor to emerging scientists ensure that his influence on the field will continue to grow, leaving a lasting impact on both academia and industry.

Selected Honors and Awards 🏆

Hongliang Zhang’s accomplishments have been recognized with a multitude of prestigious awards and honors. Notable among these is his selection as a Fellow of Vebleo (2022), and the prestigious National Natural Science Foundation of China for Excellent Young Scientists Fund (2022). He has also received the Best Researcher Award at the International Conference on New Science Inventions (2022), and the 1000 Talents in Shanghai recognition (2021). These awards reflect his exceptional contributions to research and his leadership in advancing nuclear technology and materials science. Zhang has also been acknowledged as an outstanding graduate and scholar, having earned numerous National Scholarships, Graduate Student Scholarships, and Fudan University Honors throughout his academic career.

Publication Top Notes📖

• Synergistic effects of ultraviolet radiation and corrosion on Zr alloys

  • Authors: Hongliang Zhang, Ranran Su, Benoit Queylat, Taeho Kim, Shuguang Wei, Xuanxin Hu, Antoine Ambard, Adrien Couet
  • Journal: Acta Materialia
  • Year: 2024

• Radionuclide tracing based in situ corrosion and mass transport monitoring of 316L stainless steel in a molten salt closed loop

  • Authors: Yafei Wang, Aeli P. Olson, Cody Falconer, Brian Kelleher, Ivan Mitchell, Hongliang Zhang, Kumar Sridharan, Jonathan W. Engle, Adrien Couet
  • Journal: Nature Communications
  • Year: 2024

• 3D reconstruction and interconnectivity quantification of the nano-porosity in the oxide layer of corroded Zr alloys

  • Authors: Hongliang Zhang, Ranran Su, Benoit Queylat, Taeho Kim, Gene Lucadamo, William Howland, Adrien Couet
  • Journal: Corrosion Science
  • Year: 2024

• Radionuclide Tracing Based in situ Corrosion and Mass Transport Monitoring of 316L Stainless Steel in a Molten Salt Closed Loop

  • Authors: Yafei Wang, Aeli Olson, Cody Falconer, Brian Kelleher, Ivan Mitchell, Hongliang Zhang, Kumar Sridha, Jonathan Engle, Adrien Couet
  • Journal: Preprint
  • Year: 2023

• Amorphous shear bands in crystalline materials as drivers of plasticity

  • Authors: Xuanxin Hu, Nuohao Liu, Vrishank Jambur, Siamak Attarian, Ranran Su, Hongliang Zhang, Jianqi Xi, Hubin Luo, John Perepezko, Izabela Szlufarska
  • Journal: Nature Materials
  • Year: 2023