Wai Cheng

Wai Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Engineering, and serves as Director of the Sloan Automotive Laboratory since 2009.

His educational background includes:

• B.Sc. from California Institute of Technology (1974)
• M.Sc. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1975)
• Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1979)

Professor Cheng's research centers on internal combustion engines, with expertise in engine performance, emissions, and combustion science. His work investigates cold-start phenomena in gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, soot formation mechanisms, knock dynamics, and the impact of alternative fuels like ethanol. He integrates experimental diagnostics with computational modeling to develop energy-efficient transportation solutions while addressing societal environmental challenges. Recent projects focus on particulate emissions reduction and novel valve timing strategies for cleaner engine operation.

His publication trends (2016-2019) reveal concentrated research on GDI engine cold-start emissions, with 70% of articles analyzing particulate matter formation and mitigation during engine start-up phases under varying fuel and operational conditions.

Notable honors include:

• Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers (2003)
• SAE Oral Presentation Awards (2004, 2002)
• SAE Teetor Award (1984)
• Carl Richard Soderberg Professorship (1982)

Professor Cheng has mentored numerous graduate students through MIT's mechanical engineering programs and secured research funding from automotive industry partners. His institutional service spans the Graduate Admission Committee (1980-2010, 2011-present) and editorial roles for the International Journal of Engine Research (2002-2019).

He leads the Sloan Automotive Laboratory's multidisciplinary team in advancing sustainable propulsion technologies through engine optimization and alternative fuel research.