Xiao Zhai is a simulation researcher specializing in computational solid and fluid mechanics, as well as high-fidelity multi-physics simulation technologies. He is currently employed at Wētā Digital x Unity, working on cutting-edge technologies for achieving unparalleled levels of visual realism in VFX productions such as Avatar: The Way of Water. He earned his PhD in Computer Applied Technologies in December 2019 from Beihang University, Beijing, China, where he defended his thesis on Physics-based Fluid Simulation and Physics-aware Fluid Animation. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Beihang University in 2013.