Shuting Xiang, a recent PhD graduate from Stony Brook University’s Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, received an Honorable Mention for the Distinguished PhD Dissertation Award from the State University of New York system, according to an April 7 announcement. Her dissertation, titled “Understanding Structure-Function Relationships in Single-Atom Catalysts for CO₂ and CO Conversion,” investigates how atomic-level structures affect chemical reactions.
The recognition highlights the importance of fundamental research in materials science and its potential impact on environmental sustainability. Xiang’s work examines single-atom catalysts—materials where individual atoms serve as active sites—and explores how their structure influences performance during reactions such as carbon dioxide conversion.
Xiang explained her research with an analogy: “You can think of structure like the shape of a key. If the key has the right shape, it can open the right door. Similarly, when a material has the right structure, it can achieve the desired performance.” She conducted much of her experimental work using X-ray absorption spectroscopy at facilities like Brookhaven National Laboratory to observe real-time changes in these catalysts.
Her interest in materials science began during undergraduate studies focused on water treatment using nanomaterials. “That was when I became really interested in materials science,” she said. “It allowed me to apply what I learned from textbooks to real-world problems and actually see what was happening.”
Xiang credited her advisor Professor Anatoly Frenkel and collaborative lab environment for helping her navigate challenges throughout her doctoral studies. “Of course there were moments where I felt stuck,” she reflected. “But whenever I brought my questions to my advisor, he helped guide me in the right direction.”
She described writing her dissertation as one of the most demanding parts of her PhD experience: “When you look back, you have so many results. The challenge is how to connect them logically and make the story easy to follow.”
Receiving recognition from SUNY was both exciting and validating for Xiang after years of dedicated effort. “I feel very honored,” she said. “I put a lot of time and effort into the application, so it means a lot to be recognized.” She encouraged current graduate students with simple advice: “Keep writing and ask questions… if you keep working on it and seek help when you need it, you will get there.”
