Yan Wang

Yan Wang is the William Smith Foundation Dean's Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He leads the Electrochemical Energy Laboratory and focuses on advanced materials and technologies for energy storage systems, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and flow batteries. His research emphasizes improving energy density, safety, and recyclability while commercializing innovations through ventures like Ascend Elements and AM Batteries. He holds a BS from Tianjin University (2001), MS from Tianjin University (2004), PhD from University of Windsor (2009), and a postdoc at MIT (2010).

Research interests include battery electrode design, battery recycling processes, and fundamental electrochemistry. He has pioneered closed-loop recycling strategies and developed dry-powder electrode manufacturing to reduce toxic solvents. His work aligns with federal initiatives in clean energy, including solar panel recycling funded by federal grants.

• Awards: 2024 Boston Globe Tech Power Players 50, TIME Top GreenTech Company recognition (2024), William Smith Foundation Professorship
• Commercialization: Cofounded Ascend Elements (battery recycling) and AM Batteries (dry-powder electrode tech)
• Recent Milestones: 2024 Poland recycling plant deal, Georgia plant operational since 2023, $1.2M steel innovation grant (2024)

Labs/Teams: Electrochemical Energy Laboratory at WPI, collaborating with industry partners on battery tech and medical imaging systems. His work spans academic research and industrial applications, with patents in additive-manufactured electrodes and ultrasonic motor designs.