SMU Lyle School of Engineering Welcomes Donghai Wang, PhD, as Brown Foundation Chair in Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering

SMU Lyle School of Engineering is excited to announce that Dr. Donghai Wang has joined our faculty as the Brown Foundation Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, with a courtesy appointment as Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Wang’s arrival marks a significant milestone for our engineering programs, particularly in the areas of energy storage and clean energy technologies.

Dr. Wang is a distinguished researcher with a focus on the design and synthesis of novel nanostructured materials, advanced electrochemical energy storage technologies, and clean energy techniques. His academic journey began at Pennsylvania State University in 2009, where he joined as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Institute of Energy and the Environment. Over the years, Dr. Wang’s exceptional contributions to research and education earned him a Full Professorship by 2018. In 2024, we are honored to welcome him to SMU as a tenured professor.

Dr. Wang’s research has been instrumental in advancing energy storage technologies, from the discovery of new materials to the integration of these materials into functional energy systems. He has led interdisciplinary teams across multiple organizations, securing over $23 million in grants as a principal investigator. His mentorship has guided over 60 doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, fostering the next generation of engineers and researchers.

A prolific contributor to academic literature, Dr. Wang has authored approximately 130 peer-reviewed journal articles in prestigious journals such as Nature Materials and Nature Energy. His work is highly regarded in the scientific community, evidenced by his H-index of 79 and his recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher from 2018 to 2023 consecutively by Web of Science. Additionally, Dr. Wang is a noted inventor with over 20 patent applications filed in materials and energy storage technologies.

Dr. Wang’s achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Advancement of Knowledge Award from the Institute of Energy and the Environment at Pennsylvania State University, the Faculty Scholar Medal at Pennsylvania State University, and the Outstanding Research Award from the Penn State Engineering Alumni Association.

As the Brown Foundation Chair of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Wang will play a pivotal role in advancing research and innovation at SMU, particularly in the areas of energy storage and clean energy. His expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of engineering knowledge and technology.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Donghai Wang to the SMU Lyle School of Engineering. We are excited about the contributions he will make to our academic community and the impact his research will have on the future of energy and sustainability. 

About the Bobby Lyle School of Engineering
SMU's Lyle School of Engineering thrives on innovation that transcends traditional boundaries. We strongly believe in the power of externally funded, industry-supported research to drive progress and provide exceptional students with valuable industry insights. Our mission is to lead the way in digital transformation within engineering education, all while ensuring that every student graduates as a confident leader. Founded in 1925, SMU Lyle is one of the oldest engineering schools in the Southwest, offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees.

About SMU
SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, community and the world.