Yanna Liang

Dr. Yanna Liang is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Environmental & Sustainable Engineering at the University at Albany, where she has served since Summer 2017. She previously held academic positions at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2007–2017) and worked with the Environmental Protection Agency in China and the U.S. (1998–2006).

• Education: PhD (2006), MS (2003), and Postdoc (2006) in Bioenvironmental Engineering from Utah State University; BE (1992) from Suzhou University of Science and Technology.

Dr. Liang’s research focuses on sustainable environmental engineering, including PFAS remediation, microbial electrochemical systems for CO₂ reduction, phytoremediation of contaminants, and biochemical conversion of biomass to biofuels. Her work integrates nanotechnology and microbial ecology to address environmental challenges.

Her recent publications highlight advancements in PFAS removal using chemically modified sorbents, metal recovery from waste, and CO₂ valorization, spanning disciplines like environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, and sustainable design. Many studies explore adsorption mechanisms, phytoremediation, and biofuel production.

Scientific Awards include:

• 2023: Excellence in Research Leadership, University at Albany
• 2021: Best Paper, International Journal of Coal Science & Technology
• 2019: Outstanding Presentation, ACS Spring Meeting ENVR Symposium
• 2018: ABET IDEAL Scholar
• 2009: ASCE ExCEED Teaching Fellow
• 2004–2006: INRA Fellow

Dr. Liang has secured over $8.7 million in research funding from federal agencies (NSF, DOE, EPA) and industry. She leads the Sustainable Design Research Laboratory, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions for environmental sustainability.