Memorial Fund Established for Dr. Chao Wei Yu

Dr. Chao Wei Yu passed away November 1, 2016 at the age of 35 after a long battle with cancer. Chao Wei was a postdoctoral scholar in the UC Davis Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. He was a great friend of the College of Engineering, a true scholar, and inspiring teacher and mentor.

A memorial fund has been developed in Chao Wei’s name. This fund honors Chao Wei’s memory by supporting scholarship awards to students who aspire to achieve as he did in finding innovative solutions to some of our most challenging problems, and who have made a commitment to mentoring and educating future STEM leaders.

While at UC Davis, Chao Wei earned B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Biological Systems Engineering.

He continued research as a postdoctoral scholar contributing to collaborative research efforts between UC Davis and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on improving the conversion of cellulosic biomass to biofuels.

As a Ph.D. student Chao Wei was awarded a fellowship from the Renewable Energy Systems Opportunity for Unified Research Collaboration and Education (RESOURCE) program. In RESOURCE he partnered with elementary school teachers in underserved communities to create curricula, lesson plans, and activities for 5th and 6th graders that promote interest in renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Chao Wei is survived by his wife, Yiachen, son, Lucas, mother, Shu Chen, father, Ming-Chang Yu, and sister.