Dr. Rong Zhao, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia, where he specializes in renewable energy, nanotechnology, and additive manufacturing. With a strong background in chemical and materials engineering, his research advances solar and hydrogen energy technologies, bridging fundamental science with practical applications to drive sustainable innovation.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, Auburn University Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University
Roles
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, UDC, 2024-Present Postdoctoral Research Associate, Materials Engineering, Auburn University, 2019-23 Graduate Research Assistant, Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 2014-18
Courses Taught
Materials Science Photovoltaic Cells and Solar Thermal System Computer-Aided Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Experiments
Expertise
Teaching Courses Mentoring Students Supervising students completing lab research
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Nanotechnology; solar and hydrogen energy; metal additive manufacturing; chemical vapor deposition; magnetron sputtering; scanning electron microscopy; transient absorption; spectroscopy; selective laser melting; x-ray computed tomography
Leadership
Lab Instructor, Auburn University, 2015-23
Impact
Selected Publications
Zhao, R., Shmatok, A., Fischer, R.D., & Prorok, B.C. (2023). Linking alloy thermo-physical behavior to laser process parameters for density optimization in LPBF. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 129(7): 3171-3183. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-023-12501-y.
Zhao, R., Shmatok, A., Fischer, R.D., & Prorok, B.C. (2023). Investigation of causal relationships between printing parameters, pore properties, and porosity in laser powder bed fusion. Metals, 13(2), 330. https://doi.org/10.3390/met13020330
Zhao, R., Shmatok, A., Fischer, R., Deng, P., El Amine Belhadi, M., Hamasha, S., & Prorok, B. C. (2022). Employing spatial and amplitude discriminators to partition and analyze LPBF surface features. Precision Engineering, 78, 90–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precisioneng.2022.07.014
Zhao, R., Schumacher, G., Leahy, S., & Radich, E.J. (2018). Ni(OH)2 as hole mediator for visible light-induced urea splitting. The Journal of Physical Chemistry, 122(25). 13995-14003. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b01116
Selected Presentations
Zhao, R. (2018). Effect of particle size and passivation layer on carrier dynamics and PEC properties of CdS photoelectrode.Durham, North Carolina.
Zhao, R. (2018). Effect of ZnS and SiO2 thin layer on surface passivation and photostability of CdS photoelectrode.Seattle, Washington.
Zhao, R. (2018). CdS as holes provider for visible light-induced urea photo-oxidation.New Orleans, Louisiana.
