Principal Investigator:
Dr. Tianlong (Taylor) Liu
Dr. Tianlong (Taylor) Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Western University and the Principal Investigator of the SustainAI Group. He received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, in 2020. Dr. Liu collaborates closely with various industries and has contributed to diverse interdisciplinary research programs spanning academia and industry, linking chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and biochemical engineering with industrial partners. His research lies at the intersection of AI and sustainable process engineering, with a focus on developing AI-enhanced process simulation, physics-informed machine learning (PIML) models, and data-driven optimization and control strategies for industrial and environmental systems. For more information, see page Dr. Tianlong (Taylor) Liu.
Current Group Members
Souvik TA
PhD CandidateResearch Interests / Specializations: My research is dedicated to leveraging the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence to develop superior, industry-oriented models. These models not only excel in their predictive capabilities, but they also prioritize explainability and ensure alignment with the fundamental laws of nature for greater reliability and coherence.
Miguel Pardo Gomez
PhD StudentResearch Interests / Specializations: Physics-Based Modeling, Microbial Fuel Cells, Machine Learning, Hybrid Modeling, Time Series
Biography: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 2022 and completed a graduate specialization in Statistics in 2024. I’m interested in working with data, building models, and understanding the behavior of dynamic systems. I enjoy working with time series, exploring how they change over time and how we can model and predict those changes. My work involves combining mathematical models with machine learning, always with an interest in making results interpretable and useful. I like clear ideas, well-structured code, and models that make sense.
Tailai Chen
PhD StudentResearch Interests / Specializations: Machine Learning in Biomaterials, Nanocomposites, Smart Hydrogels, Biomedical Devices
Biography: I received my B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Queen’s University in 2023 and am currently a PhD student in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Western University. Co-supervised by Professors Tianlong Liu and Jin Zhang, my research focuses on integrating machine learning with nanocomposite design, aiming to optimize the multifunctional properties of medical hydrogels. I am especially interested in predictive modeling and multi-objective optimization to accelerate materials development for healthcare applications.
Xiangyuan Huang
MESc StudentResearch Interests / Specializations: Physics-informed Machine Learning, Predictive maintenance, Wastewater Treatment, Decanter Centrifuge
Biography: Hello, my name is Xiangyuan Huang. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at UWO. My research focuses on applying physics-informed machine learning and process modeling to optimize instrument performance in wastewater treatment. I have a strong interest in sustainable water management, data-driven decision-making, and bridging engineering with AI. I'm excited to collaborate and learn from others in this field.
Wenzhe Fang
MEng StudentResearch Interests / Specializations: Machine Learning; Deep Learning; Automated Machine Learning (AutoML); Data Analytics; Internet of Things (IoT); and AI model Optimization/Design
Biography: Hello, I am Wenzhe Fang, a graduate student in Software Engineering at Western University in Ontario. I am proficient in Python, MATLAB, C, Java, and full-stack web technologies, with hands-on experience building modular, scalable applications. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Information Engineering, I have mastered digital signal and image processing, AC and DC circuit analysis, and simulation techniques. Through undergraduate and graduate projects, I have drawn inspiration and aim to leverage my multidisciplinary skills to address challenges in fields such as chemical engineering, data analytics, semiconductors, and AI, which are tightly connected with real-world issues.
Chao Li
Research Interests / Specializations: Machine learning, software solution/application design, and software quality assurance
Biography: Chao is a Master’s student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western University. He has over 15 years of hands-on experience in enterprise application software engineering, particularly in AI solution and application design, as well as quality assurance. His research focuses on applying AI in business contexts by integrating cutting-edge AI techniques with traditional software engineering methods to enhance efficiency and optimize workflows.
Evan Park
Undergraduate Research StudentResearch Interests / Specializations: My research focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to develop reliable, data-driven models that support water sustainability and environmental protection. I aim to create solutions that help monitor, manage, and preserve natural ecosystems.
Biography: I am an undergraduate student at Western University studying Chemical Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering. I have two years of work experience in the energy and AI sectors, with a focus on developing renewable energy solutions and applying intelligent systems to support environmental sustainability.
Mitchell Strasman
Undergraduate Research StudentResearch Interests / Specializations: Physics-Informed Machine Learning, Time Series Modeling, and Environmental Sustainability.
Biography: I am an undergraduate student at Western University, studying Chemical and Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering. My research focuses on applying physics-informed machine learning and time series modeling to improve the prediction of surface temperatures in the Great Lakes. I have a strong interest in environmental sustainability and renewable energy, and I hope to apply my skills in artificial intelligence to address environmental challenges.
Aakash Vajaria
Undergraduate Research StudentCameron O'Grady
Undergraduate Research StudentZiheng Wang
Undergraduate Research Student (U of Toronto)Research Interests / Specializations: Statistical Learning, Time series, Physics-Based modelling
Biography: I am an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying Statistics and Applied Mathematics, working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the lab. I’m interested in the intersection of statistical modeling and scientific computing — particularly how tools like Bayesian inference and time series analysis can be applied in physical sciences and engineering contexts. Outside of academics, I enjoy listening to classical music and reading.
