Zhiyong Dai is currently serving as an Associate Professor at Bohai Shipbuilding Vocational College, where he has made significant contributions in the field of materials science and engineering, particularly in welding and high-temperature resistant alloys. With a solid academic background culminating in a Doctorate in Materials Processing Engineering from Shenyang University of Technology (2024), he has combined theoretical knowledge with practical teaching and research experience. Over his academic and professional journey, Dr. Dai has been dedicated to both educational excellence and scientific inquiry. His teaching spans core courses in metallurgy, welding technology, and material properties. His research has produced impactful findings on the mechanical behavior and strengthening mechanisms of Inconel 625 and other advanced nickel-based alloys under extreme conditions. He has published in several high-impact journals, including Materials Science and Engineering A and Journal of Materials Research and Technology. His commitment to academic mentorship is evident from his active involvement in curriculum development and participation in student innovation projects. With a combination of applied industrial focus and strong academic contributions, Dr. Dai stands out as a valuable candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

• ORCID Profile

Education

Zhiyong Dai has built a comprehensive and specialized educational foundation in the field of materials science and engineering. He began his academic journey at Liaoning Petrochemical University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 2011. He continued at the same institution to pursue a Master’s degree in Materials Science, which he completed in 2014. His growing interest in the advanced mechanical and physical properties of materials led him to enroll in a Ph.D. program in Materials Processing Engineering at Shenyang University of Technology, where he completed his doctorate in 2024. His doctoral research focused on the hot deformation behavior, strengthening mechanisms, and creep deformation of nickel-based alloys—particularly Inconel 625—under high-temperature conditions. This advanced academic training has equipped him with a deep understanding of metallurgical principles, material failure analysis, and solidification theory. The progression from undergraduate to doctoral studies shows a clear and consistent focus on developing both the theoretical and applied aspects of materials engineering, particularly in welding and high-temperature applications. Throughout his educational journey, Dr. Dai has also completed various professional development programs in higher education and has earned a certification as a university-level teacher from the Liaoning Provincial Department of Education.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zhiyong Dai has accumulated nearly a decade of teaching and research experience at Bohai Shipbuilding Vocational College, where he began his academic career in January 2015. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor and has taught a wide range of subjects, including Principles of Metal Melting, Welding Methods and Technology, and Ship Materials and Welding Processes. His pedagogical work has focused on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, providing students with essential industry-oriented skills. Beyond classroom instruction, he has played a pivotal role in guiding students through national and regional academic competitions, often earning accolades for both students and himself as a supervising instructor. His professional growth is marked by steady career progression, moving from Assistant Lecturer in 2015 to Lecturer in 2017, and being promoted to Associate Professor in 2024. Additionally, Dr. Dai has actively participated in academic research and curriculum development, contributing to several internal institutional projects focused on vocational training, modern apprenticeship models, and school-enterprise collaboration. This professional trajectory reflects a dedication to both teaching excellence and applied research, reinforcing his impact on vocational education and positioning him as a candidate deserving of national academic recognition.

Research Interests

Zhiyong Dai’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, welding engineering, and high-temperature alloy performance. He is particularly focused on the development and performance evaluation of nickel-based and nitrogen-containing alloys under extreme thermal and mechanical conditions. His recent studies have explored the creep deformation behavior, intermediate temperature brittleness, and tensile properties of Inconel 625 deposited metal and similar advanced materials. His work contributes valuable insights into the mechanisms that govern strength and failure in high-performance alloys used in aerospace, marine, and energy industries. Additionally, Dr. Dai is interested in improving welding materials and processes, especially those involving flux-cored wires and laser positioning devices. He also engages in educational research related to vocational training models and the development of innovation-driven talent in technical institutions. His combined focus on fundamental material behavior and applied welding techniques bridges the gap between theoretical research and industrial application. With a commitment to both scientific advancement and vocational education, his research is aligned with national priorities for high-end manufacturing and skilled labor development, further substantiating his suitability for prestigious research awards.

Research Skills

Dr. Zhiyong Dai possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to conduct comprehensive investigations into material behavior and welding technologies. He is adept in high-temperature mechanical testing, microstructural characterization, and metallurgical analysis, including creep testing and tensile strength evaluation of nickel-based alloys. His research utilizes both traditional metallographic methods and advanced analytical techniques to study deformation mechanisms, phase transformation, and grain structure evolution under various processing conditions. He also has practical experience in welding simulation, laser alignment tools, and arc welding systems, contributing to the development of innovative welding materials and methodologies. In addition to his laboratory skills, Dr. Dai is proficient in academic writing and technical reporting, with several Q1 and Q2 journal publications to his credit. He has also led or participated in funded research projects focused on modern apprenticeship systems and industry-academia collaboration. His ability to integrate experimental research with educational innovation showcases his multidisciplinary skill set. Furthermore, he is competent in the use of English for academic purposes, and has passed CET-4, demonstrating his capability to engage in international research communication.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhiyong Dai has received multiple recognitions throughout his professional career for both academic and instructional excellence. His awards span individual achievements, team leadership in competitions, and excellence in innovation. Notable honors include a First Prize in the Huludao City Natural Science Academic Achievement Awards in 2017, and a Third Prize for Technical Innovation in Laser Positioning Device Development in 2023. As a mentor, he earned the Instructor Award at the National Nonferrous Metal Vocational College Skills Competition (Aluminum Welding, 2017) and has guided students to success in events such as the “Challenge Cup” Liaoning Province Undergraduate Academic Science and Technology Competition. Additionally, he has received awards for educational guidance and technical paper writing, including third-place honors in faculty skills and student mental health initiatives. His consistent recognition over the years underscores his impact as an educator and researcher. His patent contributions on novel welding alloys and preparation methods also demonstrate his commitment to technological advancement. These achievements reflect his ability to balance academic rigor with applied technical expertise, making him a distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Zhiyong Dai exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and educator in the field of materials science and engineering. His academic journey reflects a steady progression through increasingly specialized fields, culminating in high-impact research on high-temperature alloy performance and innovative welding technologies. With a strong portfolio of journal publications, patents, and successful research projects, he has demonstrated both depth and breadth in his scholarly contributions. Moreover, his extensive teaching experience and active involvement in student mentorship and academic competitions highlight his dedication to educational excellence. Dr. Dai’s work bridges the critical gap between theoretical material behavior and real-world industrial applications, aligning well with national goals for technological advancement and skilled workforce development. His recognition at local and national levels further attests to his professional competence and academic influence. Considering his contributions to scientific research, education, and innovation, Dr. Dai stands out as a compelling nominee for the Best Researcher Award. He has not only advanced the frontiers of his field but has also inspired the next generation of technical experts, making him a worthy recipient of this honor.

Publication Top Notes

1. Study on creep properties and deformation mechanisms of novel nickel-based deposited metal
   Authors: Zhiyong Dai, Rongchun Wan, Yunhai Su, Yingdi Wang
   Journal: Advanced Engineering Materials
   Date: 2025-04-22
   DOI: 10.1002/adem.202500182
   Type: Journal Article

2. Study on the tensile properties and deformation mechanism of high-temperature resistant nitrogen-containing nickel-based welding material deposited metal
   Authors: Zhiyong Dai, Yunhai Su, Yingdi Wang, Taisen Yang, Xuewei Liang
   Journal: Materials Science and Engineering: A
   Date: 2024-06
   DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2024.146671
   Type: Journal Article

3. Study of corrosion behavior of Inconel 625 cladding metal in KCl–MgCl₂ molten salt under isothermal and thermal cycling conditions
   Authors: Taisen Yang, Guiqing Zhang, Zhiyong Dai, Xuewei Liang, Yingdi Wang, Yunhai Su
   Journal: Journal of Materials Science
   Date: 2023-08
   DOI: 10.1007/s10853-023-08823-7
   Type: Journal Article