Meet Outstanding Master's Mentor Dr. Daniel Gang

Dr. Daniel Gang is a recipient of the 2020 Outstanding Master’s Mentor Award. This award is presented to members of the graduate faculty with an exceptional record of fostering the academic and professional development of graduate students, particularly for graduate students in the master’s degree program.

Dr. Gang is the BORSF Endowed Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering.

He has served as the advisor for approximately 35 graduate students, 29 of whom were MS students.

Dr. Gang successfully engages students “in all phases of the research projects,” notes Dr. Ken McManis, professor and department head of the Department of Civil Engineering.

“He has been very supportive in mentoring and encouraging his students. All speak highly of his knowledge and the quality of his advice.”

Dr. Gang and his students have published more than 100 papers on their joint research. Graduate students also contributed to three US patents.

Dr. Gang has been principal or co-principal investigator for more than $9 million in grants. He values the pursuit of external funding in order to support graduate student participation in research projects.

“To solve diverse and complex environmental problems, students not only have to master relevant knowledge but also build up critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Dr. Gang says.

“I believe that involvement in research is one of the best ways for students to develop such skills at both undergraduate and graduate levels.”

Dr. Gang’s high profile research, such as his work on the Wave Robber coastal erosion project, has garnered media attention and exciting opportunities for graduate students.

Dr. Gang currently serves as the graduate coordinator for the civil engineering master’s program. Beyond advising his own students, he works with all incoming civil engineering graduate students through the admissions process and continues to serve as a main contact during their time in the program.

“My goal for graduate-level engineering education is to create independent and creative thinkers who will become competent engineers and independent researchers,” Dr. Gang says.

The Graduate School applauds Dr. Gang’s exceptional dedication to the mentorship of graduate students.

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