University of Texas researcher recognized for pioneering work utilizing nanotechno

(Embargoed January 13th, 12 a.m. CST)

AUSTIN – Guihua Yu, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, is the recipient of the 2021 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering from TAMEST (The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas). He was chosen for his revolutionary use of nanotechnology and conductive polymer-hydrogels to provide solutions to two of society’s biggest challenges: water sustainability and energy storage.

Dr. Yu’s approach of looking at organic nanomaterials and understanding structures down to their smallest scale has led to the creation of new multifunctional polymeric nanostructures and hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials with unique physical properties that improve efficiency and function.

Breakthrough applications of his work range from a new type of soil that can pull water from the air and distribute it to plants using super-moisture-absorbent gels to decoding new storage mechanisms of metal compounds with up to three times the grid-scale energy storage capability compared to materials common in commercial lithium-ion batteries.

“In eight years at UT Austin, Dr. Yu has become one of the top one percent most cited materials scientists globally,” said Keith P. Johnston, Ph.D. (NAE), Claire and Peter Buenz Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. “His ability to take advances in the structures of materials to give higher performance is helping us to see a greener energy future where smaller devices and earth-abundant materials could greatly improve batteries, and solar technology can produce water out of thin air to bring farming capabilities to areas not previously possible.”

Dr. Yu is one of four Texas-based scientists receiving the TAMEST 2021 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards for their individual contributions addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.

“Dr. Yu’s innovative research has harnessed the power of engineering at its smallest scale to solve some of the world’s largest problems,” said David E. Daniel, Ph.D. (NAE), 2021 TAMEST Board President. “We are honored to recognize Dr. Yu’s significant contributions to his field with the 2021 O’Donnell Award in Engineering. We look forward to see what world-changing solutions he will develop next.”

Dr. Yu will be honored at the 2021 O’Donnell Awards virtual ceremony on Wednesday, January 13 at 4 p.m. CT and will give a subsequent virtual talk on his groundbreaking research on February 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. CT.

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Media are encouraged to attend the ceremony and individual recipient research presentations.

Interview opportunities with Dr. Yu are available. Please contact:

Patrick Wiseman

Executive Director of Communications and Marketing

Cockrell School of Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin

Phone: 512-232-8060

Email: [email protected]

TAMEST 2021 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards Recipients:

• Medicine: Benjamin Arenkiel, Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine
• Research presentation: January 27, 2021, 11 a.m. CT
  Engineering: Guihua Yu, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
• Research presentation: February 10, 2021, 11 a.m. CT
  Science: Benjamin Tu, Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center
• Research presentation: February 24, 2021, 11 a.m. CT
  Technology Innovation: Christian A. Davies, Ph.D., Shell
• Research presentation: March 10, 2021, 11 a.m. CT

About the O’Donnell Awards:

The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards annually recognize rising Texas researchers who are addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.

Over $1 million has been awarded to more than 50 recipients in the categories of medicine, engineering, science and technology innovation since the inception of the O’Donnell Awards in 2006. Fourteen O’Donnell Awards Recipients have gone on to be elected to the National Academies, including three in 2020.

About TAMEST:

TAMEST was co-founded in 2004 by the Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison and Nobel Laureates Michael S. Brown, M.D., and Richard E. Smalley, Ph.D. With more than 300 members and 18 member institutions, TAMEST is composed of the Texas-based members of the three National Academies (National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences), the Royal Society and the state’s 11 Nobel Laureates. We bring together the state’s brightest minds in medicine, engineering, science and technology to foster collaboration, and to advance research, innovation and business in Texas.

TAMEST’s unique interdisciplinary model has become an effective recruitment tool for top research and development centers across Texas. Since our founding, more than 225 TAMEST members have been inducted into the National Academies or relocated to Texas.