SMU Lyle School of Engineering Welcomes Dr. Rong Kou as Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

SMU Lyle School of Engineering is thrilled to announce that Dr. Rong Kou has joined our faculty as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of Lab Operations and Safety, effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Kou’s expertise in material characterization for energy storage technologies and her dedication to advancing energy research make her a valuable addition to our Mechanical Engineering Department.

Dr. Kou brings an impressive academic and research background, having earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University, Arizona State University, and Tulane University, respectively. Following her academic training, she served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where she developed functional catalysts for fuel cell technology. Her career then led her to the private sector, where she focused on the commercialization of novel materials for energy technologies, further broadening her experience in applied research.

In 2019, Dr. Kou joined Penn State as an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, where she specialized in material characterization for energy storage technologies. She collaborated closely with faculty at Penn State’s Battery and Energy Storage Technology Center, employing a variety of advanced characterization techniques to deepen the understanding of battery materials, electrodes, and cells. Her research has resulted in significant contributions to the field, with 20 peer-reviewed publications and over 5,311 citations, earning her an H-index of 20.

Dr. Kou has demonstrated leadership in research, serving as principal investigator (PI), co-PI, and key personnel in several state and federally funded projects related to the development and characterization of new energy storage technologies. Her work on battery safety and failure mechanisms, as well as fuel cell catalysts, has positioned her as a key figure in the field of energy storage and safety.

In her new role at SMU Lyle, Dr. Kou will also serve as the Director of Lab Operations and Safety, where she will be instrumental in ensuring that our research environments are both innovative and safe. Her commitment to safety, coupled with her deep understanding of energy technologies, will help us maintain the highest standards in our labs.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kou. We are excited about the contributions she will make to our research programs, educational initiatives, and the overall safety and success of our laboratory operations.

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.