Dr. Jian He

Hi LaodiWish you happy in heaven . If want to back hometownleave me a message in my dream.
Please forward my hello to my aunt.

Jian was a learned friend, devoted scientist, and dedicated citizen of the world.

Jian was deeply curious about physics, and was always wanting to learn more. Because of his deep curiosity and as a result of our very many discussions about physics and culture, Jian became an active member of the Institute for Advanced Physics which created and fed a passion for understanding the fundamentals of physics as well as teaching them.

There will be a big hole where Jian once was.

I was touched by the following words:
Jian had two passions in his life. One was physics and the other was soccer. He loved to play and to watch soccer and spent many weekends on the soccer field with friends and his soccer family.
Lao He will be memorized as a great friend in soccer and a great mentor in work. Rest in Peace.

-From Siwei, a former soccer friend, and a coworker at Clemson.

To this day, I am still stunned by the fact that Dr. Jian He has left us. Dr. He was an erudite and fascinating scientist, and also a very interesting and lovely man. Although the main focus of his research was on experiments, Dr. He had a very strong theoretical foundation, which can be said to be rare among the experimental physicists. During the interviews and seminars, I have been guided by Dr. He several times and have benefited a lot. Dr. He was promoted to full professor in May of this year, and he just attended the graduation of his two PhD students on July. The joy on his face during the graduation ceremony is still unforgettable. Dr. He loved soccer all over his life. Clemson's soccer players and fans could see him appearing on the green field almost every week.
As an alumnus from Jilin University, I would like to express my deep condolence to Dr. Jian He. Wish he rest in peace.

Back in Clemson, Jian taught me to drive car, play soccer, enjoy the research and life. He was a great friend, wonderful coach and outstanding scientist. You will never be forgotten, rest in peace.

Dr. He is really nice and warm person. I still remember the lunches that we had together with our lab members and Dr. He's lab members at dining hall. Dr. He's favorite is mint ice cream. RIP

Lao He is a great scientist and a very nice tutor. I was deeply impressed by his profound physical background, great passion in science, and his wonderful class to students when he visited Wuhan. The most recent contact is in this June for discussing thermoelectrics. Hard to believe this news even for now and after watching the funeral online. He is a good people and will always be in my memory. I want to express my sincere condolences to Lao He's family members. May his soul rest in peace. His spirit is always with us.

Dr. He is is a great person. I always get wisdom and humor from Dr. He. He is not only a professor but a good friend to us. Wish physics and soccer are always with you. Miss you.

I remember our first trip together when you interviewed at Clemson, which would become a lasting home for you. We talked a lot on the two four hour drives - mostly about soccer, unsurprisingly, and also baseball which you managed to explain to explain to a belgian, a feat in pedagogy. Since, our meetings were few but happy ones, in Wuhan, Clemson, and some conferences. I won't forget how your unwavering cheerfulness and optimism always lit up the room. I will miss our happy banter, Lao He, may you rest in peace!

Back in Clemson, I played soccer with Lao He every weekend for over 5 years. Will remember all those good memories. Laohe, thanks for being my friends and my coach

I still remember that 10 years ago, on my second day in the US, Lao He was the first professor I met in Clemson University. His words and smile built my confidence and courage to start my journey in this country. He influenced me a lot on my personality. When I think about my every conversation with Lao He, it's like just happened yesterday. Prof. He, I believe you have started your new journey in another space, where you will make a lot of friends, enjoy your science and soccer. I will miss you always.

Jian working in Oak Ridge National Lab circa 2002.

We enjoyed having Jian in the group for his Ph.D. studies. He was an excellent student and became a first-rate scientist. He was taken from us too soon and we will miss him.

Every encounter with Jian, whether in our office doorways or in a meeting, began with a smile and something positive from him. He liked to discuss physics, of all kinds, and I learned something from him every time. Jian was always kinder, more considerate, and took more responsibility than necessary. I will long miss him.

We are all stunned and heartbroken by the news of Jian's sudden and untimely passing. Jian was a great scientist, wonderful teacher and a good friend. HE will remain a source of inspiration for all his students and peers. My sincere, heartfelt condolences to Ping and other family members. May his soul rest in peace. We will miss Jian dearly.

It all still seems surreal to me! Jian was a great scientist and a wonderful person. When I joined Tritt group, I had absolutely no prior background in Thermoelectrics, and I felt that I had a lot of catching up to do. Fortunately, Jian's office was right next door. He was always so welcoming and approachable. We spend countless hours discussing physics, analyzing data, and and working of various projects together. This wealth of knowledge offered by him brought me a sense of belonging in the group. I will forever be indebted to him for his kindness and help. He is gone too soon and we will terribly miss him. Rest in Peace, Jian and may you have a great journey ahead! We will be praying for the family to have strength to bear this loss.

You are my dearest brother-in-law. I know you didn't leave us but with us in another form. I will look at the stars in the sky every night. I know you should be one of them. We will take good care of my sister. Please Rest In Peace.

I was shocked and deeply immersed in grief these days. I could not believe Jian has passed way because of sudden heart attack. Jian is my bosom friend. He and Prof. Terry Tritt helped me so much during the early stage of my career. I read again our jointly published papers and paged through the photos full of memories. He was a distinguished researcher and often gave good advice to students. His leave is a huge loss to me and TE community. Rest in Peace, OLD HE.

I had the privilege to know Jian and to work closely with him while we both were postdocs in Terry's group at Clemson. Jian had always been an intelligent and dedicated researcher, and a cheerful and genuine person. He encouraged and inspired many people including myself. I still couldn't believe this happened to him Rest well, Jian, you will be deeply missed.

While he was younger, we fondly called him Lao He, and he seemed to enjoy the title. He had this rare ability to engage in a real conversation with pretty much everyone, including young kids. When he was in a gathering, there's no need to worry about awkward silences at all. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Lao He. We will keep Lao Du in our thoughts.

Eulogy of Professor He Jian, my dear friend and brother
Since 2009, Prof. He and I had worked closely. He visited Wuhan many times to give lectures. With profound physics prowess, he delivered vivid and humorous lectures to students, explained abstruse and difficult physics problems with concise and specific language. He was enthusiastic, patient, and rigorous in guiding students. He treated students in WUT like his own students. All the students here wish they could hear from him again and be mentored by him again!
Prof. He also cherished his life. As Professor Jihui Yang said, he was ardently loved football. Every time he came to Wuhan, he played football with our faculty football team and enjoyed beers with them especially in the hot summer after the game. Many professors in WUT were his close friends. For them, such loss is painful.
Prof. He also had profound knowledge about art and literature and was keen on poetry. I noticed that he was particularly fond of the works of Su Shi and Chairman Mao and I was impressed by his neo-comprehension and insights.
How I wish I could have such discussion with him again.
A man lives in memory may never die. He will always be in our mind and at our heart,
To Professor He Jian, my dearest friend, my brother, may you rest in peace.

Xinfeng Tang, Friend, Wuhan, Hubei, China, 20 October 2021

Eulogy of Professor He Jian, my dear friend and brother
In the evening of 15 October 2021, I was completely shocked by the news from my student that Professor He Jian had passed away and I refused to believe. Then hours later, Professor Tiejun Zhu from Zhejiang University called and confirmed the tragedy. It keeps too heartbreaking for me to believe it, even until today.
Prof. He died young. He was a talented, warm-hearted and loving person. It seems just like yesterday when I first met him at the Atlanta airport at the end of March 2010 when I was invited by Professor Terry Tritt to visit Clemson University, and the memory of us visiting the East Lake for tea and ice cream when he came to Wuhan for instruction and exchange is still fresh in my mind. During his last visit in May 2019, we made promise that next time, three of us, together with his wife, Ping Du, would visit Yellow Crane Tower, Three Gorges Dam, Wudang Mountain, and would enjoy some local snacks.
But now, all this becomes an impossible dream. Why fate is so cruel and unfair that it could let such a wonderful man leave the world. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the great loss of my dearest friend and brother, Prof. He Jian.
Prof. He was a world-class scientist on thermoelectricity, who made outstanding contributions to this field and to the development of China's thermoelectric research by strengthening the cooperation and exchanges between China and the United States on thermoelectric materials. The close cooperation with universities and research institutions with China has helped cultivate numerous domestic talents for his efforts.

I'm still in disbelief that we have lost such a great mentor, a great friend, a great person. I can still remember the conversation Lao He had with me when I hit the bottom of my life. Those words still encourage me to face life, enjoy life till today. Thank you Lao he and enjoy your new journey! We will always miss you

I promised Dr. He to buy him steamed stuffed buns in Zhengyangchun Roast Duck Restaurant whenever he was in Tianjin, and now I realize, that I no longer have this chance. Rest in peace, Dr. He.

Enjoying a few drinks with friends.

I miss Jian's smile and chatting with him. It was always a pleasure to talk and to play badminton with him. He was an excellent badminton player in our club, he played regularly for one year, but his love of soccer and work only allowed him to play badminton occasionally. My thoughts and deepest sympathy to Jian's family and friends, rest in peace Jian.

Dr. He is the most knowledgeable person with a humble humor I've ever met here in Clemson. When we tried to connect condense matter physics with solid mechanics, Dr. He is always sharp, right to the point and explains the complicate concepts in a breeze of humor and easy langrage. Dr. He, rest in peace and enjoy your soccer in heaven. We will miss you.

Jian was a kind, jovial, and friendly presence in the department, and I remember fondly the conversations - both science and otherwise - we shared around the department. Clemson lost a kind soul before his time. Rest well, Jian. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.

Jian was outstanding colleague and great friend. I will miss him.

Emil Alexov, colleague

Dr. He was a great person and scientist. He will be terribly missed with his encouragements and smiles in the memories forever.

Jian was a great friend and mentor. We had many good times together and I will always appreciate his spirit. He will be truly missed.

Jian was a Professor in the true sense of the word. Caring for his students, always preparing for his next class. I am glad I had a chance to know him. I will greatly miss our conversations. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.

I will never forget Jian's warm smiles and kind words. It was always a pleasure to meet him and chat with him in hallway. I also remember all the students chatting with him like he was a good old friend. He will be terribly missed by his Clemson family.

Dear Ping please accept my deepest condolences.

Honestly, I was shocked when I heard he passed. He was always a kind and gentle professor that I would see in the hallways of Kinard from time to time. He always had a pleasant smile and greeted you with kindness and as how you were doing genuinely each time regardless of how many years have gone by. Even though people would normally forget stuff like that it was that small gentle kindness that I needed to keep going for my PhD in those random times. I will never forget those random small acts of kindness he shared with me and I am forever thankful that I was able to have him there in those random times. He was a good professor, friend, and man.

I'll also never forget how happy and excited he looked when he talked about his fancy oven that he used to make very colorful and shiny sapphire. At that time five years ago I didn't know sapphire had more than one color so it was really cool hearing the tale from him about how he made it.

It is hard losing someone so precious in life like Dr. He. I know you are feeling it the most, but I'm certain that he would want you to live a happy and long life so you could tell him exciting stories when the day happens that it's your right time to meet him again. If you ever want a moment to talk with a fellow person who cares don't worry about the time: 706-799-9554.

Respectfully,

David McCall

I am so shocked to acknowledge the loss of Jian, my Old friend, that I cannot think even breathe.
We came to the united state in the same year, pursuing a Ph.D. in the same team. Jian is humorous. We were poor at that time. So, I ate a lot of chicken, which was very cheap, early in 1998. He said that if all the people in American eat chicken like me, there is not enough supply even we build chicken farms everywhere in the US. His last name is "He". We have another classmate with the last name "You". And we have a Chinese professor in our department with the last name "She". He made a joke of these last names and said every other people in the department are mad which these Chinese last names.
Still remember the day we cook, eat, and drink together. We stay up all night to complete our assignments. In the beginning, none of us have a car. We asked another friend for a ride to buy some beer. Unfortunately, our friend got a traffic ticket. Jian proposed that we share the ticket cost. He is a nice human being...

Oh man, still feel overwhelming and don't know what to say. Wish Jian rest in peace in heaven. Play a lot of soccer there, and live happily.

Forever friend

OLD HE left us forever. I promised that I would drink next time when he visits Shenzhen. This cannot happen anymore. Rest in Peace, my brother.

The condolence messages so accurately describe the Jian we all knew and I am reminded of our time together in Knoxville, Tennessee - Gone too soon - Has left us with a heavy heart - Rest In Peace dear friend

I am both shocked and saddened when I heard that Jian had passed away. The community has lost a good friend and great colleague. I have the great fortune of having known him and collaborated with him in the last few years. It is always a pleasure to be around Jian. In fact, Jian and I just started a new collaboration last July and we have been in contact since. Last Friday, it was a sad day in Charlottesville for me and my postdoc when we heard the very sad news from his student Allen. To Jian's family whom I have not met, I am extremely sorry for your loss. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. May my good friend Jian rest in peace.

Joseph Poon, a co-worker from Charlottesville, Virginia

Dr. He, with his sincere mentorship and kindness over the years, has helped me through many hurdles in life. He has been the source of joy and admiration for many, and he has given the utmost love and care to everyone he has come across. Rest in peace He Laoshi. You will be in my heart until the end.

I'll pass your spirit to my rest of my life, helping surrounding peoples.

Jian was one of the warmest people I have ever met. We played soccer together for 5 years, and it has become a habit to chat with him every weekend. I felt I could talk to him about anything no matter how embarrassing it was. He was like a big brother to everyone in the soccer team. He was and always will be a spiritual leader of the team.

My sincere condolences to Jian's family, colleagues, and friends. Besides being a prolific scholar, he was a bundle of dynamic kindness, optimism, and joy-- soft spoken but with a loud smile and laugh. My thoughts are with all those I know he touched inside and outside the Clemson community with his warmth, concern, collaboration, mentorship, and generosity.

Jian was a very reliable friend. He was also a great mentor and coach. Jian will be missed. Rest well.

Rest In Peace Jian!!! You influenced me and many others when we were in Knoxville. You will be missed and remembered!

Prof. He was a wonderful person. He was always encouraging and always eager to talk about Physics and soccer. He will be deeply missed.

Jian was a wonderful man. We will miss him so much.

Hi, Ping. I am so sorry for your loss. Jian He was a nice guy and good friend. May Allah reward him the paradise.
Ali Lahwal

Jian was a good soul. We had many laughs during our conversations about life and fishing. You will be missed. Rest well my friend.

Jian will be greatly missed in the Physics and Astronomy Dept. at Clemson. I personally will miss him. He was soft spoken and always kind to me. I had the privaledge of knowing and working with him for 16 years.

When I joined the Physics Department at Clemson 17 years ago, Jian and I became fast friends due to our mutual admiration for Peyton Manning and Tennessee football! He was one of the kindest, warmest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. Judging from his ever-present smile and upbeat spirit, I don't think he ever had a bad day! I will miss his jokes and his quick wit, and I will never forget his kindness. Kinard Lab won't be quite as bright without Jian's smiling face roaming the halls. I extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to all of Jian's family, friends, and loved ones.

It has been more than ten years since I left Clemson. It was like yesterday we work together on single crystals fabrication and we analyze thermoelectric data and found something interesting. When I was there, Jian is like my mentor, my brother and my guide. He taught me a lot of things about physics, about how to write papers, how to analyze data, how to read books, and how to be a good teacher, which helps me a lot in my career life. Jian and Ping also helped me a lot on my daily life. They took me to Outlets for shopping and it was them who sent me to the airport when I left Clemson. Nothing is enough to express my sadness when I hear about his passing. He will be deeply missed...

Clemson University

Still cannot believe this is real, cannot believe Aug 17 2012 was our last soccer game , my dear friend , you will forever live in our heart and never leave us!

Jian was a wonderful colleague who cared for all of us in the department. I only met him about a year ago, but I always felt like I had known him for a long time. He very quickly became a mentor and a source of inspiration to me, both as a scientist and a teacher. I feel like I lost a good friend, collaborator, and supporter. May he rest in peace. He will be dearly missed in our department.

Talking to Jian and seeing his smiles was like yesterday. Still remember the jokes that he made and everyone laughed. Working with Jian in the same committee was always an enjoyable thing. Jian was an outstanding teacher and scientist. Discussing the initial kick of Big Bang with him made me feel that I know nothing about Physics. Jian loved students so much and also loved by them. Jian and his wife, Ping, are the nicest and warmest couple I've ever seen in my life. We've lost a dear friend, a fabulous colleague who we could meet someday and chat casually at the hallway. He will be deeply missed ...

Lao He: You and your wife warmly welcomed me when I joined Clemson. I have not got a full chance to say thank you before I had to say goodbye to you 4 years later. Congratulations on your accomplishments on earth. I believe you are going to continue shining in Heaven! Thank You!

I will deeply miss his smiles when we met and for the engaging nature of our chats, whatever the topic. It was a great pleasure to get to know him a little as a colleague, and he will be in our hearts and minds as long as we will live. We lost a beautiful mind and a kind person who loved to cheer us up and always found the upside in any situation. I am deeply saddened about his passing. Dieter

I met Jian on the soccer field at UT before 2000. He was a great friend, a colleague at ORNL and someone who could make any topic interesting. He would come to watch soccer games when I took my kids to Greenville for tournaments. Last time we talked was a year ago when he was collecting pictures of dragon boat races for his beloved advisor Ward. There are so many things we could talk about! RIP my brother!

Jian was an excellent colleague and a great friend. I had the fortune of discussing the very fundamental aspects of the universe, life, and beyond life with him. No matter what you ask, he would start by saying "of course!" His passion for physics will continue through his students and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Jian is an amazing man. A genuine scientist made incredible contributions to his research field. An admirable colleague who was constantly supportive and inspirational. A warmhearted friend who brought wisdom and joy to our lives. He will be deeply missed. RIP!

a fun day with a great friend

As Clemson as it gets!

Ping,
I have lost one of my dearest and closest friends. I am still in disbelief. I would never have achieved so many things without Jian's contributions. HE shares in every one. He was a great mentor and teacher and had such a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of Physics. One of the best people I have ever had the honor of knowing.

To me, Jian is a great mentor, reliable collaborator, and true friend. He will be missed forever.

Back in graduate school, I enjoyed playing soccer with Prof. He. It was such a pleasant time. Rest In Peace, Prof. He.

For me, Jian is a professor, a teacher, a colleague, a friend and an old brother. I believe that one day we will meet again in higher dimensional space. RIP.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Praying for his family and friends.

Remembering Jian's nice and incredible soul, we all like play soccer and enjoy talking about soccer.
He will be so missed by our UT Chinese soccer team.

Jian touched so many lives with his kindness, wisdom and love. The happiness and joy he brought to the world never decreases by being shared.

Together we were in the same lab, same class, same conference, same dinner, same soccer field and same parties. Deep sadly but I have say goodbye to my teacher, friend and elder brother. May your soul rest in peace and may you still enjoy soccer in heaven. See you later.

Jian He was a world-class scientist, teacher, and mostly important a dearest friend. He will be deeply missed.

On behalf of State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis
and Processing in Wuhan University of Technology, I would like to extend our sincere
condolences on the passing of Professor Jian He.
Prof. Jian He was one of the great scientists who made exceptional contribution to
thermoelectric science and thermoelectric materials exploration. Quite a few research
from Prof. He and his team have become classicals in thermoelectrics. With that, Prof.
He was considered as a world-wide leader in thermoelectric field.
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and
Processing in Wuhan University of Technology is a key research center on
thermoelectric in China. He is also a close friend to State Key Laboratory of
Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing in Wuhan University of
Technology, and a guest professor in Wuhan University of Technology. In the past 20
years, he gave excellent suggestions to many scientists from China, especially from
Wuhan University of Technology, and many young professors on themoelectrics in
the State Key Laboratory have been working with Prof. He and learnt a lot from him.
With his great help, thermoelectric research in Wuhan University of Technology has
grown up and become an important part of worldwide TE community.
We have always appreciated Prof. He's wisdom and enthusiasm, and his firm
intention to help in our scientific endeavor. We will always cherish those
unforgettable memories of him. Please transmit to his family and colleagues all our
sympathy for their loss.

On behalf of Chinese Thermoelectric Society, I would like to extend our sincere
condolences on the passing of Professor Jian He.
Prof. He was one of the great scientists who made exceptional contribution to
thermoelectric science and thermoelectric materials exploration. Quite a few research
from Prof. He and his team have become classicals in thermoelectrics. With that, Prof.
He was considered as a world-wide leader in thermoelectric field. He is also a close
friend to the thermoelectric community in China, and an honorary member of Chinese
Thermoelectric Society. In the past 20 years, he gave excellent suggestions to many
scientists from China, and many young Chinese professors on themoelectrics have been
working with Prof. He and learnt a lot from him. With his great help, thermoelectric
research in China has grown up and become an important part of worldwide TE
community.
We have always appreciated Prof. He's wisdom and enthusiasm, and his firm intention
to help in our scientific endeavor.
We shall treasure all those good memories. Please transmit to his family and colleagues
all our sympathy for their loss.