In August, new assistant professor Boyce Chang joined the faculty in the department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). Chang brings extensive experience and research to the department. The following Q and A is a chance to get to know him as the school year starts.
Background and history
“I’m from Malaysia, and first arrived at Iowa State University as an undergraduate in Materials Science and Engineering. I joined the department after an inspiring talk by Iowa State’s international outreach program. This was where I developed the fundamentals in materials science, and I owe it to our amazing faculty in the department. I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in soft materials after receiving encouragement and advisory from several faculty on campus. Post-graduation, I moved to Berkeley as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory where my research specialized in the self-assembly of hybrid materials. This special relationship between university and government lab is synonymous to what we have at Iowa State and the Ames National Laboratory.”
Choosing Iowa State
“Iowa State is a special place to me because this is my hometown in the U.S. This coupled with the strength of our faculty and student body made my decision automatic.”
Research specialties
“My focus will be on soft and hybrid materials, however, I hope to build an interdisciplinary team.”
Looking ahead
“I’m most excited about working with students and postdocs, I look forward to their creativity and energy during lectures and lab work.”
What students can expect
“I aspire to be a professor that brings the best out of the students and help advance their careers. I welcome both questions and feedbacks to cultivate a conducive learning environment.”
Fun fact
“I’m a huge fan of Cyclone basketball, you’ll find me cheering at the Hilton Coliseum during game nights.”