主要从事抗生物性能离子交换膜的研究，专注于其设计、制备及在水处理应用中的性能评估。通过结合环境、生物、材料和化工四大领域的知识，致力于开发高效、耐用的新型离子交换膜，以解决实际应用中的生物污染问题。并利用分子动力学模拟（MD Simulations）探究微生物与界面层结合、排斥和吸附全过程。截至目前，以第一/共一作者身份已在Advanced Science、Water Research、Chemical Engineering Journal、Journal of Membrane Science、Separation and Purification Technology等期刊发表7篇论文（均为SCI一区TOP期刊），并作为共同作者参与发表9篇SCI论文。以学生第一发明人身份申请11项发明专利，其中获授权2项。此外，该生在硕博连读期间先后任研2008班班长，博2217班班长，浙江工业大学第六期研究生先锋宣讲团成员。获2022学年博士研究生国家奖学金、2021学年硕士研究生国家奖学金、一等学业奖学金、校级优秀团员、2023年度年级之星等奖项荣誉。多次以负责人身份负责浙江省第十三届“挑战杯”建设银行大学生创业计划竞赛、“中行杯”第十三届浙江省大学生职业生涯规划大赛等省、校级创新创业类竞赛（共获省级奖项2项，校级奖项3项）。
第一/共一作者身份发表论文如下：
v Y. Yao, J. Mu, J. Shen, et al. Rechargeable multifunctional anti-bacterial AEMs for electrodialysis: improving antibiological performance via synergistic antibacterial mechanism. Advanced Science, 2023, 2303588. (IF = 14.3)
v Y. Yao, Y. Lu, J. Shen, et al. Rational regulation of post-electrodialysis electrochromic anion exchange membranes via TiO2@Ag synergistically strengthens visible-light photocatalytic anti-contamination activity. Water Research, 2024, 263, 122178. (IF = 11.4)
v Y. Yao, Y. Lu, J. Shen, et al. Eco-infused interfacial enhancement of the anti-biofouling activity in anion exchange membranes for electrodialysis desalination. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024, 482, 149071. (IF = 13.3)
v Y. Yao, Y. Zhang, J. Shen, et al. Synergistically enhancing the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of anion exchange membrane by chemically assembling gentamicin and N-chloramine layers. Journal of Membrane Science, 2023, 675, 121530. (IF = 8.4)
v Y. Yao, J. Mu, J. Shen, et al. Imparting antibacterial adhesion property to AEM by constructing negatively charged functional layer. Separation and Purification Technology, 2022, 288, 120628. (IF = 8.1)
v Y. Yao, Y. Lu, J. Shen, et al. Enhancing anti-biofouling activity in electrodialysis by spraying GO@Ag nanosheets on AEMs. Separation and Purification Technology. 2024, 128611. (IF = 8.1)
v J. Mu§, Y. Yao§, J. Shen, et al. Advancing electrodialysis: harnessing the potential of spiral-wound membrane stacks for improved desalination-efficiency and cost-efficiency. Desalination, 2024, 586, 117846. (Co-first, IF = 8.3)
