Dr. Jian Wang, a distinguished Visiting Scholar at the New York Institute of Technology, comes from the Urban Underground and Space Engineering Department at China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing, China, where she serves as an assistant professor. She is currently participating in a year-long academic exchange at the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences (CoECS), spanning from December 2024 to December 2025. Her expertise lies in geomechanics and geotechnical engineering, with a special focus on granular materials, micromechanics, and tunneling engineering.

"I'm thrilled to be here, dedicating myself to research work and fostering academic collaborations," Dr. Wang shared enthusiastically.

Dr. Wang is a highly accomplished scholar, researcher, and engineer with a rich history in the field. Inspired by her strong performance in math and science during high school, she chose to pursue civil engineering—a discipline where she could make a tangible impact.

"I chose civil engineering because it allows me to contribute to improving cities, enhancing lives, and protecting the environment. It's incredibly fulfilling," she explained.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Dr. Wang pursued a master’s in structural engineering. When the opportunity arose to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham in the UK, she embraced geotechnical engineering to deepen her understanding of geotechnical and soil mechanics.

"Once I delved into soil mechanics, I found it fascinating," she remarked. "In structural engineering, you have more control over material choices. In geotechnical engineering, the challenge lies in working with the existing soil and foundation, which varies by location. It's a unique challenge for engineers."

She found that her background in structural engineering enriched her work in geotechnical engineering. After completing her Ph.D., she worked on engineering projects involving building foundations, embankment retaining walls, and tunnels.

"The foundation is an integral part of the structure," she noted. 

Dr. Wang spent over a decade as a Senior Civil Engineer at AECOM in London, contributing to several large-scale infrastructure projects. This experience deepened her awareness of the environmental dimensions of geotechnical engineering. "You can’t escape it," she said. That’s why her research now focuses on the relationship between geotechnical work and the environment.

"The soil and foundation are crucial for agriculture, living, and sustainability. I'm investigating various factors related to climate change and environmental sustainability."

She frequently draws on her practical engineering experience in her academic work.

"In engineering, it's essential to combine research with real-world practice. Focusing solely on research can lead to a disconnect. Even now, I aim to apply my research to solve practical engineering problems. I believe that’s the best way for engineers to contribute," she emphasized.

Dr. Wang chose New York Tech in part due to its location in New York, a global hub. But she opted for the quieter setting of the Long Island campus.

"Living in the city might be too stressful, given my already busy life in Beijing. NYIT's Long Island campus offers more space and a relaxing environment," she explained.

Her primary reason, however, was the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Wei Zeng, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

"I reviewed his Google Scholar profile and found his research to be advanced and intriguing. He's very supportive and patient. I contacted his team, was fortunate to receive his sponsorship, and now I’m here!" she shared.

Now halfway through her exchange, Dr. Wang looks forward to continuing her research and potentially submitting papers for publication later this year. In April, she hosted a research seminar titled "Non-Coaxiality of Granular Materials in Discrete Element Method (DEM)," where she presented her work on the behavior of non-spherical elements in soil simulations using DEM, with a focus on real-world applications.

Dr. Wang has thoroughly enjoyed her experience at New York Tech. She attends Dr. Zeng’s weekly group meetings and values the collaborative spirit they foster.

"The research atmosphere here is excellent. I have colleagues from engineering and computer science, and we can discuss topics and exchange ideas, which is very beneficial," she said.

Once her time in New York concludes, Dr. Wang has no plans to slow down:

"I aim to continue making progress and advancements in my work," she concluded with determination.

^{This article was contributed by Sophie Yoakum, Programs & Retention Coordinator, College of Engineering and Computing Sciences.}