UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Duanchen Zhang has been selected to represent Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences as the student marshal for the college’s fall 2024 commencement on Sunday, Dec. 22, in the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.
Zhang will graduate summa cum laude with a 3.99 cumulative grade-point average, earning a bachelor of science degree in materials science and engineering. He selected Joshua Robinson, professor of materials science and engineering, as his faculty marshal.
“This honor reminded me of the countless experiments I’ve carried out and the hard work I’ve done throughout my college journey,” Zhang said. “I feel deeply grateful, not only to myself but also to my teachers, family and friends. Their encouragement and support are essential for me in achieving this honor.”
Zhang received numerous awards including the Evan Pugh Scholar Award, the President Sparks Award, the President Walker Award and the Provost’s Award.
Zhang also was the recipient of many scholarships including the AVX-KYOCERA Foundation Scholarship, the Fiedoreck Trustee Scholarship, the Ashok K. Moza Foundation Scholarship, the C. Philip Cook, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, the Charles D. Greskovich Memorial Scholarship in Ceramic Science and Engineering, the Alice A. and Howard W. Pickering Materials Science and Engineering Scholarship, the Mahlon Dennis Scholarship for Excellence in Materials Science, and the Matthew J. Wilson Honors Scholarship.
Zhang was very involved in undergraduate research. In his sophomore year, he conducted research in Stephanie Law’s research group working on solid-state single-photon emitters. During his junior year he joined Joshua Robinson’s research group and is currently working on the morphologies of epitaxial graphene under varying growth conditions.
“Dr. Joshua Robinson has been instrumental in my career preparation,” Zhang said. “He provided me with the opportunity to explore semiconductors and 2D materials through hands-on research, allowing me to lead self-directed projects. Through this experience, I not only gained in-depth technical knowledge of 2D materials and relevant laboratory techniques, like atomic force microscopy, but also developed critical skills in problem-solving and independent research.”
Zhang recommends the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences for students who enjoy science and engineering.
“From my perspective, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences offers comprehensive majors that explore various aspects of the earth and environment,” Zhang said. “If you enjoy science and engineering, with a special interest in how Earth systems, natural resources and energy shape our lives, this college would be an ideal place for you to grow.”
After graduation Zhang plans to pursue a doctorate in electronic and photonic device engineering.
“I am pursuing a Ph.D. degree in electronic and photonic device engineering, aiming to become an R&D [research and development] engineer in the field after graduation,” Zhang said. “Penn State has provided me with a strong foundation through its systematic hard-core coursework. More importantly, the abundant research opportunities, collaboration in the research groups, and access to state-of-the-art facilities allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to the actual practices. These experiences have prepared me as a skilled researcher, equipping me with the tools and expertise needed to excel in future research and careers.”
A native of Fujian Province, China, he is the son of Hongyan Shi and Shannan Zhang.