Dr. Chak Chan obtained his bachelor’s and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin, and Caltech. After studying in the US, he joined the Chemical Engineering Department of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), rising in ranks from Lecturer/Assistant Professor to Professor in Chemical Engineering and Associate Head. In 2009, he became the Founding Head of the Division of Environment (ENVR), a new interdisciplinary academic unit focusing on the science and technology of the environment and its impacts. Professor Chan joined CityU in December 2015 as the second Dean of SEE. He has over 14 years of administrative experience as an Associate Head, Head, and Dean in interdisciplinary research and academic programs.

Dr. Chan’s academic background in chemical engineering, research experience in air pollution and atmospheric chemistry, and extensive administrative experience in interdisciplinary academic units will help further promote extensive collaboration among different PSE programs and with the BESE and CEMSE divisions and beyond while maintaining strength in core disciplines. Dr. Chan’s research focus also aligns well with activities at KAUST in climate, livability, and sustainability, and his expertise will be valuable for the Kingdom's priorities.