Behnaz (Beth) Rezaie
Degrees and Credentials
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Ontario Tech. University, Canada
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ontario Tech. University, Canada
M.S. Industrial Management, Lulea ̈ University of Technology, Sweden
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Iran Science and Technology University, Iran
Licensed Professional Engineer
Short Bio
Dr. Behnaz Rezaie is a globally recognized expert in sustainable energy systems, with a distinguished career spanning academia, industry, and applied research. With over a decade of experience in engineering education and more than 10 years in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, she bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application.
Her research focuses on improving the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of district energy systems, with deep expertise in thermal energy storage, renewable integration, and the energy-water nexus. Dr. Rezaie has developed innovative models to optimize multiple thermal energy storages, evaluated alternative energy technologies under economic and environmental constraints, and pioneered methods for sustainable energy planning in smart cities. Her contributions include advanced simulations for server room cooling using AI, lifecycle assessments of additive manufacturing, and guidelines for geothermal energy systems. Dr. Rezaie is the author of over 50 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications, including a landmark review on district energy systems recognized as a “Highly Cited Paper” by Applied Energy. She has secured over $1.5 million in research funding as PI or Co-PI from agencies such as DOE and industrial partners, and has led multi-disciplinary projects in energy optimization, sustainability assessment, and water conservation.
In industry, Dr. Rezaie has held senior engineering and managerial roles, including the launch of over 140 automotive programs and the development and accreditation of six quality assurance laboratories for automakers such as Toyota, Chrysler, Mazda, and KIA. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada.
Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Rezaie continues to advance the field through teaching, mentorship, and leadership. She has delivered keynote speeches at international conferences, served as Associate Editor for multiple engineering journals, and chaired global events like the World Energy Storage Conference.
Dr. Rezaie’s career is defined by her commitment to environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and empowering the next generation of engineers through education and outreach.
Academic Focus
Her primary areas of research include modifying energy technology systems, improving the efficiency of district energy systems, modeling energy storage systems (namely, thermal energy storage systems and integrated energy systems more generally), and advancing environmental sustainability.
Research, Accomplishments, and Publications
Dr. Rezaie has published 50+ peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, including the landmark paper on district energy systems which was awarded as a highly cited publication by the journal of Applied Energy (IF 11.44). As the PI or CoPI, she has secured more than $ 1 Million in funding from governmental agencies and industrial firms.