Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hexin Zhang | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hexin Zhang | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hexin Zhang , Materials Chemistry ,  Harbin Engineering University, China

Dr. Hexin Zhang is an Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University. She holds a Doctorate in Engineering and has developed a robust academic profile in high-temperature materials and additive manufacturing. With over 60 peer-reviewed SCI-indexed publications and five invention patents, Dr. Zhang’s work significantly contributes to the field of advanced alloys and composite materials. She has successfully led numerous prestigious projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other provincial and institutional bodies. As a guest editor for Metals and a senior member of the Chinese Society of Composite Materials, she plays an influential role in shaping research directions. Her ongoing projects involve cutting-edge research in nano-TiC reinforced molybdenum-based superalloys. Her leadership extends to military-grade materials research, and she currently spearheads a multi-million-yuan defense technology initiative with wide application potential in marine gas turbines.

Professional Profile : 

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Hexin Zhang is an Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Harbin Engineering University. She holds a Doctorate in Engineering and has extensive expertise in high-temperature composite materials, superalloys, and additive manufacturing—fields of critical importance in advanced materials research.With over 60 SCI-indexed publications, 5 invention patents, and 2 authored monographs, Dr. Zhang has demonstrated consistent and significant contributions to materials science. Her work addresses both fundamental science and industrial application challenges, particularly in marine gas turbines.She serves as Guest Editor for the journal Metals, is a Senior Member of the Chinese Society for Composite Materials, and holds leadership roles in multiple national professional organizations.Dr. Hexin Zhang’s exceptional track record in high-impact research, leadership in national-level projects, patent portfolio, and editorial and professional service make her a standout candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her contributions align well with the award’s objective of honoring researchers who exhibit innovation, leadership, and societal impact through their work.

🎓Education:

Dr. Hexin Zhang pursued her Doctorate in Engineering with a specialization in materials science, focusing on the mechanical behavior and processing of high-temperature alloys. Her academic training emphasized advanced manufacturing techniques including additive manufacturing (AM) and laser-based fabrication technologies. Her graduate work laid the foundation for exploring novel metal matrix composites and developing expertise in microstructural analysis, thermal stability, and mechanical performance enhancement under extreme conditions. She was trained in a multidisciplinary environment, combining theoretical materials science with practical engineering and thermodynamic modeling. As a part of her academic journey, she engaged in collaborative lab work, conference presentations, and published extensively in SCI-indexed journals, honing both technical skills and academic writing. Her formal education and consistent excellence have positioned her as a specialist in nickel-based and molybdenum-based superalloys, enabling her to tackle real-world challenges in aerospace and marine turbine applications.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zhang currently serves as Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Harbin Engineering University. With extensive experience leading and contributing to key research projects, she has spearheaded over ten major scientific initiatives, including two funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and one basic research project targeting the processing of molybdenum-based materials. She has published over 60 high-impact SCI papers, secured 5 national patents, and authored 2 technical monographs. As the principal investigator of a military-focused project supported by the Central Military Commission, she managed a 2-million-yuan segment of a larger 7.5-million-yuan initiative. In addition to her research contributions, she serves as a guest editor for the journal Metals and has held important roles in several academic committees. Her hands-on expertise covers nano-reinforced materials, additive manufacturing, and failure analysis under thermo-mechanical fatigue.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Hexin Zhang has received multiple accolades for her contributions to materials science and engineering. She has been honored with competitive research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, a testament to her innovative work in the field. She also serves in distinguished capacities including Senior Member of the Chinese Society of Composite Materials and Director of the Ecological Civilization Branch of the China Association of Higher Education. In recognition of her academic leadership and commitment to advancing materials research, she was appointed as a Member of the Materials Gene Engineering Expert Committee of the National Materials and Devices Scientists Think Tank. Additionally, her editorial role for Metals highlights her influence in peer-reviewed publishing. Her work in defense applications of high-temperature materials has further earned her distinction in government and institutional circles.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on the design, processing, and performance of nickel-based and molybdenum-based super alloys, especially for high-temperature and corrosive environments. She specializes in additive manufacturing techniques, particularly laser selective melting and nano-TiC reinforcement, to enhance mechanical strength and thermal resistance. Her investigations include thermo-mechanical fatigue, oxidation resistance, and hot corrosion mechanisms, crucial for the development of next-generation aerospace and marine turbine materials. A highlight of her work is the innovation in laser forming of Mo-based superalloys, solving issues like brittle fracture at room temperature. Her projects, including those funded by the Central Military Commission, involve cutting-edge structural materials aimed at military propulsion systems. Dr. Zhang also integrates computational modeling and experimental validation to understand microstructural evolution and failure modes under extreme conditions.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Impact of Secondary γ’ Precipitate on the High-Temperature Creep Properties of DD6 Alloy

2. Microstructural Evolution and Its Effect on Tensile Properties of 10Cr-2W-3Co Martensitic Steel During Thermal Exposure

3. Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Fabricated by Directed Energy Deposition Assisted with Dual Ultrasonic Vibration

Citations: 2

4. Effect of Powder Particle Size on the Microscopic Morphology and Mechanical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel Hollow Spheres

5. Study on Hot-Compressive Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of 12Cr10Co3MoWVNbNB Martensitic Steel

6. Lattice Disorder Driving the Electron Migration from Tetracycline to TiO₂ via Ligand-to-Metal Charge Transfer to Generate Superoxide Radical

Citations: 2

7. Hydrangea-like MnO₂@Sulfur-Doped Porous Carbon Spheres with High Packing Density for High-Performance Supercapacitor

Citations: 1 

8. La Doped-Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ with the Synergistic Effect Between Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ Cycling and Oxygen Vacancies Enhances the Electrocatalytic Synthesizing NH₃

9. Influence of Aging Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Novel Polycrystalline Ni₃Al-Based Intermetallic Alloy

Citations: 1 

Dr. Hyun Jung Lee | Materials chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hyun Jung Lee | Materials chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hyun Jung Lee, Materials chemistry, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, South Korea

Dr. Hyunjung Lee is a distinguished physicist and Principal Investigator at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) in Daejeon, South Korea. With a Ph.D. in Physics from Kyungpook National University, she has over two decades of research expertise in superconducting magnet systems, cryogenics, and fusion technology. She has made vital contributions to flagship projects like KSTAR, K-DEMO, and ITER, leading multi-million-dollar development efforts. A committed advocate for women in STEM, she represents Korea at international physics conferences and plays key roles in national scientific committees. Dr. Lee has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and continues to lead innovative research on high-field magnet design, quench analysis, and thermo-hydraulics. Her contributions significantly advance global nuclear fusion efforts, showcasing both technical excellence and visionary leadership.

Professional Profile :         

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Hyunjung Lee is a highly accomplished researcher with a robust and diverse academic and professional background in fusion energy and superconductivity. She has extensive experience in superconducting magnet systems and cryogenic technologies, leading significant projects like the development of superconducting magnets for the K-DEMO and KSTAR fusion reactors. As a principal investigator at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), her work involves cutting-edge research in fusion physics, including the design, analysis, and operational stability of superconducting magnets. Dr. Hyunjung Lee is undoubtedly a suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”, due to her impactful research, leadership in large-scale international projects, and her contributions to the advancement of fusion energy technology. Her innovative work in superconducting magnet systems has advanced both scientific understanding and practical applications in fusion energy, making her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious award.

🎓Education:

Dr. Hyunjung Lee completed her Ph.D. in Physics at Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea, in 2003. Her doctoral research focused on the behavior of materials in extreme magnetic fields and low temperatures, setting the stage for her future work in superconducting systems. Prior to that, she earned her B.S. in Physics from Daegu University in 1997. Her strong academic foundation enabled her to transition seamlessly into high-level research, with early postdoctoral training at the Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI). Dr. Lee’s educational background reflects a deep commitment to fundamental physics, with an application-driven focus on fusion energy systems and superconducting technologies. Her continuous engagement with advanced analytical and cryogenic systems throughout her education laid the groundwork for her leadership in magnet design and thermo-hydraulic simulation for nuclear fusion applications.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Lee began her career as a Postdoctoral Associate (2003–2006) at the Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), where she researched material properties under extreme conditions. She then joined the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) in 2006, advancing from Senior Researcher to Principal Investigator. From 2006–2013, she focused on thermo-hydraulic and quench analysis for KSTAR and K-DEMO superconducting magnets. Between 2013–2015, she contributed to cryogenic system design for the RAON project. From 2016–2018, she also served as an Associate Professor at the University of Science and Technology (UST), teaching accelerator and fusion physics. Her key achievements include designing 16T superconducting magnets, establishing experimental facilities (~$30 million), and collaborating with global fusion initiatives such as ITER, ENEA, and General Atomics. She is currently a leading figure in Korea’s national fusion reactor (K-DEMO) magnet program and a central voice in international fusion technology forums.

🏅Awards: 

While Dr. Hyunjung Lee’s CV does not list specific named awards, her achievements are reflected through her prestigious roles, international collaborations, and scientific committee appointments. She serves as an Executive Officer in the Korean Physical Society’s Academic and Women’s Committees (2021–present), showcasing her leadership in Korea’s physics community. She has been a Mentoring Fellow of the Korea Foundation for Women in Science and Technology (2008–2020), guiding the next generation of scientists. Her appointment to the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (2015–2017) reflects national recognition beyond science. Dr. Lee frequently represents Korea in international conferences, including the International Conference on Women in Physics and the Magnet Technology Conference, evidencing her global stature. Her research is highly regarded in fusion communities and continues to influence policies and project planning at the international level. Her awards lie in the transformative impact of her research and leadership across nuclear fusion initiatives.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Hyunjung Lee’s research is centered on superconducting magnet systems and cryogenic thermo-hydraulics for nuclear fusion reactors. Her core contributions span magnet design, quench analysis, and the establishment of fusion magnet experimental infrastructure. A key architect of Korea’s K-DEMO and KSTAR fusion magnet programs, she focuses on developing high-field (up to 16T) superconducting magnets and advanced quench protection mechanisms. Her work includes detailed thermo-hydraulic modeling, AC loss analysis, and cooling loop simulations to ensure cryogenic stability. She also leads international collaboration on magnet technologies with partners like ITER, ENEA, and General Atomics. Dr. Lee has also contributed to the RAON rare isotope accelerator project, analyzing cryogenic systems for linear accelerators. Her research directly advances fusion energy’s feasibility, offering safe, efficient, and scalable superconducting systems for future reactors. She is a thought leader in fusion technology development, particularly in enabling long-term stability of superconducting devices under high-stress operations.

Publication Top Notes:

Design Updates of a Fusion Superconducting Conductor Test Facility Magnet (SUCCEX)

Assessment of KSTAR Nb₃Sn Superconducting Magnet Property After Long-Term Operation Since 2008

Effect of Flow Imbalance on the Operational Performance of the KSTAR PF1UL Magnets

Design Updates and Thermo-Hydraulic Analysis of K-DEMO CS Magnets​

Thermo-Hydraulic Analysis of the KSTAR PF Cryogenic Loop Using SUPERMAGNET Code

Citations: 1​