Mechanical engineering alumnus wins award based on Ph.D. research
Congratulations are pouring in for Clemson University alumnus Xinran “William” Tao, who is receiving an award based on research he did as a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Tao is receiving SAE International’s Russell S. Springer Award for his technical paper, “An Engine Thermal Management System Design for Military Ground Vehicle – Simultaneous Fan, Pump and Valve Control.”

Xianran “William” Tao poses with a pickup after receiving an award based on his Ph.D. work at Clemson University.
The article was published in SAE International’s Journal of Passenger Cars – Electronic and Electrical Systems and presented at the SAE World Congress. Tao’s advisor, Professor John Wagner, was co-author.
“This was a great article based on his doctoral studies and truly deserved by an outstanding young researcher,” Wagner said.
Tao is now a CAE (computer-aided engineering) engineer at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) working on electric powertrains.
SAE International is a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries.