Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a distinguished professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at The Ohio State University, where he has been a faculty member since January 2013. He completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University in the spring of 2004. His academic journey and professional career have been marked by significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in manufacturing and metallurgy. Before his tenure at Ohio State University, Zhang honed his expertise at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) as a Senior Researcher from 2008 to 2012. During this period, he was involved in pioneering research projects that advanced the understanding and application of materials science in industrial settings. Prior to his role at ORNL, he led engineering teams at the Edison Welding Institute (EWI) from 2004 to 2008, where he focused on developing innovative welding techniques and materials solutions. Since 2019, Zhang has been serving as the Associate Chair of the Materials Science and Engineering Department, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the department's academic and research directions. His research interests are diverse, encompassing additive manufacturing, dissimilar-metal joining, and the development of creep-resistant steels. He is also recognized for his work in inertia welding, resistance welding, and the study of fatigue and fracture mechanics. Zhang's contributions to the field have been acknowledged through numerous awards. In 2018, he was honored as a Fellow of the American Welding Society, a testament to his significant impact on welding research and technology. The same year, he received the Lumley Research Award from the College of Engineering, recognizing his outstanding research achievements and contributions to the field. Throughout his career, Wei Zhang has been dedicated to advancing the frontiers of materials science and engineering. His work not only enhances academic knowledge but also translates into practical applications that benefit various industries. His leadership and research continue to inspire students and colleagues alike, fostering a vibrant academic community at Ohio State University.