Dong Zhao

Contact Information

Human Ecology Building
552 W Circle
Room: 113
East Lansing , MI 48824

(517) 432-3242

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

  1. 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. PNAS, 123(22), e2535714123. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2535714123
  2. Shu, L. & Zhao, D. (2026). Scalable computational framework for evaluating residential energy retrofits across diverse climates and occupant behaviors. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 40(5), 04026054.
    https://doi.org/10.1061/JCCEE5.CPENG-6899
  3. 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. Journal of Management in Engineering, 42(1), 0402505304025053.
    https://doi.org/10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-7010
  4. Zhao, D., Hu, H., Asiedu-Kwakyewaa, C., Durst, N., He, L., Beecher, J., & Shu, L. (2025). Electric vehicle charging infrastructure design: Expertise, methods, and challenges. Automation in Construction, 180, 106521.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106521
  5. 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://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2025.106417
  6. Shu, L., Zhao, D., Zhang, X., & Hong, T. (2025). IoT-based retrofit information diffusion in smart communities. Energy and Buildings, 338, 115756.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.115756
  7. Shu, L., Mo, Y., & 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

Google Scholar (Publications)

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