Dr. Gabe Xu wins $75K McMahon-Pleiad Prize from University of Alabama System in recognition of research contributions
Dr. Xu, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and NSF EPSCoR Future Technologies and enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP) UAH Lead, has been selected to receive the 2023 University of Alabama (UA) System McMahon-Pleiad Prize. The award recognizes contributions to teaching, research or service in alignment with the UA System’s mission, values and core principles.
Celebrating Innovation: The McMahon-Pleiad Prize, Where Visionaries Thrive
The McMahon-Pleiad Prize was created in honor of Trustee Emeritus John J. McMahon Jr. and his family’s contributions to the UA System and the state and is awarded annually to a faculty or staff member at one of the UA System’s entities: the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), UAH or the UAB Medicine enterprise. The honoree receives a $75,000 award, half of which is earmarked to furthering the recipient’s contributions through teaching, research or service.
“This isn’t a solo effort,” Xu said on hearing the announcement. “My success has been possible because of all the support, encouragement and mentorship provided to me over the years. I want to thank Trustee Emeritus McMahon as well as Chancellor St. John and the rest of the selection committee for this great honor. I look forward to continuing this important work.”
Last year, Xu also received the UAH College of Engineering Outstanding Senior Faculty Award during Engineering Week, the COE Outstanding Faculty Research Award during Honors Day and the 2023 COE Outstanding Faculty Member Award as part of the University Awards for Excellence. Xu’s research expenditures over the last 11 years total approximately $5.4 million, and he is the Principal Investigator on four major federal research grants, receiving funding from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Defense.
Dr. Gabe Xu’s Cutting-Edge Research Fueled by FTPP Initiatives and Collaborations
Xu’s research into atmospheric pressure plasmas has involved collaboration with multiple Alabama universities working to develop methods to improve plant growth and yield, as well as food sanitization. These collaborations have originated from the NSF EPSCoR award, Connecting the Plasma Universe to Plasma Technology in Alabama (CPU2AL), a 5-year collaborative agreement involving The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), eight other Alabama universities, and the CFD Research Corporation.
Awarded in 2022, Future Technologies & enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP) represents a new NSF EPSCoR grant, an Alabama coalition sharing the same partnership structure as CPU2AL. The cooperative agreement is managed at UAH and is supported by a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation and aims to transition plasma research into agricultural, manufacturing, space science, space weather prediction and other applications, establishing Alabama as a Southeastern regional hub for plasma science expertise and creating thousands of high-paying technical careers in the state and region.
As the leading expert in atmospheric pressure plasma (APP), Dr. Gabe Xu actively collaborates with institutions such as Oakwood University (OU), Alabama A&M University (AAMU), The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and Alabama State University (ASU). Notably, during his work in the CPU2AL cooperative agreement, researchers from various institutions utilized his expertise and experimented with plasma jets at the Plasma and Electrodynamics Research Lab (PERL). Dr. Xu’s team also contributed by constructing plasma jets for Auburn University and Oakwood University, providing material and guidance for replication. In the FTPP program, they developed a cost-effective plasma jet for ASU, enabling Dr. Komal Vig’s research activities. Currently, Xu’s role focuses on facilitating AAMU’s experimental work in his lab, along with maintaining and troubleshooting other plasma jet systems.
His work in laser plasmas is delving into physics of fusion energy and fusion propulsion, and his research in rotating detonation engines is seeking to create a novel propulsion system for hypersonic defense vehicles. He also works to build pathways to connect with the local government and industry community in Huntsville to help support research and student employment.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Empowering Through Student Mentorship
Dr. Robert Frederick, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and director of the UAH Propulsion Research Center, commended Dr. Xu’s selection as the prize recipient, noting his dedication to student mentoring and development of novel technologies that advance economic and defense needs. In the summer of 2023, Dr. Gabe Xu mentored students as part of the Regional Introduction to Plasma Physics (RIPP) internship program within the FTPP cooperative agreement.
“Dr. Xu’s driving motivation has been to develop the next generation of engineers, scientists and leaders,” Frederick said. “In addition to teaching courses and conducting transformative research, he also provides his graduate students with opportunities to develop their own knowledge and skills, present at conferences, build their networks and do interesting work.”
FTPP takes pride in all the work Dr. Gabe Xu has accomplished. We have no doubt that his research advancements will continue to grow and succeed.
FTPP Management Team