Brage Golding Distinguished Professor of Research

Hong Huang

Hong Huang, Ph.D., professor of mechanical and materials engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, is the 2020–21 recipient of the Brage Golding Distinguished Professor of Research. The award recognizes Huang for her pioneering, prolific and high-impact research.

Huang’s research is in the field of advanced materials for applications to energy, environment, health and electronics.

Since joining the faculty at Wright State in 2007, Huang has continuously pursued the development of research and education programs to deliver innovations and expand capabilities in nanomaterials and renewable clean energy. Huang has received and directed over 20 grants valued at over $3 million from external funding sources, including the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense.

Huang is a prolific researcher and research leader in her field, making high-impact contributions that span several key areas of national importance. Her pioneering work at Stanford University on ultra-thin solid oxide fuel cells was able to reduce operational temperatures from 1000oC to 400oC. She has also developed an innovative sensor having extreme sensitivity to toxic chemicals, which is highly desired by public health and defense industries. Her recent research on printed flexible Li-ion batteries, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, has garnered significant attention.

“In addition to personal achievements, the biggest legacies of academic researchers are often visible from the level of scientists trained by them,” said Sharmila Mukhopadhyay, professor at the University of Maine and a former recipient of the Wright State Trustees’ Award of Faculty Excellence.

A passionate educator and mentor, Huang has actively supervised both graduate and undergraduate students on versatile research projects beyond classes. In her 13 years at Wright State, Huang has advised 25 Ph.D. and master’s degree students on their dissertations and theses and co-authored with her students 27 journal publications, one patent and 23 conference papers. She has also transitioned her research successes to four new courses in the areas of renewable clean energy and nanoscience.

Huang was a nominee for the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2015 and received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the College of Engineering and Computer Science in 2017.