SPDC’s Dong Zhao selected to be a 2018 MSU Academy for Global Engagement Fellow

Assistant Prof. Dong Zhao, PhD, in the Construction Management Program at SPDC, was named one of 12 fellows for the 2018 MSU Academy for Global Engagement program.

Photo of Dong Zhao presenting his research at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Dong Zhao, assistant professor of construction management, presenting his research at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

Assistant Professor Dong Zhao, PhD, in the Construction Management Program at the MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction, was named one of 12 fellows for the 2018 MSU Academy for Global Engagement program. He began his fellowship in January.

To strengthen and grow Michigan State University’s legacy of global engagement, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource’s Center for Global Connections and the College of Engineering’s Global Engineering Program partnered to create the Academy for Global Engagement Fellowship program.

This program is designed to empower early- and mid-career MSU faculty to become the next generation of groundbreaking global researchers, and help expand their scholarship worldwide. 

Throughout the year, AGE fellows participate in monthly seminars that include enhancing global research networks, engaging with mentors to develop new skills, communicating their science more effectively, and navigating the global grant system.

“I am honored and humbled to be an AGE fellow. I will improve my scholarship and expand MSU’s exposure in a global context through the fellowship. The AGE provides great resources for me and helps us to succeed, which is highly appreciated,” said Dong Zhao.

During his fellowship, Zhao is interested in expanding the reach of and honing his research expertise, which includes global construction, human-centered engineering and construction, integrating artificial intelligence and human factors with green building techniques in China, Singapore, Korea, India and other Asian countries, along with Australia and Germany.

His mentors are Venkatesh Kodur, a civil and environmental engineering professor, and Brian Pentland, a Main Street Capital Partners Intellectual Capital Endowed Professor.

The construction industry is international in scope and the workforce needs to become more globally competitive. Zhao’s research will extend the scope of human-centered buildings and cities in the U.S. to a broader context with more international collaborations.

Please join us in congratulating Dong Zhao for his achievement!

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