Haiyan Zhao

Dr. Haiyan Zhao is an Associate Professor in Chemical & Biological Engineering at the University of Idaho's College of Engineering, based at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies. Her research program focuses on electrochemical processing, nuclear materials, and sustainable energy systems with particular expertise in molten salt chemistry and rare earth element recovery.

Research domains include:

• Nuclear fuel cycle technologies and waste management
• Electrochemical separation processes for critical materials
• High-temperature materials behavior in extreme environments
• Carbon capture and utilization technologies
• Advanced reactor materials development

Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on molten salt systems for nuclear applications and sustainable materials processing, with innovations in CO2 sorbents, rare earth recovery, and corrosion mitigation. Teaches core chemical engineering courses including Transport Phenomena, Chemical Engineering Kinetics, and Nuclear Fuel Disposition.