Kathy Lu, professor of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering, has received the university’s 2016 Alumni Award for Excellence in Research.

Sponsored by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, the Alumni Award for Excellence in Research is presented annually to as many as two Virginia Tech faculty members who have made outstanding research contributions.

Lu specializes in material synthesis, processing, patterning, and sintering, as well as in high-temperature material design and degradation studies. She is recognized for her work in developing a fundamental understanding of processes used to fabricate nanostructure and energy materials that will significantly impact the efficiency of energy production, conversion, and harvesting.

Her work has secured her funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Office of Naval Research, as well as nonprofit organizations and private companies. Lu’s total external funding for her research exceeds $3.8 million.

Some of her most recent research includes nanoparticle processing, patterning, and sintering; focused ion beam guided patterning; energy materials; and ultrahigh surface area and conductive high temperature materials.

Since joining the Virginia Tech community in 2004, Lu has published 100 peer-reviewed journal papers, 10 peer-reviewed proceeding papers, three book chapters, and eight other proceeding papers. She is the single author of two textbooks, has edited five books, and given 113 presentations.

Lu received her bachelor’s degree from Tianjin University and her master’s degree and Ph.D. from Ohio State University.

Share this story