ProfessorDan Zhao

Professor Dan Zhao is a leading researcher in aerospace engineering and clean energy, internationally recognised for his contributions to low-emission propulsion, hydrogen and ammonia combustion, thermoacoustic instability, and aeroacoustics. His work addresses some of the most urgent challenges of our time: decarbonising the energy and transport sectors that cannot simply be electrified.

In 2026, he was awarded the ASME Per Bruel Gold Medal for Noise Control and Acoustics. It is one of the highest international distinctions in mechanical engineering, and the first time an academic based in Oceania has received this honour. The medal citation recognises his 'groundbreaking discoveries enabling control of carbon-free-fueled thermoacoustic instabilities; and for inventing transformative actively passive noise control methods and computational tools that yield quieter, cleaner aerospace and energy technologies.'

Since joining the University of Canterbury in 2017, Professor Zhao has translated his research into tangible benefit for New Zealand. He built, from the ground up, the country's first dedicated doctoral training pathway in aerospace propulsion, growing his research group from two students to over 14 PhD candidates and 16 senior research trainees. His graduates now hold key positions at Rocket Lab, Dawn Aerospace, Kea Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney Christchurch . This is a pipeline of talent that directly strengthens New Zealand's sovereign capability in advanced engineering.

His research on green ammonia combustion has directly informed regional energy strategy discussions led by Environment Canterbury and ChristchurchNZ, contributing credible engineering evidence to complex policy decisions. He leads an MBIE-funded $12 million programme on unmanned aerial vehicle technology, which has produced patented innovations including a chainsaw drone system now approaching commercial deployment.

Professor Zhao directs the Master of Engineering Studies programme, which has grown from 9 students in 2018 to 32 in 2026 and generates approximately $1.5 million in tuition annually. He founded the first AIAA student branch in the Southern Hemisphere, connecting over 100 students to global aerospace networks.

Professor Zhao has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles (h-index= 70,  >16,000 citations), secured approximately $20 million in research funding, and holds fellowships with Royal Society Te Apārangi, Engineering New Zealand, the Royal Aeronautical Society, and several other international academies. His service includes editorial leadership for major journals and roles on national research assessment panels for MBIE and the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

Professor Zhao's work sits at the intersection of research excellence, industrial relevance, and public good, thus advancing New Zealand's decarbonisation goals while training the engineers who will carry that work forward.