![\"Head](\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/engineering\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/537\/2026\/10\/Tsao.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTsao joined the UWM faculty in the college in 1967, before the EMS building opened, and retired in 1995.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1972, he pioneered the first 24\/7 air quality monitoring station in the U.S. through a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant. He also established graduate research programs in engine combustion, emissions, alternative fuels and power plant pollution control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
His work included partnerships with WEPCO, now We Energies, that resulted in conversion to compressed natural gas as a fuel source, offsetting coal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He published more than 50 papers and received two patents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born in China, Tsao immigrated to the U.S. in 1954 and attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and UW-Madison. He began his academic career at the South Dakota School of Mines in 1960 before moving to UWM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tsao and his wife, Maryanne, were dedicated educators and community leaders. Together, they established a Chinese language school in Milwaukee and the first Organization of Chinese Americans scholarships for graduating high school seniors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n