Materials Today’s Rising Star Awards recognize researchers in materials science and engineering who have demonstrated their capability as researchers with the potential to become leaders in their field. Among the seven chosen as this year’s awardees is Fulton Schools Assistant Professor Houlong Zhang, whose research focuses on applying quantum mechanical simulations, machine learning and quantum computing calculations to tackle issues such as hydrogen storage and direct air capture with the aim of achieving energy and environmental sustainability. Zhuang has more than 9000 citations on his 100-plus research publications and has earned positions as a Scialog Fellow for Negative Emissions Science and a Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials.