Hailei Wang

Hailei Wang is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at Utah State University. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University, an MS from Texas Tech University, and a BS from Southwestern Petroleum University. Prior to joining USU, he spent ten years as a research faculty member at Oregon State University and eight years as a mechanical and process engineer in the natural gas industry.

Dr. Wang's research spans thermal energy systems with focus areas including:

• Advanced power cycles using supercritical fluids
• Microchannel heat exchangers for process intensification
• Integrated clean energy systems optimization
• HVAC in grid-interactive buildings
• Supercooling-based thermal energy storage and desalination
• Boiling/condensation enhancement
• Heat transfer on superhydrophobic surfaces

His publications demonstrate strong focus on energy system optimization, nuclear-renewable integration, and advanced heat transfer mechanisms, particularly in applications for sustainable power generation and thermal management.

Notable scientific recognitions include:

• Faculty Researcher of The Year (2022)
• Graduate Mentor of The Year (2021)
• Undergraduate Faculty Advisor of The Year (2019)

Dr. Wang leads the Energy Technology Research & Innovation Lab (eTRI) with research sponsored by organizations including the Department of Energy. Current projects include high-temperature recuperator design for solar power and dynamic modeling of Natrium nuclear hybrid systems. He advises 14 graduate students and teaches courses in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and hybrid energy systems.