Hong Yang (杨宏)

Hello and welcome!

You can contact me at hello@hongyang.one

Problem Statement

Modern energy demands and the climate crisis call for clean, stable, and scalable power sources. Nuclear energy, particularly through advanced reactors, offers a promising solution, but it requires safe and accurate monitoring, material and engineering resilience, and possibly big data and AI-driven optimization. Our research group addresses these needs by exploring next-generation reactor fuel and coolant materials, leveraging AI for efficient research workflows, and pioneering sustainable energy applications fit for extraterrestrial environments (the Moon, and Mars). We aim to bridge gaps in sustainable energy science to support both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.

Mission Statement (my future research group - Planetary Energy Lab)

Our mission is to drive sustainable energy advancements by addressing the pressing challenges in nuclear energy, critical minerals, and AI integration in research. We focus on developing oxygen-independent, carbon-neutral power solutions, such as molten salt reactors, that contribute to clean energy on Earth and beyond. By leveraging advanced spectroscopy, magnetic methods, and AI-driven tools, we aim to enhance energy efficiency, enable remote monitoring, and optimize data-driven research practices. We strive to cultivate leaders in sustainable energy, equipped to tackle interdisciplinary challenges and advance clean energy across planetary boundaries.

Self-intro (updated Mar. 2024)

Hey there! My name is Hong Yang, and I'm a mineral physicist on a mission to uncover the secrets of deep Earth and planets. From noble gas molecules stored within planet interiors to the effects of meteoric impacts on celestial surfaces, I'm fascinated by the many mysteries that lie within our universe.

As a mineral physicist, I specialize in understanding how extreme conditions can alter the minerals and oxidation states of multivalent elements. I'm particularly interested in studying the impact events that occur on planets and how these events change the planet's surface. Recently, I've had the pleasure of working on some IODP samples from Walvis Ridge, where I'm reconstructing the plate tectonics history of this area. It's been an exciting journey so far, and I'm looking forward to sharing my findings with you.

Who knew that something as simple as a rock could tell us so much about the universe? Join me on my journey as I explore the depths of our planet and beyond. With any luck, we might just uncover some of the universe's greatest secrets together. Stay tuned for more exciting discoveries, and let's see where this journey takes us!

Land Acknowledgement

Arizona State University, is situated on the ancestral lands of Indigenous people past, present, and future. We thank and honor the Native American tribes and sovereign nations of the Salt River Valley—including the Akimel O’odham, Onk Akimel O'odham, and Piipaash nations—whose knowledge and stewardship of the land and waterways allow us to be here now. In addition, we honor all 23 tribes in Arizona and their continued and many contributions today:

Ak-Chin Indian Community
Cocopah Indian Tribe
Colorado River Indian Tribes*
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Fort Mojave Indian Tribe*
Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe
Gila River Indian Community
Havasupai Tribe
Hia-Ced O'odham Tribe
Hopi Tribe
Hualapai Tribe
Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians
Navajo Nation*
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Pueblo of Zuni
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
San Carlos Apache Tribe
San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe
Tohono O'odham Nation
Tonto Apache Tribe
White Mountain Apache Tribe
Yavapai-Apache Tribe
Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe

*Reservation boundaries extend into neighboring states (Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and California)

The Akimel O’odham and Onk Akimel O’odham are both names for the Gila River Indian Community, commonly referred to as the Pima people. The Akimel O’odham and Onk Akimel O’odham are different ways to say “River People,” reflecting their close association with the Gila River in Arizona.

The Piipaash are more commonly known as the Maricopa people, who are culturally distinct but historically allied with the Akimel O’odham. Both nations are part of the Gila River Indian Community and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Arizona.

I also recognize that Stanford sits on the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Ohlone people. Consistent with our values of community and inclusion, we have a responsibility to acknowledge, honor and make visible the university’s relationship to Native peoples.