Research Fellow
Dr. ZHUANG Shiyu
Dr Shiyu ZHUANG joined Prof. Dai’s group as a Post-doctoral fellow from January 2026 (RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme). She obtained her PhD from Tsinghua University. Her research focuses on the early hydration and setting behavior of cement-based materials, with particular emphasis on the roles of supplementary cementitious materials such as metallurgical slag in regulating early-age reactions, phase evolution, and microstructural development.
Dr. XU Lingyu
Dr. Ling-Yu Xu obtained his PhD degree from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in December 2022, and worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Zhejiang University from March 2023 to February 2026, before joining Prof. Dai’s group as a research fellow. His research work focuses on low-carbon fiber reinforced cementitious/geopolymer composites and sustainable artificial aggregates.
Post Doctoral Fellow
Dr. ZHU Ji-Xiang
Dr Ji-Xiang ZHU joined Prof. Dai’s group as a Research Associate from August 2019. He obtained his MSc in Civil Engineering from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in July 2019 and PhD in 2024. His research work focuses on the use of high performance cementitious composites ECC and UHPC as permanent formwork for marine and underground structures.
Dr. ZHOU Chang
Dr. Chang Zhou joined Prof. Dai’s research group from April 2024 as a Post-doctoral fellow. Dr. Zhou obtained his bachelor and doctoral degrees from Southeast University, China in Dec 2023. His research interests focus on impact resistance of bridge and other infrastructures. Currently, he is engaged in recycling of wind turbine blade for highway guardrail to protect vehicle in crash accident.
Dr. LIU Xiaoyang
Dr. Xiaoyang LIU joined Prof. Dai’s research group from April 2024 as a Post-Doctoral Fellow (Hong Kong Scholar Scheme). Dr. Liu obtained his Ph.D. from Cardiff University, UK, in April 2020. His research interests include the FRP composites for new construction and strengthening of existing structures, analysis and optimization of composite laminates, time-dependent behavior of structures, AI-driven structural analysis and design.
Dr. WANG Jiehui
Dr. Jiehui Wang joined Prof. Dai’s group as a postdoctoral fellow at City University of Hong Kong in October 2024. She earned her Master’s degree in September 2018 and her Ph.D. in September 2021 from The University of Tokyo. Before joining Prof. Dai’s group, she worked as a research fellow at Shenzhen University, China, from 2021 to 2024. Her current research mainly focuses on developing advanced structural damage inspection methods, particularly structural health monitoring of FRP-concrete composite structures. Her work also includes computer vision and deep learning-driven damage detection techniques.
Dr. SHI Dan-Dan
Dr Dan-Dan SHI joined Prof. Dai’s research group from December 2024 as a Post-doctoral fellow. She obtained her PhD from Hohai University, China in September 2024. Her research is focused on the high-value utilization of solid waste in construction materials. Her current work involves recycling wind turbine blades for the development of high-performance engineered geopolymer composites (EGC).
Dr. LIANG Yi
Dr Yi LIANG joined Prof. Dai’s research group from October 2024 as a Post-doctoral fellow. She obtained her PhD from University of Science and Technology Beijing, China in June 2024. Her research is focused on the corrosion and protection of buried pipeline. Her current work involves corrosion assessment, intelligent monitoring, and machine learning of corrosion data.
Dr. WANG Xinming
Dr Xinming Wang joined Prof. Dai’s group as a Post-doctoral fellow from January 2026. Dr. Wang obtained his PhD from Harbin Institute of Technology, China in Sept 2025. His research focuses on the utilization of various aerogel/hydrogel materials to mitigate the autogenous shrinkage in high-performance cementitious materials and alkali-activated slag systems.
Research Associate/Assistant
Mr. ZHOU Ming
Mr. Zhou Ming joined Prof. Dai’s group as Research Assistant in Jan. 2026. He will receive his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology, P.R. China in June 2026. His research focuses on the meso-scale mechanical properties of concrete. Currently, he is working on the impact resistance of hybrid composite guardrails.
PhD Student
Mr. CHEN Chufa
Mr. Chufa Chen joined Prof. Dai’s research group as Research Assistant in February 2024. He received his Master degree and Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from Shenzhen University, P.R. China. He started his PhD studies from September 2024, and his research work focuses on carbonation of incineration bottom ash based eco-friendly materials
Mr. WEI Jiahong
Mr. Wei Jiahong joined Prof. Dai’s research group as a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Awardee in January 2026. He received his Bachelor degree in Science from the University of Washington. After graduating he joined the Institute of Chemistry, Henan Academy of Science as a research assistant. His research is focused on Self-Repairing Anti-Corrosion Coating based on Confined Solid-Liquid transition, Interlayer interface properties of basalt/carbon-based hybrid-FRP bars in simulated seawater sea-sand concrete pore solution, Passivation kinetics of Stainless-steel Bars in simulated seawater concrete pore solution.
Ms. CHEN Ziyang
Ms. Chen Ziyang graduated from Beijing University of Technology, specialising in software engineering. She is now working as a research assistant for Professor Dai, focusing on crack detection and will begin her PhD at City University of Hong Kong from September 2025.
Mr. XUE Sizhe
Mr. Xue Sizhe commenced his PhD studies in Dai’s research group in September 2025. He previously worked as a Research Assistant at both The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong under the supervision of Prof. Dai. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Central South University (CSU) and his Master’s degree from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). His research focuses on the development of sustainable construction materials.
Mr. YANG Dongjin
Mr. Yang Dongjin joined Prof. Dai’s research group as PhD student in 2025. He received his Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology, and master degree from China University of Geosciences. His research work focuses on pavement coatings.
Ms. XU Yi
Ms. Yi XU joined Prof. Dai’ s research group in September 2025 as a joint PhD student collaborating with Dalian University of Technology . She first obtained her bachelor’s degree from Dalian University of Technology. Following her undergraduate studies, she was admitted to the integrated master’s-phD program at the same university. Her research work focuses on the graphene-modified alkali-activated cementitious materials field.
External Member
Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Riaz
Dr Ahmad obtained his Ph.D. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), Shanghai, China in 2021. He completed his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore Pakistan, in 2017 and 2013, respectively. From 2013 to 2017, Dr Ahmad served as a lecturer at MNS University of Engineering and Technology, Multan Pakistan. He joined PolyU as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in 2021 and worked in this capacity until 2023. During this period, he also served as a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Tokyo in 2022-2023. Dr Ahmad research interests are primarily focused on the development of geopolymer and cement binders-based artificial aggregates, bio-composites supplementary cementitious materials, and waste utilization.
Dr. Yazan ALREFAEI
Dr. Yazan obtained hi PhD in Civil Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in 2021. He graduated with M.S. Degree (2016) and B.S. Degree (2013) from Kuwait University. Prior to joining PolyU as a Research Assistant Professor, he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at PolyU. Further, he worked as Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant in Kuwait University prior to joining PolyU. His research interests primarily revolve around chemically-activated binders, such as one-part alkali-activated materials and silico-aluminophosphate geopolymers. His target is to functionalize such binders in practical engineering applications. In addition, the utilization of recycled materials in construction is my target to promote sustainability and greener construction.
Dr. JIN Zhipeng
Dr. Zhiepeng JIN joined Prof. Dai’s research group from August 2023 as a Post-doctoral fellow. Dr. Jin obtained his Ph.D. from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU) in June 2023. His research interests include multi-functional coating and 3D Printing Ceramics. Currently, his research will particularly focus on radiative cooling and its practical applications.
Dr. PENG Kai-Di
Dr. Kai-Di PENG is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Prof. Dai’s group at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), a position he has held since July 2025. He earned his PhD from PolyU in 2022, following his MPhil (2017) and B.S. (2015) degrees from the University of Wollongong, Australia. Complementing his academic background is a distinguished industrial tenure at China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC), serving in key leadership capacities including Site Engineer, Deputy Project Chief Engineer, and Project Chief Engineer. Dr. Peng’s research focuses on advancing sustainable construction technologies. His current interests include the formulation of geopolymer concrete, ECC, and EGC for practical infrastructure; the performance of RC beams and columns strengthened with FRP-reinforced geopolymer systems; and the circular economy transition through the high-value upcycling of decommissioned wind turbine blades.
Dr. Chandra Sekhar DAS
Dr. Chandra Sekhar Das joined Prof. Dai’s research group as Research Assistant in November 2019. He completed his Bachelors from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Dhanbad) in 2019 and PhD from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2025. His research work is focused on corrosion study of reinforced structures.
Mr. Umar Hayat
Mr. Umar Hayat is a Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme awardee who joined Prof. Dai’s research group from January 2022 as PhD student. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, Pakistan. He completed his master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea. His PhD work focuses on atomistic simulation of cement based materials.
Former Group Member
Dr. Mudassir HUSSAIN
Research Associate (2025 -2025)
Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Hong Kong
Dr. LAN Jirong
Post Doctoral Fellow (2023 -2025)
Research Assistant Professor, The University of Hong Kong
Dr. LIEW Jia-Xiang
Post Doctoral Fellow (2023 -2025)
Assistant Professor, Lingnan University
Dr. Mingzheng ZHU
Post Doctoral Fellow (2023 -2025)
Associate Professor, Jinan University
Dr. YANG Lifu
Post Doctoral Fellow (2024 -2025)
Associate Professor, Jinan University
Dr. YU Xinxian
Post Doctoral Fellow (2024 -2025)
Associate Professor, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University
Dr. ZHANG Peng
Research Associate; Post Doctoral Fellow (2021-2025)
Assistant Professor, Dalian University of Technology
Mr. LIU Jia-Hui
Research Assistant (2023-2024)
PhD student, Zhejiang University
Dr. GUO Hongyuan
Research Assistant Professor (2023-2025)
Research Assistant Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr. KAI Mingfeng
Research Assistant Professor (2021-2024)
Professor, Jinan University
(NSFC Distinguished Overseas Young Talent, 海外优青)
Dr. SUN Yan
Research Assistant (2023 - 2024)
Assistant Professor, Wuhan University
Dr. YANG Ning
PhD Student; Post-Doctoral Fellow (2019-2024)
Professor, Qingdao University of Technology
(山东省海外优青，博士后海外引才专项)
Dr. PENG Rongxing
Post-doctoral Fellow (2023-2024)
Assistant Professor, Shenzhen University
Dr. IWAMA Keita
Post-doctoral Fellow (2022-2024)
Associate Professor, Hokkaido University
Dr. XUAN Qingdong
Hong Kong Scholar (2022-2024)
Assistant Professor, Hefei University of Technology
Dr. HAO Zhihao
PhD Candidate (2019-2024)
Post-doctoral Fellow, Tsinghua University
Dr. TENG Jincheng
PhD Candidate (2019-2024)
Post-doctoral Fellow, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr. HUANG Bo-Tao
Research Associate, Post-Doctoral Fellow (2018-2023)
Research Professor, Zhejiang University
(NSFC Distinguished Overseas Young Talent, 海外优青)
Dr. XU Lingyu
PhD Student (2019-2023)
Postdoctoral Fellow, Zhejiang University (博士后海外引才专项)
Dr. KHAN Mehran
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2021-2023)
Post Doctoral Fellow, University College Dublin, Ireland
Dr. WEN Kefan
PhD candidate (2020-2023)
Post Doctoral Fellow, University of Hong Kong
Dr. LIU Weihe
Post-doctoral Fellow (2021-2023)
Post-doctoral Fellow, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr. LAO Jiancong
Research Asssitant (2020-2023)
PhD Student, University of Hong Kong
Dr. QIAN Lanping
PhD candidate (2018-2023)
Assistant Professor, Beijing University of Technology
Dr. FANG Yi
Post-doctoral Fellow (2021-2022)
Assistant Professor, Hohai University
Dr. GUO Dong
PhD Student (2017-2022)
Assistant Professor, Guangzhou University (博士后海外引才专项)
Dr. JIN Yinfu
Research Associate (2021-2022)
Professor, Shenzhen University
(NSFC Distinguished Overseas Young Talent, 海外优青)
Dr. ZHANG Dongdong
Post-doctoral Fellow (Hong Kong Scholar) (2020-2022)
Professor, Army Engineering University of PLA.
Dr. KUMAR Sushil
PhD Student (2017-2022)
AtkinsRealis: Gurugram, IN
Dr. WANG Yanshuai
PhD Student, Post-doctoral Fellow (2015-2021)
Professor, Shenzhen University
(NSFC Distinguished Overseas Young Talent, 海外优青)
Dr. PENG Kaidi
PhD Student (2017-2021)
Senior Engineer, CCCG Real Estate Group Ltd
Dr. YU Kequan
PhD Student, Research Assocaite (2014-2019)
Associate Professor, Tongji University
(NSFC Distinguished Overseas Young Talent, 海外优青)
Dr. HUANG Junqi
PhD Student, Research Assistant (2015-2019)
Associate Professor, Hefei University of Technology
Dr. XUE Xiao
Research Fellow (2016-2019)
Research Scientist, China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd.
（四川省创新人才)
Dr. GUO Siyao
Post-doctoral Fellow (Hong Kong Scholar) (2016-2018)
Professor, Qingdao University of Technology (山东省泰山学者青年专家、山东省“优青”)
Dr. DING Yao
PhD Student (2013-2016)
Assistant Professor, Chongqing University (JSPS Fellow, NSFC Distinguished Overseas Young Talent, 海外优青)
Dr. WANG Tiao
Research Assistant (2013-2014)
Research Professor, Tongji University
(上海市青年人才计划获得者)
Dr. BAI Yulei
PhD Student (2009-2014)
Professor, Beijing University of Technology
(National High-Level Talent Special Support Program-Young Talents (万人计划“青年拔尖人才”); Beijing Distinguished Young Scholar, 北京市杰青项目获得者）
Mr. AN Xiaopeng
PhD Student (2014)
China Academy of Building Materials
Mr. YANG Xu
Research Assistant (2015)
Assistant Professor, Changsha University of Science & Technology
Dr. JI Jing
Visiting Scholar (2015)
Professor, Northeast Petroleum University, China
Mr. WU Jiangchuan
Visiting Scholar (2015)
Associate Professor, Jiangsu Ocean University
Dr. LI Xiaofeng
Research Assistant (2016)
Lecturer, Beijing Institute of Technology, China
Dr. XU Weiting
Research Associate (2016)
Assistant Professor, South China University of Technology
Dr. WANG Huaping
Research Associate (2016-2017)
Associate Professor, Lanzhou University
Dr. LIU Yunlin
Visiting Scholar (2017)
Professor, Anhui Institute of Architecture, China
Dr. WANG Hailong
Research Fellow (2017)
Professor, Zhejiang University, China
Dr. XU Yuye
Visiting Scholar (2017)
Professor, Huaqiao University, China
Dr. TANG Ning
Post Doctoral HK Scholar (2017-2019)
Professor, Shenyang Jianzhu University
Dr. QIU Qiwen
Post Doctoral Fellow (2018-2019)
Assistant Professor, Huizhou University
Mr. LIANG Zilong
Research Assistant (2018)
China VANKE Co. Ltd
Mr. YANG Zhuo
Research Assistant (2018)
Guangdong Architectural Design & Research Institute Co. Ltd.
Dr. LIU Yang
Research Assistant (2018-2020)
Project Researcher, Hong Kong Productivity Council
Mr. DONG Peng
Research Assistant (2018-2019)
PhD student, Southern University of Science and Technology
Mr. MOHAMMADI Mohsen
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2018-2020)
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Mr. WANG Xiao - hua
Research Assistant (2019)
Research Associate Professor, Tianjin University
Ms. WANG Li-Yi
Visiting Scholar (2019-2020)
Associate Professor, Fujian University of Technology
Dr. GAO Wanyang
PhD Student & Research Associate (2008-2015)
Associate Professor, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Ms. ZHANG Yuan
Research Assistant (2014)
Dr. WANG Wenwei
Research Fellow (2011, 2013)
Professor, Southeast University, China
Dr. ZHENG Jianjun
Research Fellow (2013)
Professor, Zhengjiang Institute of Technology, China
Dr. SUN Dianyu
MPhil Student (2011-2013)
Engineer, Zhejiang University Design Institute of Architecture
Dr. SUN Xiaoyan
Research Assistant (2013)
Associate Professor, Zhenjiang University
Dr. Duan An
Research Assistant (2012)
Associate Professor, Zhenjiang University
Dr. LI Tao
Research Assistant (2012)
Dr. NI Jing
Research Assistant (2013)
Dr. DING Zhu
Research Fellow (2012)
Professor, Shenzhen University
Dr. HOU Xiaomeng
Research Associate (2011)
Professor, Harbin Institute of Technology, China
Mr. MUNIR Sarfaraz
PhD student (2011)
Dr. WANG Guoling
Research Associate (2009-2010)
Associate Professor, Shanghai Institute of Technology
Dr. LONG Yueling
Research Assistant (2009)
Associate Professor, Guangdong Institute of Technology
Dr. LIU Yongjie
Research Assistant (2008)
Professor, Sichuan University
（National High-level Talent Special Support Program-Young Talents, 国家级人才计划青年学者）