Chengcheng Zhai
IT, Analytics and Operations
Assistant Professor, IT, Analytics and Operations
- Humanitarian operations
- Nonprofit operations
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Sustainable operations
- Drinking water access in rural Africa
Zhai’s Latest News
Zhai in the News
The Conversation
Handpumps bring water to rural African communities, but many are broken – study models how best to maintain them
March 30, 2026
Chengcheng Zhai, Assistant Professor, University of Notre Dame. Alfonso J. Pedraza Martinez, Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations, University of Notre Dame
Science Magazine
Innovative Model Paves the Way for Sustainable Clean Water Access in Rural Africa
March 12, 2026
The research, spearheaded by assistant professor Chengcheng Zhai of the Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame, explores the complex dynamics faced by local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Ethiopia, Malawi, and the Central African Republic.
Science X Magazine
New model offers 'clear path' to keeping clean water flowing in rural Africa
March 11, 2026
"Our results show that well-timed preventive maintenance can substantially reduce downtime and, in many cases, lower logistics costs—an important factor for NGOs with limited budgets," said lead author Chengcheng Zhai, assistant professor of information technology, analytics and operations at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business.
Bioengineer
Innovative Model Paves the Way for Sustainable Clean Water Access in Rural Africa
March 11, 2026
The research, spearheaded by assistant professor Chengcheng Zhai of the Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame, explores the complex dynamics faced by local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Ethiopia, Malawi, and the Central African Republic.