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 received an award based on his Ph.D. work at Clemson University.

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.