Texas Tech University

NWI Doctoral Student Recognized with 2016 Outstanding Dissertation Award

Dr, Jei Ding, TTU doctoral graduate 2015.

Dr. Jie Ding, a May 2016 graduate of NWI's doctoral program, was recently recognized with Texas Tech University Graduate School's  "Outstanding Dissertation Award" for 2016 in the category of Math, Physical Sciences and Engineering.

Dr. Ding worked under the leadership of NWI faculty affiliate Dr. Xinzhong Chen, Professor and Whitacre Faculty Fellow in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at Texas Tech University. 

Dr. Ding's dissertation title was "Extreme Response and Fatigue Damage Analysis of Wind-Excited Structures Considering non-Gaussian Load Effects."

The nomination packet submitted by Dr. Chen for Dr. Ding included the following:

"Dr. Ding joined the Civil Engineering PhD program at Texas Tech University in September 2010. He successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation in December 2014, and received his PhD degree on May 10, 2015. Dr. Ding's dissertation research was part of an NSF-sponsored project which focused on extreme and fatigue wind load effects on large flexible structures including wind turbines and tall buildings.

His dissertation research resulted in seven journal articles, all published in leading journals, including ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Structures, and Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics. He also contributed five conference papers and made oral presentations in national and international conferences.

During his study at Texas Tech, Dr. Ding exemplified all the expectations one might have for an outstanding Ph.D. student: exceptional academic accomplishments, keen intellectual curiosity, diligent in research and study, and excellent communication skills.

His accomplishments were testified by his receipt of the prestigious Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad in 2015."

Dr. Ding is currently working in a company in China.