Alumni Highlight: Dr. Shuhao Liu

This month's Alumni Journeys features Dr. Shuhao Liu, who is embarking on an exciting new chapter as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Tyler. Dr. Liu joined UT Tyler in Fall 2024 after earning his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and gaining postdoctoral experience at the University of Texas at Austin with Dr. Keith Johnston and Dr. Guihua Yu.

In his current role, Dr. Liu balances a full range of faculty responsibilities, including research, teaching, and service. He is passionate about teaching undergraduate courses such as mass transfer, thermodynamics, and chemical engineering lab, while also mentoring master’s students on their research projects. Dr. Liu’s early research interests continue to focus on advanced surface coatings, nanoparticles, and interfacial phenomena—areas he first explored at Texas A&M. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Liu actively reviews journal articles, evaluates federal grant proposals, and serves on university committees, including admissions and graduate student academic panels. Above all, he is dedicated to supporting students as they navigate their academic and research journeys.

Dr. Liu began his academic journey at Texas A&M University in Fall 2016, enrolling in the Master of Science program in Materials Science and Engineering under the mentorship of Dr. Akbulut. He earned his master’s degree in 2018, and subsequently continued his Ph.D. studies in the Department of Chemical Engineering, graduating in Fall 2022.

Dr. Liu reflects that his nearly seven years at Texas A&M shaped him profoundly, both professionally and personally. “Collaborating with more than 20 Ph.D. students and seven faculty members across diverse disciplines taught me the importance of interdisciplinary research and communication,” he shares. His prolific publication record—around 25 peer-reviewed journal articles—was built through teamwork and support from his advisors. He presented his research at major conferences such as AIChE, IFT, and SPE, opportunities that strengthened his professional credentials and opened doors during his job search. These experiences enhanced his technical expertise and communication skills, both of which are essential in academia where collaboration and networking are key.

Though Dr. Liu did not participate in student organizations directly,however, he benefited from the advice and resources shared by colleagues involved in groups such as CHEGSA, especially regarding job searching and professional development. “Texas A&M felt like a big family,” he says. “The long-term support and strong connections within the Aggie community were invaluable, whether during my job search or as I began new research Projects.”

Dr. Liu offers this advice to current graduate students: “Don’t hesitate to ask for help— many kind people are willing to support you. Focus on presenting your work, publishing, building your network, and embracing every opportunity. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; be patient and persistent, and success will follow.”