The Adhesion Society is a community of scientists, engineers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing the understanding of adhesion phenomena and promoting the development of adhesion-related technologies. The Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society is a four day event that offers a two-day short course, poster session, exhibition, student award symposium and concurrent technical sessions.

This year's annual meeting was held in Savannah, Georgia where Hao Dong, a graduate researcher in the field of Chemical Engineering, currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Lehigh University, was the second place recipient of the Alan Gent Distinguished Student Paper Award. Alan Gent Distinguished Student Paper Award winners are selected (2 winners from 7 candidates) from Peebles award winners based on their presentations at the Adhesion Society Annual Meeting. The Peebles Award is given based on abstracts submitted by the students. 

Such a prestigious recognition within the adhesion community, is named in honor of Alan Gent, a renowned scientist whose contributions significantly advanced the field of adhesion science. This award is presented annually at the Adhesion Society Meeting to a student who has demonstrated exceptional research and academic excellence in the study of adhesion or related fields.
 
With a background that includes a Master's from the University of Washington and a Bachelor's degree from East China University of Science and Technology, Dong has specialized in polymer chemistry and soft solid mechanics. His current research is to understand and manipulate lubricated friction of soft materials. He has published 4 papers including two first or co-first authored papers since he joined Lehigh University in 2019. Hao's work is recognized by reputable journals, the Adhesion Society, and other professional bodies, reflecting his contributions in the field.

PhD Student
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering