Dr. Yuan Yao

Biography

Yuan Yao is an Associate Professor of Industrial Ecology at Yale School of the Environment, where he directs the Center for Industrial Ecology. His research is motivated by the need to increase sustainable solutions that support industrial development without compromising the environment or depleting resources for future generations. He investigates how emerging technologies in industrial development affect the environment, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches in industrial ecology, sustainable engineering, and machine learning to develop systems analysis tools that support engineering policy decisions related to sustainability. Additionally, he develops new methods and integrated modeling frameworks to assess, advance, and optimize industrial systems for improved environmental and societal outcomes. His current research projects focus on bioeconomy and sustainable production. Yao has been recognized with the U.S. National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) and the Laudise Medal from the International Society for Industrial Ecology. He has also been named to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers' '35 Under 35' list of emerging leaders in chemical engineering. Dr. Yao is leading collaborative projects with U.S. national laboratories, private companies, and non-profits.

Research Interests