Assistant Professor X. Shelly Zhang has won the 2023-2024 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research from The Grainger College of Engineering. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding research during the past year.
Zhang joined the CEE faculty in 2018. She is also an alumna of CEE at Illinois, having earned her bachelor’s (2012) and master’s (2014) degrees in the department. Her research interests are in the general areas of topology optimization, stochastic programming, machine learning, multi-scale metamaterials, additive manufacturing and 3D/4D printing.
She directs the MISSION Laboratory (MultI-functional Structures and Systems desIgn OptimizatioN), which focuses on exploring topology optimization, stochastic programming and additive manufacturing to develop multi-functional, resilient, sustainable and innovative engineering infrastructure and materials for applications at different scales, from as large as high-rise buildings to as small as material microstructures.
The award will be presented April 29, 2024, at The Grainger College of Engineering Annual Awards Convocation.