06 Oct, 2026
Spotlight: Dr Jinyang Guo
Dr Jinyang Guo is a postdoctoral researcher at UNSW Sydney, working with Centre Chief Investigator Prof Zhenhai Xia in the School of Chemical Engineering.
What is your research about?
My research focuses on using computational modelling to understand and design catalysts for sustainable chemical and energy conversion. I use density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics and data-driven approaches to explore catalytic reactions at the atomic level, particularly CO2 conversion and nitrogen-related reactions. By understanding how catalyst structures influence reaction pathways and activity, I hope to provide insights that can guide the design of more efficient catalysts.
Why are you interested in this field?
What I enjoy most is understanding things that are difficult to see directly in experiments. It is fascinating to see how changing just one atom or a local structure can completely change a catalyst’s behaviour. I also enjoy the problem-solving side of computational research, sometimes an unexpected result leads to a much more interesting question than the one you started with.
What do you love about your role with COE-CSI?
I really enjoy working with people from different research backgrounds across the Centre. My work is mainly computational, so it is always rewarding when our calculations can help explain an experimental observation or suggest something new to test. At the same time, discussions with experimental researchers often give me new ideas and make me look at a problem from a completely different perspective.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Good food, good coffee, and of course, the excitement of research! 😄