PhD students

We accept applications through the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduate program. Indicate Prof. Gao as a faculty of interest in your application.

Strong candidates have hands-on experimental experience, comfort with first-principles thinking, and curiosity about real-world impact. We work across batteries, electrochemical separations, and electrolytic manufacturing — say which excites you and why.

Postdoctoral researchers

Reach out to Prof. Gao on LinkedIn with:

• A one-paragraph research statement
• Your CV with publications
• Names of three references
• Your earliest available start date

Undergraduate researchers

We welcome undergraduate researchers — NSF REU scholars, capstone teams, and students through NC State's Office of Undergraduate Research. Reach out via LinkedIn with your transcript, a one-paragraph statement of what draws you to the lab, and which project on the research page looks most interesting.

Visiting scholars and high-school students

Visiting scholars and motivated high-school students (typically through summer programs) are welcome. Get in touch via LinkedIn with timing and a project interest.

Collaboration & industry

We work with academic and industry partners on batteries, electrochemical separation, and decarbonization. Reach out to Prof. Gao on LinkedIn with a one-paragraph summary.

Press & speaking

For media inquiries and speaking invitations, please reach out via LinkedIn with your timeline and audience.

The lab values intellectual honesty, careful experimentation, and a collaborative environment. We're committed to building a group where people from any background can thrive.