Associate Professor at Ningxia University, China
Dr. Ruiyan Zhang is an accomplished academic currently serving as an Associate Professor at Ningxia University in China, within the School of Materials and New Energy. He has an extensive background in materials science, with a particular focus on polymer engineering and advanced materials. Dr. Zhang has built a reputation for his work in stimuli-responsive materials, nanocomposites, and sustainable materials, and has made substantial contributions to the field during his career. He holds a PhD in Materials Processing Engineering from Sichuan University, where he also completed his Bachelor’s degree. His career has taken him to prestigious institutions including the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the University of Toronto, where he has contributed significantly to research projects and advanced technological applications.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Zhang began his academic journey at Sichuan University, where he pursued both his Bachelor’s and PhD degrees in Materials Processing Engineering, studying under the mentorship of Prof. Mingbo Yang. His doctoral research focused on the polymer materials engineering, which laid the foundation for his future research trajectory. During his PhD, he collaborated with top researchers globally, including Prof. Eyal Zussman from the Technion and Prof. Patrick Lee from the University of Toronto. This interdisciplinary exposure enriched his expertise and broadened his research horizons, particularly in the areas of polymer composites and nanotechnology.
Experience
Dr. Zhang’s professional journey began with his role as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, where he worked from September 2016 to September 2018. Following this, he further honed his research and teaching skills at the University of Toronto from October 2018 to May 2021. There, he contributed to significant advancements in materials engineering. In January 2022, he joined Ningxia University as a Lecturer and became an Associate Professor in January 2023. At Ningxia University, he has been instrumental in teaching, conducting research, and supervising various projects in materials and energy engineering.
Research Interests
Dr. Zhang’s research interests primarily revolve around the development of advanced materials, focusing on polymer engineering, foams, and nanocomposites. His work also delves into the study of microphase separation, self-healing materials, and stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte complex foams. One of his ongoing research projects involves the study of cyclic olefin copolymers and the regulation of their micro/nano porous structures for various applications, including environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. His collaborations with institutions worldwide have significantly contributed to the global understanding of materials processing, especially in the context of renewable energy and environmental technologies.
Awards
Dr. Zhang has received various accolades and recognition for his innovative contributions to materials science. His students, under his mentorship, have achieved notable successes in national competitions. For instance, in the 9th China International “Internet+” Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, his students secured both National Silver and Ningxia Area Gold Awards. Additionally, his students have been recognized with prizes in the Challenge Cup Chinese College Student Entrepreneurship Plan Competition, showcasing their research on environmentally friendly technologies. Dr. Zhang’s role as a mentor has been instrumental in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Publications
Dr. Zhang has authored and co-authored several influential papers that have advanced the understanding of polymer processing and nanocomposites. His selected publications include:
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Zhang, R., et al. (2021). “Assembled polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) in nanofiber.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science.
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Zhang, R., et al. (2020). “Self-healing photonic device via co-assembly cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs) with PEC.” Advanced Materials.
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Zhang, R., et al. (2018). “The evolution and control of interfacial morphologies during the second flow of polymer melt.” Polymer Engineering & Science.
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Zhang, R., et al. (2017). “The formation law and control of multiple coating forms in polyolefin blends.” Macromolecular Materials and Engineering.
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Zhang, R., et al. (2015). “Fundamental theory and morphologies of samples molded by MFMIM.” Journal of Materials Science.
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Zhang, R., et al. (2014). “Key science problems in PLA thin film processing.” Polymer Processing Science.
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Zhang, R., et al. (2012). “Oriented structures and relation with internal stress in PC samples.” Materials Research Bulletin.
Conclusion
Dr. Ruiyan Zhang’s contributions to materials science, particularly in polymer engineering and nanocomposites, have positioned him as a leading researcher in his field. Through his innovative research and dedication to teaching, he has not only advanced the scientific understanding of materials but also mentored and inspired a new generation of engineers and researchers. His work continues to make significant impacts in areas ranging from energy efficiency to environmental sustainability, underscoring the importance of materials science in addressing global challenges. With numerous successful projects, awards, and publications, Dr. Zhang remains a vital figure in the academic and research communities, both in China and internationally.