Kang is an associate professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy. His current research interests include functional materials for energy/manufacturing applications and biomaterials/biomechanics for injury and wound healing mechanisms. Before joining ASU, he was a leading scientist at the US Naval Research Laboratory. He is the recipient of several awards including the 2024 NSF Career Award and the postdoctoral fellowship from the American Society for Engineering Education.

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Education

• Ph.D., Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2012

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Professional Appointments

• Assistant professor, Arizona State University, Jan 2020-present.

• Research Scientist, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Aug 2015-Dec 2019.

• The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)-Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Research Associate, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Aug 2014-Aug 2015.

• Post-Doctoral Associate at Northwestern University, Aug 2012-July 2014

• Research Scientist, iNfinitesimal LLC, Skokie, IL, Aug 2012-July 2014.

• Summer Intern, John Deere Company, Champaign, IL, May 2008-Sept 2008.

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Awards

• NSF Career Award through the Advanced Manufacturing (AM) program, 2024.

• The U.S. Air Force Research Lab Summer Faculty Fellowship, 2021.

• FY19 Leidos Technical Publication Competition Award, 2019 ($5,000). 

• Best Poster Award at International Symposium on Traumatic Brain Injury Mechanisms and Protection, 2019.

• FY18 Leidos Technical Publication Competition Award, 2018 ($5,000).

• American Society for Engineering Education-Naval Research Laboratory Research Program Fellowship, 2014 ($74,872 + Research expense).  

• Best Poster Award at 2014 Nanotechnology for Defense Conference, 2014.

• Outstanding ME PhD Award for 2012 Graduates at UIUC, 2013.

• NSF NMC2013 Registration Award, 2013.

• NSF Student Travel Grants for the ASME IMECE Micro/Nano Poster Forum, 2011.

• Schaller Fund and Conference Travel Awards at UIUC, 2009.

• FMC Fellowship at UIUC, 2008-2009 ($9,000 + Tuition).

• Frank & Marie Wheeler Fellowship at UNL, 2005-2006.

• Exchange Student Fellowship (Tuition and fees), 2003-2004.

• Several Honor Student Fellowships (70% of tuition and fees), 2000-2003.