Ph.D. at Old Dominion University, United States
Dr. Tian-Bing Xu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University (ODU). He leads the Smart Materials & Intelligent Systems (SMIS) Laboratory, focusing on advanced technologies in smart materials, energy harvesting, and intelligent systems. Recognized among the top 2% of the most influential scientists worldwide, Dr. Xu has made significant contributions to energy conversion, renewable energies, and aerospace technologies. His interdisciplinary research and collaboration with organizations such as NASA and the Department of Defense have earned him numerous accolades, cementing his reputation as a leading researcher in his field.
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Education:
Dr. Xu’s academic journey began with a Diploma in Physics from Shandong University, China, followed by graduate work at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He then moved to the United States, where he completed both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. His Ph.D. research focused on developing electromechanical devices using electroactive polymers, under the guidance of Dr. Qiming Zhang. This education laid the foundation for his future work in advanced materials and intelligent systems, blending fundamental science with applied engineering solutions.
Experience:
Dr. Xu has over two decades of experience in academic and applied research. Since joining ODU in 2018 as an Associate Professor, he has led projects in smart materials, energy harvesting, and sensor technologies. Before ODU, he worked at NASA Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace in various capacities, contributing significantly to aerospace research. His work in these roles included leadership in developing piezoelectric materials and energy harvesting systems, with several projects transitioning to industrial applications. He also held a Senior Research Scientist position, which was critical in his collaboration with NASA on multiple innovations. His academic experience is further highlighted by multiple invited talks and keynote speeches.
Research Interests:
Dr. Xu’s research primarily focuses on smart materials and intelligent systems, with applications in energy harvesting, robotics, medical devices, and renewable energies. His work aims to develop materials and systems that can efficiently convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, particularly for use in structural health monitoring, offshore energy systems, and wearable technology. He is also deeply invested in advancing manufacturing technologies for these materials to increase their real-world applicability. Additionally, Dr. Xu’s research has expanded into exploring piezoelectric technologies for energy recovery, aiming to revolutionize both the aerospace and renewable energy industries.
Awards:
Dr. Xu has received numerous awards for his groundbreaking research. Notably, he was included in the Stanford University list of the top 2% of the most influential scientists worldwide. He has also been awarded research grants totaling over $12 million from prestigious organizations such as NASA, NSF, DOD, and various state agencies. His leadership in securing these grants, both as principal investigator and co-investigator, highlights his capacity to drive impactful research projects. Dr. Xu has also received the prestigious ONR Summer Faculty Fellowship and has been honored with awards for his patented technologies.
Publications:
Dr. Xu has published 58 peer-reviewed journal articles, 3 book chapters, and over 44 conference papers. His research has appeared in leading journals with high impact factors, contributing significantly to the advancement of materials science and engineering. A selection of his key publications includes:
A review of piezoelectric footwear energy harvesters: principles, methods, and applications, Sensors, 2023.
Proof Mass Effects on a Flextensional Piezoelectric Energy Harvester, IFAC-PapersOnLine, 2022.
A high density piezoelectric energy harvesting device from highway traffic—System design and road test, Applied Energy, 2021.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting from human walking by using a two-stage amplification mechanism, Energy, 2019.
Design, optimization, modeling, and testing of a piezoelectric footwear energy harvester, Energy Conversion and Management, 2018.
Conclusion:
Dr. Tian-Bing Xu’s achievements make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His pioneering work in smart materials, energy harvesting technologies, and advanced manufacturing places him at the forefront of scientific innovation. His leadership in securing substantial research grants, his prolific publication record, and his numerous patents underscore his significant contributions to both academic and practical advancements in his field. With continued growth in interdisciplinary research and broader global collaborations, Dr. Xu’s work promises to have an even greater impact on the future of technology and sustainable energy solutions.