Han Gao
Title(s):
Assistant Professor
Office
2247 Howe
Information
Fall 2025 New Faculty Spotlight:
Education
B.S. in Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power (2016); M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, Washington University in St. Louis (2018); Ph.D. in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame (2023); Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University (2025)
Research focus
AI-driven computational methods for PDE-governed systems, with applications in fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and interdisciplinary engineering problems.
Joins Iowa State from
Working at Harvard University as postdoc.
What makes you most excited to join the Cyclone Engineering community here at Iowa State?
I am most excited about joining a vibrant engineering community that values innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. The college’s strong culture of teamwork and its commitment to advancing both fundamental research and practical engineering solutions align perfectly with my vision for impactful scholarship and education.
Describe a moment that makes you particularly proud of your career path in educating tomorrow’s engineers.
I am particularly proud when I see my students mastering AI and computational skills that empower them to tackle complex, real-world engineering challenges. Guiding them to connect theory with cutting-edge tools—and watching them confidently apply this knowledge to address future problems—reinforces my belief in the transformative power of education.
How do you hope your teaching and/or research discoveries impact the world?
I hope my research—integrating AI with advanced computational methods—enables faster, more accurate, and more accessible simulations for complex engineering systems, empowering industries and policymakers to make better-informed decisions. In teaching, I strive to instill both technical expertise in AI and computational science, along with critical thinking, so students can harness emerging technologies to tackle global challenges with creativity and responsibility.
What kind of classroom and teaching experience do you look forward to creating at Iowa State?
I aim to deliver knowledge in a clear and efficient way, reducing unnecessary burdens on students while providing real-world, hands-on experiences in coding on computational methods and AI.