Hui Liu

Hui Liu, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown. He holds a PhD and MASc from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and postdoctoral training from UC San Diego. His research focuses on biomass utilization (gasification/pyrolysis), machine learning, CFD simulation, and process optimization. Prior to academia, he worked 10+ years in chemical companies like Bayer Material Science and China National Petroleum Corporation.

Education:

• Postdoc: UC San Diego (2014-2017), Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
• PhD: University of Waterloo (2009-2014), Chemical Engineering
• MASc: University of Waterloo (2007-2009), Chemical Engineering
• BSc: Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology (1991-1995)

Research Interests:

• Biomass gasification/pyrolysis mechanisms
• Machine learning integration in chemical processes
• CFD modeling of fluidized beds
• Reaction kinetics and process optimization

Awards:

• Multiple scholarships from University of Waterloo (2010-2013)
• Walter Metzger Memorial Award (2011)

Grants:

• Pitt Momentum Funds (2023)
• University of Pittsburgh Research Council Grants (2022)
• King Abdulaziz University Distinguished Paper Grant

Lab Activities: Active in CFD simulations of biomass gasifiers and kinetic modeling of pyrolysis processes.