Biography

Dr. Yang is a senior research scientist in the Integrated Coastal Ocean Modeling group of PNNL’s Marine Sciences Laboratory. Dr. Yang’s primary research focuses on numerical modeling of hydrodynamic and transport processes in estuarine and coastal waters, nearshore restorations, tidal energy, and impact of climate changes on coastal regions. Dr. Yang is the lead modeler for the development of PNNL’s high resolution hydrodynamic and transport model and operational forecast system of Puget Sound and northwest Straits. Dr. Yang is currently leading the modeling efforts for environmental assessment of marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy devices and integrated assessment of climate changes in coastal zone. Dr. Yang has conducted many modeling studies on coastal ocean circulation, estuarine tidal dynamics, nearshore wetland restoration, water quality, sediment and fate transport, and effects of climate changes and sea level rise on nearshore habitat. He also applied numerical models to simulate circulation patterns, temperature stratification, water quality and suspended sediment transport in reservoirs and river systems. In addition, Dr. Yang has extensive experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, ocean engineering, wave dynamics, river flood and management analysis.

Research Interests

• Modeling of estuarine and coastal circulation and transport processes
• Modeling of sediment transport and water quality in estuaries, rivers, and reservoirs
• Modeling of marine hydrokinetic energy devices and effects on physical systems
• Assessment modeling of impact of climate changes on coastal region
• Modeling analysis of nearshore wetland restorations
• Variational data assimilation in coastal physical oceanography

Education and Credentials

• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology, 1996-1998
• Ph.D., Physical Oceanography, College of William and Mary, 1996
• M.S., Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island, 1992
• M.S., Physical Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, P.R., China, 1986
• B.S. Mathematics and Mechanics, Zhongshan University, P.R., China, 1982

Affiliations and Professional Service

• American Geophysical Union
• International Conference of Estuarine and Coastal Modeling Advisory Committee: 2001 - present

Awards and Recognitions

• National Research Council (NRC)’s Committee on Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Assessment, 2010 - present
• Advisory Committee, International Estuarine and Coastal Modeling Conference, 2001 – present
• American Geophysical Union, member