Xingbo Liu, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the West Virginia University College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, was awarded the 2010 Early Career Faculty Fellow Award from the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS).

The award recognizes an assistant professor for his or her accomplishments that have advanced his academic institution, and for abilities to broaden the technological profile of TMS.

TMS is a professional organization with 11,200 professional and student members from six continents, encompassing the entire range of materials science and engineering, from minerals processing and primary metals production to basic research and the advanced applications of materials.

Liu received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in materials science from the University of Science and Technology in Beijing, China. Since joining the WVU faculty in 2000, he has collaborated in nearly $15 million of externally funded research. In addition, he has published 33 papers in peer-reviewed journals and 32 conference papers and submitted two patent applications.

In 2008 and 2009, Liu was named the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources Outstanding Researcher.

Recently, Liu lead a team that developed a new electroplating method that makes connecting multiple solid-oxide fuel cells more efficient. The manganese-cobalt coating will help keep a potential new energy source cheap, efficient and clean.

Over the past few years, Liu has also developed a series of new WVU courses in materials science at both senior undergraduate and graduate levels.

“We are very proud of Dr. Liu for his impressive accomplishments,” said Gene Cilento, dean of the College, “and he is most deserving of this recognition. He provides an outstanding example for both his colleagues and students as he continues to strive for excellence in his field.”