NYUAD Mourns Loss of Brilliant Post-Doc Researcher Dr Xiangyu Wang After Fatal Car Crash

The New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) community is in mourning following the tragic death of Dr Xiangyu Wang in a car accident in Abu Dhabi at the end of September. Mr Wang was celebrated as a brilliant researcher who dedicated eight years to the university, working at the Advanced Materials and Building Efficiency Research Laboratory (Amber Lab) alongside Professor Kemal Celik.

“Xiangyu joined my laboratory in 2018 as my first doctoral student and spent eight years with us, growing into one of the most talented young researchers I have known,” Prof Celik, associate professor of civil and urban engineering, shared with The National.

Dr Wang was honored last year as a co-recipient of the inaugural Bescher Award for Breakthrough Potential in CSA (calcium sulfoaluminate) Research. “His work on sustainable, low-carbon construction materials – from concrete made with local desert resources to 3D-printed low-carbon cement – earned international recognition,” noted Dr Celik.

Having completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in China, Dr Wang joined the university shortly thereafter. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from NYU Tandon School of Engineering and NYUAD in 2023, before continuing his vital research in the Amber Lab as a postdoctoral associate. By September 2024, he transitioned to a postdoctoral associate role within NYUAD's Shores Centre, concentrating on sustainable development challenges in desert environments.

Beyond his academic brilliance, colleagues remember Dr Wang for his profound personal impact on the lab. “What we will remember most is the person: quietly brilliant, endlessly generous, the colleague everyone could count on, with a warm smile that lifted the whole lab,” Prof Celik said. “He exemplified everything we hope science can be, and everything we hope a colleague and friend can be. His loss is immeasurable, and his work and spirit will continue to inspire our laboratory for years to come.”

University leaders Fabio Piano and Marta Losada shared their deep sorrow in a campus-wide statement, stating: “Xiangyu exemplified the best of NYUAD – bringing an international mindset, high potential to become a world leader in his field and dedication to finding solutions for local and global challenges. Our community has lost an exceptionally talented early-career researcher who worked to advance sustainable and innovative construction technologies.”

Fellow researchers and community members are currently organizing a memorial service to honor Dr Wang.