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Sustainable Freight & Energy Systems

We study how freight and energy infrastructure should develop as demand and technology change. Our work uses data and models to evaluate where infrastructure is needed, how networks should be designed, and when investment is warranted.

Research Themes

Freight, E-Commerce & Logistics Geography

This work examines where warehouses and e-commerce businesses locate, how they cluster, and how logistics activity connects regions. We use these patterns to understand how online shopping is changing metropolitan freight systems.

E-Commerce
Warehousing
Freight Geography
Spatial Logistics


Spatial distribution of warehouses and distribution centers and e-commerce establishments across Texas.
Warehousing and e-commerce geography in Texas.
Conceptual visualization based on our published research.
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Hydrogen & Low-Carbon Energy Logistics

We develop models for planning hydrogen transport networks over time. The models compare transport modes and infrastructure investment schedules, with attention to both cost and carbon emissions.

Hydrogen Infrastructure
Energy Logistics
Network Design
Decarbonization


Evolution of hydrogen transportation networks in Texas.
Hydrogen transportation networks across planning periods.
Conceptual visualization based on our published research.
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Circular Economy & Reverse Logistics

Our recycling research examines the collection and transport of discarded electronics and EV batteries. We study where recycling facilities should be located, how much capacity is needed, and how firms coordinate within these networks.

Reverse Logistics
E-Waste
EV Batteries
Circular Economy


Circular supply chain for electronics and battery recycling.
Collection, reverse logistics, and material recovery in circular supply chains.
Conceptual visualization based on our published research.
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Looking Ahead

We are extending this work to link technology adoption with infrastructure investment and to develop AI tools that support permitting for energy projects.

Selected Projects

2024–2027
Co-PI · U.S. Department of Energy

ZEEBRA: Electronics & Battery Recycling

Developing transportation and reverse-logistics models for electronics and battery recycling within a U.S. Department of Energy–funded circular-economy initiative.

2024–2025
PI · UH Energy Transition Institute

Advancing Sustainability in Hydrogen Supply Chains

Developing multi-period planning and optimization approaches for hydrogen transportation and infrastructure development in Texas.

2026–2027
PI · UH Energy Transition Institute

GridPerm-AI

Developing LLM-enabled tools to support permitting workflows for electric generation and transmission infrastructure.

Selected Publications

Hydrogen & Energy Systems

2026

Huang, Y., Wang, K., & Shi, J.

Designing a multi-period model for economic and low-carbon hydrogen transportation in Texas.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 231, 154542.

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2026

Yannam, Y. R., Gao, J., Shi, J., Datta, A., Wang, K., et al.

Toward a human-centered energy transition: Concepts, models, challenges, and research opportunities.

Utilities Policy, 99, 102145.

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Circular Economy & Reverse Logistics

2025

Wang, C., Shi, J., & Wang, K.

Game theoretic modeling and optimization of competition and collaboration in dual channel electronic waste supply chains.

Scientific Reports.

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Freight & Logistics Geography

2025

Wang, K., Lim, G. J., Race, B., Zhang, Y. J., Gao, L., & Qiao, F. G.

Examining spatial patterns and economic interactions of logistics activities across three Texas metropolitan areas.

Journal of Transport Geography, 123, 104079.

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2023

Wang, K., Chen, Z., Cheng, L., Zhu, P., Shi, J., & Bian, Z.

Integrating spatial statistics and machine learning to identify relationships between e-commerce and distribution facilities in Texas, US.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 173, 103696.

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Research in the News