Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) selected Dr. Xiangyang Dong as one of 36 junior faculty from member institutions to receive $5,000 in seed money for the 2019-20 year to enhance their research.

The annual grants are made through the company’s Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards program that provides funds to enrich the research and professional growth of faculty who are in the first two years of a tenure-track position.

Dong is an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. He joined S&T’s faculty in 2017. Dong’s research expertise includes materials processing, multi-scale modeling and analysis, and design of advanced materials, manufacturing and systems. He earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, where he served as a graduate research assistant.

ORAU has partnered with the U.S. Department of Engergy and other government agencies to advance national priorities in science, education, workforce development, public health, and worker health and safety. It includes a consortium of over 100 Ph.D.-granting institutions. In addition to Missouri S&T, members include Purdue University, Virginia Tech, the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University.