Xiang He, a doctoral candidate in VCU’s Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, has been selected to receive a prestigious Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad.

He’s research focuses on the rational design of metal-organic, framework-based nanomaterials for environmental and energy sustainability. His adviser is Weining Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering.

Established by the Chinese Scholarship Council in 2003, these are the highest awards presented to Chinese students who study abroad without government support. More than half a million Chinese students study abroad each year, making this award highly competitive. Recipients are chosen annually based on outstanding accomplishments in their academic discipline. Candidates from all fields are considered. He is the only recipient from VCU this year.