After receiving his Ph.D. in 2006 from SJTU, Dr. Zhang performed postdoctoral work at School of Environmental Science and Engineering of SJTU and since 2009 he has been on the faculty at SJTU. From August 2010 to Nov. 2011, he was employed at BCAST of Brunel University as research fellow. His primary research focus is on metal matrix composites (MMCs), including synthesis of in-situ particles reinforced Al MMCs, the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of MMCs, solidification behavior of MMCs, and grain refinement of aluminum alloys. Current research investigations involve mechanical-functional metal matrix composites materials, functional Al composites with high thermal conductivity and low expansion, and investigation of microstructure effects on the properties of TiO2 photocatalytic materials, and hydrogen generation materials.