Current Research Topic and Achievements

My postdoctoral research focuses on developing novel electrodes and modular electrochemical systems to degrade various organic pollutants (e.g., 1,4-Dioxane) as well as recover valuable products from wastewater (e.g., nitrate). My Ph.D. research focused on designing and applying porous superabsorbent polymer (PSAP) beads for fast, effective, and low-cost three-dimensional water filtration. During my Ph.D. study and postdoctoral training, I have published 11 peer-reviewed journal articles in top environmental engineering and science journals, including 5 first-authored papers (3 in Environmental Science & Technology and 1 selected as 2021 ES&T Best Paper). I received Environmental Chemistry Graduate Student Award from the American Chemical Society (1 of 20 students nationwide) in 2021 for my academic achievements. I was awarded Jean-Lou Chameau Research Excellence Award and Best Ph.D. Thesis Award by the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech for my research innovation and accomplishments. My research work has generated 3 patent applications so far. The VirusTrack team I led won Georgia Tech Convergence Innovation Competition First Place in 2022 and was selected into the Georgia Tech CREATE-X Startup Launch program to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Career Goal in 5-10 Years

My future research will center on the design, development, and application of advanced functional materials to address global challenges related to water, energy, and health. With rising demand for decarbonization and increased focus on sustainability, energy-efficient precise separation processes constitute a major opportunity in industrial production and municipal needs. In particular, selective separations for water treatment are conducive to a cleaner future with improved public and environmental health. For example, the selective removal of priority pollutants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and chemical wastes minimizes wastage of treatment capacity on inconsequential constituents and enables matching the treated water quality to the intended use (i.e., “fit-for-purpose” treatment). On the other hand, wastewater and natural brines can be mined for valuable products such as nutrients, lithium, and precious metals, which requires highly selective separation processes to extract or transform target solutes from the complex matrix. Therefore, my ultimate goal is to combine theoretical insights, material innovation, and process engineering to provide clean drinking water, redefine wastewater as a resource, monitor health risks in the environment, and eventually enable sustainable communities and circular economies. 

Fun Fact

Life is like a circle, whatever you give will come back to you someday. I spent the whole first year of my Ph.D. investigating electrified membranes for water disinfection. Since then, my Ph.D. study has been mainly focused on polymer materials and their applications. After graduation, I am now back to “electrified water treatment” again!