Jiao, facility director of the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory and NERS research scientist, is honored for his exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to research excellence.
Zhijie (George) Jiao, facility director of the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL) and a research scientist in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS), has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Michigan Engineering Staff Excellence Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individual staff members who demonstrate sustained excellence and contribute significantly to Michigan Engineering.
“Jiao’s role transcends the traditional boundaries of his position,” said Kevin Field, NERS professor and faculty director of MIBL. “He is constantly developing new techniques and research avenues for the laboratory, contributing to MIBL’s leadership in the ion beam and accelerator community. His dedication to student success goes beyond academic guidance; he invests in their well-being, ensuring a positive and supportive educational experience.”
Jiao is known for his mentorship and dedication to students and staff. Graduate students describe his guidance as instrumental in their development, citing his generosity with time, approachable demeanor, and commitment to their success.
“Jiao has been an invaluable aid in my research at MIBL, consistently going above and beyond to offer support and guidance,” wrote Justin Hamil, a PhD student in NERS.
Logan Clowers, a Rackham Merit Fellow and PhD candidate in NERS, said, “His dedication to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and supportive research environment makes him an exceptional candidate for this award.”
In 2024, he co-led a successful infrastructure grant proposal to the Department of Energy, securing funding for a high-energy helium source to study materials for next-generation fission and fusion power systems. The competitive nature of this award—granted to only a few institutions each year—underscores Jiao’s vision and strategic thinking.
Jiao’s contributions also extend to his role as a key representative of MIBL within the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) program, where he mentors external researchers, reviews proposals, and ensures high-fidelity experiments are delivered. Each year, he conducts dozens of lab tours for faculty, students, industry experts, and government officials, building partnerships and enhancing the visibility of MIBL and NERS.
During recent renovations in the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Building—home to MIBL—Jiao worked tirelessly to keep the lab operational, coordinating with construction crews and often working nights and weekends to keep experiments on track.
“Jiao’s exceptional blend of technical and leadership skills and his dedication to mentoring significantly benefit the University of Michigan,” said NERS Chair Todd Allen. “He truly exemplifies the values of excellence, service, and leadership that this award is meant to honor.”
Photos by Scott C. Soderberg