Bert and Emelyn Christensen Professor Xiulei (David) Ji received the OSU Impact Award for Outstanding Scholarship. This award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship in a specific project or activity resulting in substantial impact beyond the university setting.
Part of the Department of Chemistry, Ji is responsible for groundbreaking work in battery science, particularly in sustainable battery and energy storage techniques. His work has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also had a profound impact on the broader scientific community, both within and outside the academic sphere.
Nominators noted he has consistently introduced innovative approaches, particularly in battery chemistry. His recent studies on zinc and iron metal batteries have fundamentally shifted how scientists approach energy storage, offering the potential to transform the industry by utilizing more abundant and cost-effective materials. These advancements, published in high-impact journals like Science Advances, have positioned Ji at the forefront of global battery research. His work is widely recognized, as evidenced by his impressive citation record of over 39K citations and an H-index of 87. This metric is exceptional and exceeds typical values, indicating his position as a leading expert in his field.
“Dr. Ji’s scholarly achievements represent the highest level in terms of creativity and productivity in the energy storage field around the globe,” one nominator wrote.
In addition to his research, Dr. Ji is deeply committed to public engagement and the dissemination of knowledge. His ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in accessible terms has earned him significant media attention, with features in outlets such as the Associated Press, Oregon Public Broadcasting and Science Daily. His leadership also extends to shaping the future of energy research. He serves as an Associate Editor for Carbon Energy and is a fellow of several esteemed scientific organizations.