Even as a child, Associate Professor Xiaolin (Shannon) Wang was imagining inventions to simplify everyday life and beat peak hour traffic.
“I was always asking questions. Why does this work? What happens if I change that? I remember I wished to design a flying bicycle with dragonfly wings that could escape from traffic lights and jams,” she recalls.
Now, Wang is tackling much larger challenges like climate change by designing sustainable energy solutions. “My work focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing our world today: how to store and manage clean energy efficiently, safely, and affordably,” she says.
An early-career researcher at The Australian National University (ANU), Wang was recently honoured with one of the region’s highest awards for young scientists, the 2025 ACT Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, in recognition of her innovative work in engineering.
“I want to keep pushing the boundaries of clean energy technologies and find better ways to store different gases to help accelerate our move towards a more sustainable future,” she says.
Wang is developing cutting-edge technologies using gas hydrates – ice-like materials that trap gas molecules – to store hydrogen safely and efficiently.
“Hydrogen has great potential as a clean fuel, but its lightness and flammability make it incredibly difficult to store and move using conventional methods.
“My research aims to address this by developing solid-state storage technologies using gas hydrates; essentially trapping gas molecules in an ice-like structure. It’s a bit like packing energy into a snowball, making it easier and safer to handle.”
Gas hydrates can hold large amounts of gas, including greenhouse gases, helping to reduce pollution in our atmosphere.
Wang’s team has found a way to lower the pressure needed to create these hydrates, making the process safer and more affordable to scale.
“By advancing this gas storage method, we aim to reduce energy losses and infrastructure costs, making hydrogen a more practical option for everyday use.”
Her research has wide-ranging applications – from renewable power systems and long-distance energy transport to low-emission fuels for industry and transport.
“I often describe my work as designing the ‘boxes and bridges’ we need to make clean energy practical,” she says.
“Whether it’s storing hydrogen, recycling waste heat, or managing energy in buildings, it’s about creating systems that are smart, efficient, and sustainable.”
The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, celebrate outstanding early-career researchers for their achievements in research and science communication. Since its inception in 1998, many ANU experts have been recognised for their impact.
For Wang, receiving the award was an unexpected, but welcome, surprise.
“The award took me by surprise, and I felt incredibly grateful. This recognition is not just for me. It reflects the dedication and accomplishments of the students and researchers in my group, the support of my colleagues, and the collaborative spirit of the research community I’m privileged to be part of,” she says.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised as a Young Tall Poppy and excited to continue using research to support Australia’s energy transition – and to help inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.” Wang is also passionate about mentoring and inspiring future problem-solvers.
“What I enjoy most is working closely with students and early-career researchers. Supporting their growth and watching their confidence and ideas flourish is deeply fulfilling.”
“Something that always brings a smile to my face is seeing students from diverse backgrounds collaborate and succeed together. Their resilience, curiosity and creativity, especially when confronting complex global challenges, is a constant source of inspiration.”
As Associate Dean of Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access (IDEA) in the ANU College of Systems and Society, Wang is committed to creating environments where all voices can thrive.
“I put my hand up for the role because I’ve seen first-hand how access to education and support can transform lives. I also see tremendous potential to improve access and belonging through the very technologies we are developing right here at ANU.”
Wang is keen to break down the barriers, both visible and invisible, that limit people’s potential.
“In STEM, where diversity of thought fuels innovation, inclusive environments aren’t optional, they’re essential,” she says.
“We need more engineers – diverse, passionate, forward-thinking ones – if we’re going to tackle climate change, energy equity, and the transition to sustainable systems.”
She hopes that other young inventors who dream of building things will be inspired to keep exploring.
“To young people considering a career in STEM, my advice is simple: stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions and show your ideas. You don’t need all the answers, just a willingness to learn and a drive to make a difference.”
Related: Young science scholars flourish as tall poppies (ANU Reporter) Read about the Tall Poppy Awards at the AIPS website.