Sasha Yan

Sasha (Qina) Yan, PhD, is an Expert Machine Learning Data Scientist at Pacific Gas and Electric Company since November 2022, focusing on developing machine learning and physics-based models to predict utility equipment failures for wildfire mitigation strategies. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Berkeley Lab from July 2019 to October 2022, Yan contributed to the East River Project by creating models to simulate soil, water, and organic matter dynamics in mountainous areas using advanced data analysis techniques. Yan also served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from January 2014 to June 2019, working on the IML-CZO and NCSA Brown Dog projects, designing a 3-D model framework for landscape and soil organic carbon co-evolution. Earlier experience includes a role as an Engineer Research Assistant at the Illinois State Geological Survey from May 2012 to December 2013. Educational qualifications include a PhD and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Dalian University of Technology.