Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Dr. Manyu Xiao embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in mathematics and applied mathematics, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Three Gorges University (TGU) in 2003. She further honed her expertise by pursuing a Master of Science in Computational Mathematics at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), China, where she specialized in fast and parallel algorithms for information processing under the guidance of Professor Quanyi Lu. Dr. Xiao’s academic excellence culminated in a Doctorate in Engineering Science from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC), France, where she focused on multidisciplinary optimization with model reduction and parallel computing, mentored by Piotr Breitkopf and Rajan Filomeno Coelho.
Professional Endeavors 🧑💼
Dr. Xiao’s professional career is marked by significant academic and research roles. Since March 2012, she has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), China. Her research interests include efficient numerical methods, model reduction, parallel computing, mechanical optimization, and surrogate-based topology optimization. Her post-doctoral tenure at the Roberval Laboratory, UTC, France (2010-2011), and visiting scholar positions at prestigious institutions such as Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium; University of Alabama in Huntsville, USA; Queen Mary University of London, UK; University of Oxford, UK; University of Cambridge, UK; and University of Helsinki, Finland, have enriched her academic and research experience.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
🧑🏫🇨🇳Dr. Xiao has made substantial contributions to the field of computational mathematics and engineering. Her research projects have been funded by national and provincial foundations, reflecting her prominence in the academic community. Notable projects include:
🎓Development of kinetic models for silicon carbide composite materials based on data-driven methods (2024-2025).
📚Dynamic multi-fidelity reduction theory for topology optimization of large-scale structural dynamics (2023-2026).
🔮Stress-constrained topology optimization using reduced order models (2021-2022).
🏆Multi-fidelity reduced-order topology optimization for additive manufacturing (2019-2020).
👩🏫Her work often focuses on leveraging model reduction and parallel computing techniques to optimize mechanical structures and processes, significantly contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of engineering solutions.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
🧑💼Dr. Xiao’s excellence in research and teaching has been widely recognized. She received the Best Paper Award at the 6th Australian Conference on Computational Mechanics (ACCM 2023) for her research on large-scale 3D dynamic topology optimization. Other notable accolades include:
📚Third Prize in the 15th Shaanxi Province Natural Science Outstanding Academic Paper (2022).
🔬Second Prize in the Educational Achievements Award of Northwestern Polytechnical University (2022) for her innovative contributions to the full-English mathematics curriculum.
👩🏫Title of International Rising Star by the International Association for Computational Mechanics-Female Researcher (2020).
🏆Multiple awards for her teaching and supervision, including the Best Master Dissertation Supervisor and Best Thesis Supervisor at NPU.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Dr. Xiao has had a profound impact on both her students and the broader academic community. Her dedication to teaching is evident in her extensive teaching experience across multiple international institutions. She has successfully developed and delivered courses in numerical modeling, finite element calculations, functions of a complex variable and integral transforms, linear algebra, computing methods, mathematical modelling, and optimization.Her efforts to internationalize mathematical education are evident through various teaching projects aimed at developing all-English curricula and exploring internationalized training modes for mathematical talents. These projects have significantly enhanced the global competence and academic rigor of NPU’s mathematics programs.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮
Dr. Xiao’s legacy is characterized by her commitment to advancing the fields of computational mathematics and engineering through innovative research and exemplary teaching. As she continues to lead and participate in significant research projects, her work promises to further the understanding and application of model reduction, parallel computing, and optimization techniques.