Current Research Topic and Achievements

Weiyi’s research interests cover diverse environmental science and engineering aspects related to drinking water and wastewater issues. Specifically, he is interested in applying novel materials for water treatment, electrified processes at the water-energy nexus, carbon dioxide capture using the electrogeochemical process, drinking water monitoring, and heterogeneous catalysis. 

During his Ph.D., he received the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad, ACS Geochemistry Division Student Travel Award, Graduate Student Award in ACS Environmental Chemistry Division, McDonnell International Scholars Academy Scholarship, and the 1st Place Prize in the Missouri AWWA Student Poster Competition.

Career Goal in 5-10 Years

Weiyi aspires to be a member of these environmental engineers who devote themselves to solving pressing global challenges. Members of the CAPEES are role models to him, and he wants to follow their career paths. His short-term goal is to secure a tenure-track faculty position, and his long-term goal is to build his own lab and get tenured. He is now applying for tenure-track faculty positions.  After finding a position, he will develop independent research programs that revolve around aquatic chemistry, electrochemistry, and membrane. In the first few years of his academic employment, he plans to compete for new faculty funding from different agencies (e.g., NSF, EPA, and DOE).

Fun Fact

Weiyi is a big fan of the squat and deadlift. He thinks they are the best excises. He will do them on the same day.