Zhichao Lai received his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2009 from Tongji University. He started his graduate work at Purdue University in the same year, and completed his Ph.D. in 2014 working with Prof. Varma in the area of steel-concrete composite members. Dr. Lai was an outstanding student, and received a special mention at the Structural Stability Research Council (SSRC) Conference in 2014 for his presentation and writing skills. He started his post-doctoral work in 2014, and worked extensively with both Prof. Varma and Prof. Connor on various structural and bridge projects from 2014-2018. Dr. Lai published more than 10 papers in top tier journals. Dr. Lai’s papers are cited extensively in the AISC Codes, and the basis of several provisions for the design of composite members. His work has directly influenced the design and retrofit of important structures in the U.S.

In 2017, Dr. Lai was recruited by the Government of China and Fuzhou University as the top young researcher in the field of civil engineering (structures). He was recruited through the China 1000 plan, which is extremely competitive involving interviews, presentations, research idea defense, etc. This is the top program from the Government to recruit the leading young researchers in their respective fields back to China. The 1000 plan bestows upon the recruit significant research funding, accolades, and the opportunity to lead their program into the uncharted future through innovation and international impact. There are very few civil engineering (structures) students recruited through the 1000 plan. But, this year, Dr. Lai is one of them.

In January 2018, Dr. Lai started as full Professor and Associate Director in Fuzhou University. He has tremendous opportunities and potential ahead of him. We are extremely proud of him.