Yifan Zhou
University of Western Australia
Rate Professor Yifan Zhou
A true role model for academic success.
Always fair, constructive, and supportive.
Brings real-world insights to the classroom.
Fosters a love for lifelong learning.
Makes complex ideas simple and clear.
About Yifan
Dr. Yifan Zhou is a Lecturer in Structural Engineering at the University of Western Australia, within the School of Engineering's Department of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering. She holds a PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Sydney, where her doctoral research focused on the behaviour and design of stainless steel–concrete composite structures. This work integrated experimental testing, finite element modelling, and advanced design approaches, contributing to the development of national and international structural design standards. Prior to her academic appointment at UWA, Dr. Zhou worked as a structural engineer on major infrastructure and building projects, bringing valuable industry experience to her teaching and research. At UWA, she coordinates and teaches units such as CIVL3404/4404 Structural Steel and CIVL5552 Civil Structural Design Project, incorporating student-centred pedagogies, authentic assessments, and industry engagement to equip students with practical skills.
Dr. Zhou's research specializations include the performance and design of advanced steel and composite structural systems, with a particular emphasis on stainless steel-concrete composite structures. She serves as a member of the Standards Australia Committee panel, contributing to the revision of AS/NZS 2327 for composite structures, which demonstrates her influence on the field. Furthermore, she engages in interdisciplinary collaborations linking structural engineering with emerging technologies such as machine learning and electronic sensors to enhance structural health monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-informed design. Her key publications encompass "Behaviour and design of stainless steel-concrete composite beams" (Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2021), "Behaviour and design of stainless steel shear connectors in composite beams" (Steel and Composite Structures, 2023), "PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN OF STAINLESS-STEEL COMPOSITE STRUCTURES – BEAMS, COLUMNS AND JOINTS" (9th International Conference on Composite Construction in Steel and Concrete, 2023), "Machine learning-based techniques for marine structures: A state-of-the-art review" (Ocean, 2025), and "Solvent Selection of All-Inorganic Perovskite Single Crystals for High Sensitivity and Operational Stability X-ray Detection" (ACS Photonics, 2026).
Professional Email: yifan.zhou@uwa.edu.au