Ying Yang

Dr. Ying Yang is a Distinguished Research Staff Member in the Materials Science and Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Her research focuses on the design and mechanistic understanding of advanced structural alloys for extreme environments, particularly for nuclear energy and fusion applications. She integrates computational thermodynamics, kinetic modeling, and advanced microstructural characterization to establish fundamental relationships between phase transformations, nanoscale precipitation, and mechanical performance. Her work has contributed to the development of several classes of high-performance alloys, including nanoprecipitate-strengthened copper alloys and advanced ferritic-martensitic and vanadium alloys for high-heat-flux and irradiation-resistant structural applications. Dr. Yang received her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and worked at CompuTherm LLC before joining ORNL in 2012. She has received multiple recognitions, including the ORNL Innovation Award and an R&D 100 Award, for contributions to advanced materials development.