Professor Yanfei Gao took up a new role on August 1 as Faculty Fellow in the college’s Office of Faculty Affairs and Engagement. In this position, he will contribute to the college mission while gaining experience and insight into college administrative functions.

Gao, a professor the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), joined the university in 2005 and has earned numerous teaching and research awards.

This one-year appointment supports Associate Dean Paul Frymier with focus on ensuring and enhancing teaching excellence throughout the college, developing high quality faculty professional development opportunities, developing and initiating college best practices for faculty hiring, and promoting college and faculty visibility with faculty nominations for major national awards.

“I am extremely grateful to Dean Matthew Mench and Associate Dean Frymier for this offer, and to MSE Head Veerle Keppens for accommodating my time,” said Gao. “I hope that my excitement can last this whole academic year, and our colleagues won’t be too much annoyed by my nagging emails.”

A second Faculty Fellow role will be filled for the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.