Organic matter (carbon) is ubiquitous in both inland waters and the ocean, serving as the primary carrier of matter and energy in the biosphere. It plays a critical role in ecosystem health and water quality. However, due to its high heterogeneity and low concentration, accurately and efficiently characterizing aquatic organic matter (AOM) under realistic environmental conditions remains a major challenge.

Professor Yan's research focuses on unlocking the quantum optical information encoded in the ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra of AOM. His team develops novel methods, techniques, and instruments to quantify the total concentration, compositional diversity, and reactivities of AOM based on its quantum optical signatures. These advances are applied across scales—from molecular interactions to global observations—to monitor and manage the behavior of AOM in natural and engineered aquatic systems.