Dong Zhao
Contact Information
Phone:
(517) 432-3242
Email:
dz@msu.edu
Adjunct Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Biography
Dr. Zhao's work focuses on human-centered digital and smart construction, using AI and data-driven computing to improve building and infrastructure systems. By connecting digital data to real-world built environments, he creates engineering solutions that increase energy efficiency, construction productivity, worker well-being, and occupant health. He is the elected Chair of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)’s Data Sensing and Analysis Committee. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and manages research projects funded by several federal agencies.
Education
- PhD, Virginia Tech, 2014
- MS, Chongqing University, 2007
- BS, Chongqing University (China), 2004
Selected Publications
- Xue, B., Zhang, J., Liu, B., Alberti, M., Fan, Y., Zhao, D., Grimm, N. (2026). Accessibility‒equality dynamics in urban blue and green spaces reshape human wellbeing, The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 123(22), e2535714123. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2535714123
- Shu, L.* & Zhao, D. (2026). Scalable computational framework for evaluating residential energy retrofits across diverse climates and occupant behaviors, ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 40(5), 04026054. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405469460_Scalable_Computational_Framework_for_Evaluating_Residential_Energy_Retrofits_across_Diverse_Climates_and_Occupant_Behaviors
- Hu, H. *, Zhao, D. †, Zockaie, A., & Ghamami, M. (2026). “AI-driven decision model for simultaneous site allocation and charger configuration in electric vehicle station design.” ASCE Journal of Management in Engineering, 42(1), 04025053. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926580525005618
- Zhao, D., Hu, H. *, Asiedu-Kwakyewaa, C. *, Durst, N., He, L., Beecher, J., and Shu, L.* (2025). “Electric vehicle charging infrastructure design: Expertise, methods, and challenges” Automation in Construction. 180, 106521. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926580525005618
- Hu, H. *, Zhao, D. †, Zockaie, A., & Ghamami, M. (2025). “Growth patterns and factors of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for sustainable development.” Sustainable Cities and Society, 126, 106417. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210670725002938
- Shu, L.*, Zhao, D., Zhang, X, & Hong, T. (2025). “IoT-based retrofit information diffusion in smart communities.” Energy and Buildings, 338, 115756. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378778825004864
- Shu, L.*, Mo, Y., and Zhao, D. † (2024). “Energy Retrofits for Smart and Connected Communities: Scopes and Technologies.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 199, 114510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.114510
Google Scholar
Awards
- MSU Camden Endowed Teacher Scholar Award, 2026
- Sigma Lambda Chi Honor Society, 2023
- Sigma Xi Scientific and Research Honor Society, 2021
- ASCE ExCEEd Teaching Award, 2021
- NSF CAREER Award, 2021
- Outstanding Reviewer, ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering & Management, 2021
- Outstanding Reviewer, ASCE Journal of Civil Engineering Education, 2021
- Best Journal Paper Award, ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering, 2016