Zhili Zhang works closely with Bredesen Center and UT-ORII leadership to further develop and grow the ESE PhD program, one of three joint UT-ORNL PhD programs. Zhang joined the MABE department as an assistant professor in 2008. In 2022, he spent time conducting his own research at ORNL as part of a sabbatical. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious B. Ray Thompson Professorship in recognition of his outstanding performance as an educator and research scientist. Zhang has taught and developed undergraduate and graduate courses; and supervised and mentored undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students. In his new role as ESE program director, Zhang will continue his appointment with MABE.