Fanrong Kong graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Southern Methodist University with a Ph.D. degree in 2009. He joined ESAB as senior applications engineer of hybrid laser welding in 2013. Currently, he is global process manager of laser welding at ESAB Global Automation and manager of ESAB Advanced Joining Center at SMU. His research interests are focused on the fundamental study and industrial applications of high-power laser materials processing. He has published about 100 peer-reviewed articles and 3 book chapters.