Daoru Han

Dr. Daoru (Frank) Han is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he directs the Gas & Plasma Dynamics Laboratory. His research focuses on plasma aerospace applications, space propulsion systems, and computational plasma physics, with a strong emphasis on lunar surface engineering and high-performance computing for large-scale simulations.

Dr. Han holds a Ph.D. in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California (2015), an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Missouri S&T (2011), and a B.S. in Aeronautical Propulsion from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2009). His work spans plasma-material interactions, regolith beneficiation, and in-situ resource utilization for lunar exploration.

His recent research trends prioritize kinetic plasma modeling of lunar surface charging, electrostatic sieving for regolith processing, and development of advanced simulation tools like PIFE-PIC for plasma dynamics. He has contributed to ground testing facilities replicating space environments and explored innovative methods for lunar aluminum production via molten salt electrolysis.

While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his extensive publication record highlights contributions to plasma physics and space engineering. Advising and grant details are not provided in the text, but his lab focuses on advancing plasma-based technologies for space exploration challenges such as dust mitigation and resource utilization.