Yanan Pan
Hometown: Yangzhou, a small city located in Jiangsu Province, China
Undergraduate Degree: Environmental Engineering
Research Title: Develop Sustainable Strategies to Recover Lithium Resource from Critical Minerals Based on Adsorption Technology
Research Story: Recovering lithium from minerals with low concentrations is essential for ensuring we have enough resources to meet the rising demand for batteries and energy storage. My research focuses on creating new types of materials, like granules and tiny fiber adsorbents, that can efficiently capture lithium in an environmentally friendly way. I use cutting-edge techniques, such as anti-extrusion granulation, which makes the materials stronger, and electrospinning, a method that produces ultra-thin fibers with more surface area for better lithium capture. The goal is to develop a greener, more efficient way to source lithium, moving away from older, energy-heavy methods.
Why did you choose the Mining and Minerals Engineering Department at Virginia Tech?
I chose this department because it aligns with my previous research focus during my master’s degree, specifically in the area of resource recovery from critical minerals, which holds great significance for applied research. Virginia Tech is highly regarded in the field of mining, and the appealing living environment in Blacksburg further solidified my decision to pursue my studies here.
What are your career aspirations after completing your degree?
After completing my Ph.D., I aim to pursue an R&D position in industry, where I can apply my expertise to help solve real-world challenges and contribute to practical, application-driven solutions.
What advice do you have for future graduate students?
To truly focus on academic work, it's essential to choose a field you're genuinely passionate about!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy reading literary works such as Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Japanese classics like The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu.
What's your favorite place you have traveled?
My favorite place I’ve traveled to is Kyoto, Japan. It’s a city rich in history, with numerous tourist attractions and incredible cuisine. I still vividly remember walking around in a kimono, fully immersing myself in the cultural experience. The Udon Noodle I had there is something I still crave to this day.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
When I was in elementary school, my mom bought me a new pair of running shoes, but they were too big. Eager to show them off to my friends, I wore them to school. Coincidentally, that day we had a running test, and I ended up taking the test in those oversized shoes. Mid-run, they flew off, leaving me feeling extremely embarrassed at the time. Hardly anyone knows about this now, but I find it funny every time I think about it.
