image: J. Ping Liu is a physics professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. view more
Credit: UT Arlington
J. Ping Liu, a University of Texas at Arlington physics professor who is working to develop stronger magnets for sustainable energy applications, has been named a fellow of the American Physical Society in 2013. Liu joined the UT Arlington College of Science Department of Physics in 2002 and researches the development of advanced nanocomposite magnets that have high performance while containing fewer expensive rare-earth materials. The advanced magnets can be used in nearly every industry and consumer device from computers to cars to medical imaging systems and cell phones.
In his more than a decade long tenure as a faculty member, Liu and his Nanostructured Magnetic Materials Group have worked as a leader in the research area and have carried out world-class work that has led to recognition from the American Physical Society.
A citation accompanying the honor noted Liu's "pioneering work in research on advanced permanent-magnet materials, including innovative work on bottom-up approaches to fabrication of nanocomposite magnets with reduced rare-earth content via novel techniques."
Pamela Jansma, dean of the UT Arlington College of Science, said Liu's latest honor is well deserved.
"Dr. Liu has been producing outstanding research in his field while mentoring students for more than a decade at UT Arlington, and he has remained continuously funded by grants that are a testament to his laboratory success," Jansma said. Liu's total research funds have exceeded $10 million including those of nearly $1 million received this fall from U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Defense and an industrial sponsor.
The APS represents more than 50,000 members of the physics community. The APS fellowship is an honor that the international professional organization bestows on no more than one-half of one percent of its members each year. According to the group, election as a fellow signifies exceptional contributions to the physics enterprise; for example, outstanding physics research, important applications of physics, leadership in or service to physics, or significant contributions to physics education.
Liu is the third APS fellow in the UT Arlington College of Science. The others are Andrew White, professor of physics, and Roy West, a retired professor and former department chair.
The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research institution of more than 33,300 students and 2,200 faculty members in the epicenter of North Texas. It is the second largest institution in The University of Texas System. Total research expenditures reached almost $78 million last year. Visit http://www.uta.edu to learn more.