ProfessorDan Zhao

Prof. Zhao, Chair of Aerospace Engineering and Energy, is a distinguished leader and researcher in aerospace engineering and renewable energy, recognized internationally with 11 prestigious fellowships, including the Royal Society of New Zealand (Royal Society Te Apārangi), European Academy of Sciences, European Academy of Sciences and Arts, National Academy of Artificial Intelligence (USA), ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (Singapore), Royal Society of Chemistry, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Royal Aeronautical Society, Engineering New Zealand, Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA), and the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration (IIAV), where he is a Distinguished Fellow.

Holding advanced degrees from the University of Cambridge (PhD) and the University of Manchester (Master), Prof. Zhao has an extensive academic and professional background. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and as a Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London before relocating to the University of Canterbury. He is a prolific academic with a remarkable track record of excellence. He has authored 4 books and 1 undergraduate textbook, holds 5 patents (including 1 licensed), and has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier SCI-indexed journals, including Nature’s family of journals. His work has been cited approximately 16,000 times, with an H-index of 70 (Scopus), reflecting his significant influence in the field.

As a dedicated mentor, Prof. Zhao has supervised over a dozen PhD and postdoctoral researchers. Many of whom now work as mechanical/aerospace engineers at Bertrandt in Ehingen, Germany, Rocket Lab, Dawn Aerospace, Kea Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney in Christchurch or Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Tokyo, Japan. Several of his former students now hold tenured or tenure-track positions at leading institutions across China, including Tongji University.

Under Prof. Zhao's visionary leadership, he pioneered the establishment of the first New Zealand-based branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. It is the very first in the Southern Hemisphere cultivating a vital international hub for aerospace collaboration. Through this platform, he has mentored over ten aerospace engineers who now hold key positions at prominent companies such as Rocket Lab and Dawn Aerospace. His continued service as an academic advisor for the branch underscores his sustained commitment to shaping the next generation of aerospace leaders on a global stage.

Prof. Zhao currently serves as the Director of Master of Engineering Studies at the University of Canterbury. His leadership extends to prominent roles in the aerospace community. He is an engaged member of the AIAA/CEAS Aeroacoustics Committee, the Associate Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics (Beihang University), and an Associate Editor for the AIAA Journal, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Journal of Thermal Science (Springer), Journal of the Royal Society NZ, Aerospace Science and Technology, Journal of Vibration and Acoustics (ASME) and Progress in Aerospace Sciences (IF 24.4).

As Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Aerospace Engineering (Wiley), Prof. Zhao lead the strategic development of the journal's editorial board, ensuring a balanced and authoritative representation of expertise. Under his leadership, the board has been structured to reflect the global nature of aerospace research, with approximately 35-40% of members from the United States, 25-30% from Europe (excluding the UK), 10-15% from the United Kingdom, and 15-20% from developing countries including China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. Reflecting this strategic direction, the journal has maintained a robust H-Index of 36 and achieved an SJR of 0.368 in 2024, underscoring its sustained impact and reputation within the Scopus-indexed aerospace engineering community. His focus is on fostering international scientific exchange and creating a collaborative platform that bridges established and emerging aerospace markets. By strengthening these global networks, Prof. Zhao is committed to advancing cutting-edge research and nurturing the next generation of talent to meet the evolving challenges of the industry.

Prof. Zhao has led and contributed to numerous research projects totaling approximately $20.0 million, sponsored by esteemed agencies including MBIE (NZ), Environment Canterbury Regional Council, Singapore’s Ministry of Education and Defense, and the Singapore Prime Minister’s Office (NRF). His pioneering research continues to push the boundaries of aerospace acoustics, aerodynamics, and related fields. He is a UC Research Medal winner, and in 2026 he received the ASME Per Brüel Gold Medal for Noise Control and Acoustics. It is one of the highest honours in the field. Established in 1987, this medal recognises 'eminent achievement and extraordinary merit' in noise control and acoustics. Professor Zhao is the first academic based in Oceania to receive this honour, and only the 32nd recipient in the medal’s nearly 4-decade history. He was selected for 'groundbreaking discoveries enabling control of carbon-free fuel thermoacoustic instabilities; and for inventing transformative active-passive noise control methods and computational tools that yield quieter, cleaner aerospace and energy technologies.' Advancing clean energy and drone technology through his innovative research in aerodynamics and carbon‑free solutions.