Department News

Zhang joins IMSE faculty as assistant professor

Since he first arrived at Kansas State University, Meng (Peter) Zhang has held a number of titles in the industrial and manufacturing systems engineering (IMSE) department, including PhD student, postdoc and visiting assistant professor.

Now the department is excited to award him another one: assistant professor.

“We couldn’t be happier to keep Peter as a member of our faculty,” IMSE department head Brad Kramer said. “He’s an outstanding teacher and researcher, and has proven his dedication to this department time and time again.”

Zhang has been involved with the IMSE department since completing his Ph.D. in industrial engineering in 2014. After graduating, he became a postdoctoral researcher and in January 2015 was hired as a visiting assistant professor.

Before accepting the latest position with IMSE, Zhang had been looking at several other faculty positions around the country. But when the position opened at K-State, he jumped at the chance to stay at the place he already knew and loved.

“I have so many enjoyable memories here,” Zhang said. “At the top of that list are all the people I’ve met and worked with.”

Those people include his wife, Xiaoxu (Vicki) Song, who also earned her Ph.D. here and now works as a postdoctoral researcher.

“It is total serendipity, a true honor, and the highest acknowledgement of my efforts to be hired now as an assistant professor,” Zhang said.

Zhang has worked closely with IMSE professor Zhijian Pei, completing research in advanced biofuel manufacturing, additive manufacturing and ultrasonic vibration assisted processing. His current research projects are supported by three NSF grants and one K-State grant. To date, he has published 18 journal articles, 22 conference papers and a book chapter.

“I see a very promising future here,” Zhang said. “I’m so fortunate to start out my career as a young faculty member working with colleagues I admire and respect. My wife and I are both excited to continue our lives here in Wildcat nation.”