Current Research Topic and Achievements

My research explores the intersection of diverse disciplines to address critical water-resource-energy-sensor-data challenges. Specifically, I am passionate about pioneering real-time water quality monitoring through the design of robust, reliable water sensors, developing renewable energy technologies such as microbial electrochemical systems and anaerobic digestion to promote energy-sustainable water treatment, and harnessing the power of novel computational and data-driven methods to revolutionize digital water-energy infrastructure. I have published 20 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Environmental Science & Technology, Energy & Environmental Science, Water Research, Chemical Engineering Journal, etc. I have received awards such as the CAPEES-Elsevier Doctoral Dissertation Award, UConn Outstanding Graduate TA Awards, and Georgia Tech Postdoctoral Excellence Award for my academic, educational, and leadership contributions.

Career Goal in 5-10 Years

My career goal is to pursue an academic position in which I can continue the frontier research of water monitoring and energy/resource recovery technology and yield a profound impact on new-generation researchers/engineers. I will conduct high-quality research on sensor development, data processing, and water treatment to address pressing global challenges such as water scarcity, water safety, and carbon reduction. In the long term, I aim to broaden my research scope by exploring new applications related to AI, cloud computing, and decision science to contribute to solving real-world challenges in the water-energy-food nexus. I will also focus on mentoring and training graduate students to contribute to developing future leaders in environmental engineering.

Fun Fact

Balancing a PhD with fatherhood, I welcomed two lovely sons during my doctoral studies. Juggling diapers and dissertations taught me more than just time management – it honed my multitasking skills, patience, and empathy.