Chao Zhu is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at NJIT, serving as Associate Chair of the MIE Department and Director of the ME Undergraduate Program. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1991), an M.S. (1989), and a B.S. from Tsinghua University (1984). His research focuses on multiphase flow dynamics, thermal systems engineering, and desalination technology with applications in environmental engineering, energy efficiency, and nanoparticle synthesis. Key areas include vacuum-assisted spray flash desalination, aerosol transport modeling, and CFD simulation of complex thermal processes. Recent work explores system designs for multi-level vacuum generation, solar-powered condensation technology, and cough-induced aerosol transport in indoor environments. He has contributed to fluid catalytic cracking reactor modeling and nanoparticle fluidization techniques, with applications in chemical processing and renewable energy systems. Zhu has authored over 150 technical publications and holds multiple patents in desalination systems and vacuum technology. His research emphasizes bridging theoretical models with practical industrial applications, particularly in sustainable energy and environmental systems.











