5 Questions with Our New Editor-in-Chief
Get to know our founding Editor-in-Chief, Prof Cheryl Xu, as she answers 5 questions about her research experience and becoming involved with the journal.
What is your research background?
I am a full professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University. I am a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). I have served on the Fellows Committee of the IEEE Education Society since 2014 and chaired NSF’s 1st National Wireless Research Collaboration Workshop in 2015. I have 20+ years of experience in multifunctional ceramic materials, high-temperature wireless sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) for process modeling and real-time control. My research work has been supported by both government agencies and industrial companies. Most of my former students work in major high-tech and manufacturing industries, such as Google, Apple, SpaceX, GE, Lockheed Martin, Siemens, etc.
My research focuses on manufacturing multifunctional ceramic materials, especially their electrical/dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties and how to manufacture such materials for high-temperature applications. These studies provide great flexibility in design and manufacturing to meet a wide range of application requirements, such as high-temperature wireless sensor design for extreme conditions. The ability to effectively integrate these materials and technologies into applicable devices is critical for industry and federal government laboratories. Within the realm of advanced manufacturing, my research interests have continually evolved, always with the aim of applying the knowledge and experience to help bring engineering components and devices for next-generation energy, environmental, aerospace, and defense applications, with specific focuses on the following aspects:
• Research and development of novel multifunctional materials with desirable structures/functionalities
• Developing practical/robust manufacturing processes to transform new materials into engineering components and devices
• Understanding the fundamental physics and chemistry of advanced manufacturing processes
• Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) into manufacturing processes
What is your favourite thing about research?
My favorite aspect of research is the continuous pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Research allows us to explore the unknown, challenge existing boundaries, and contribute to the collective understanding of the world around us. It offers the opportunity to ask intriguing questions, design experiments or investigations to find answers, and engage in problem-solving that can have a real-world impact. Witnessing the evolution of an idea from its inception to publication and seeing how it can benefit society or advance a particular field is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, research fosters collaboration and communication, enabling us to connect with peers globally, share insights, and collectively work toward addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our world. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of research keeps it both intellectually stimulating and fulfilling for me.
What is the best advice you can give to early career researchers?
The journey of an early career researcher can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some key pieces of advice that I would offer to those starting their research careers:
• Passion and Curiosity: First and foremost, pursue research in a field that genuinely excites you and keeps your curiosity. Passion for your subject matter will provide the motivation needed to overcome obstacles and sustain your commitment over the long term.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network is essential. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to connect with fellow researchers and experts in your area of interest. Collaborations often stem from these interactions and can significantly enhance the quality and impact of your work.
• Effective Communication: Develop strong communication skills. Being able to clearly articulate your research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences is crucial. Effective communication enhances the impact of your work and can lead to collaborations and opportunities.
• Mentorship: Seek out experienced mentors who can guide you through the challenges of academia and research. A good mentor can provide valuable advice, introduce you to research opportunities, and help you navigate the academic landscape.
• Persistence: Finally, don't be discouraged by challenges and rejections. Research is a journey filled with ups and downs. Keep your long-term goals in mind, stay persistent, and have confidence in your abilities. Every researcher's path is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Adapt these principles to your specific circumstances and stay true to your passion and vision for your research career.
What are you most looking forward to in your role as Editor in Chief?
In my role as Editor-in-Chief for Nature Portfolio's npj Advanced Manufacturing, I am excited about several aspects and opportunities:
• Advancing the Field: I am looking forward to playing a pivotal role in advancing the field of advanced manufacturing. By curating and publishing high-quality research, I can contribute to the dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge and foster innovation in manufacturing technologies and practices.
• Promoting Interdisciplinary Research: Advanced manufacturing often involves interdisciplinary collaborations. I am eager to facilitate the integration of ideas and expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines, which can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and solutions.
• Enhancing Research Quality: Ensuring the highest standards of research quality and integrity is a priority. I am excited to work with esteemed groups of reviewers and editorial board members to maintain rigorous peer-review processes that uphold the credibility and impact of the journal.
• Addressing Societal Challenges: Advanced manufacturing has the potential to address pressing societal challenges, such as sustainability, healthcare, and industry 4.0. I look forward to publishing research that can contribute to solutions for these important issues.
Overall, my role as Editor-in-Chief presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and impact of advanced manufacturing research while fostering collaboration and innovation within the scientific community.
Why would you encourage authors to submit to the journal?
Researchers should consider submitting their work to npj Advanced Manufacturing for several compelling reasons:
• High Impact and Prestige: npj Advanced Manufacturing is part of the prestigious Nature Portfolio, known for its commitment to publishing high-impact research. Publishing in the journal provides a platform for researchers to showcase their work to a global audience and gain recognition within the scientific community.
• Rigorous Peer Review: The journal maintains a rigorous peer-review process conducted by experts in the field. Authors can expect constructive feedback and thorough evaluation of their research, which helps enhance the quality and credibility of their work.
• Interdisciplinary Focus: npj Advanced Manufacturing welcomes research that spans across various disciplines within advanced manufacturing. This interdisciplinary approach encourages collaborations and ensures that innovative and groundbreaking research from diverse areas is showcased.
• Global Impact: Nature Portfolio journals have a wide international readership. Publishing in npj Advanced Manufacturing allows researchers to reach a broad and diverse audience, facilitating the dissemination of their findings and potential collaborations with peers worldwide.
In summary, we welcome researchers to consider npj Advanced Manufacturing as a valuable outlet for their work due to its high impact, rigorous peer review, interdisciplinary focus, global reach, and commitment to supporting the research community. Publishing in the journal can enhance the visibility and impact of their research while contributing to the advancement of the field of advanced manufacturing.
