The Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at UC Riverside proudly celebrates two of its distinguished alumni who have become global leaders in clean energy and advanced materials research. 

Professor Aiping Yu, currently a University Research Chair and Professor at the University of Waterloo, has established herself as a leading expert in nanomaterials and energy storage technologies. Her groundbreaking work focuses on developing advanced materials for batteries and supercapacitors, contributing to sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

Joining her in this remarkable trajectory is Dr. Zhongwei Chen, a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and Professor in Advanced Materials for Clean Energy at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Chen is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and serves as Director of the Waterloo Center for Electrochemical Energy. His research has significantly advanced electrochemical energy systems, positioning him as a global authority in clean energy innovation.

Both Professor Yu and Dr. Chen earned their Ph.D. degrees from UC Riverside’s Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, where they laid the foundation for their exceptional careers. Their achievements exemplify the department’s commitment to preparing graduates for leadership roles in academia and industry, driving technological advancements that address critical global challenges.