Xinhua Wang – Waste Treatment – Best Researcher Award

Xinhua Wang - Waste Treatment - Best Researcher Award

Jiangnan University - China

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Xinhua Wang embarked on his academic journey at Qingdao Technological University, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering in 2003. This laid the foundation for his pursuit of higher education, leading him to complete his Master's degree in Environmental Engineering at the same institution from 2003 to 2006. Driven by a passion for research and innovation, Wang further honed his expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Tongji University, graduating in 2009.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his doctoral studies, Xinhua Wang delved into academia, starting as an Assistant Professor at Jiangnan University in 2009. Over the years, he climbed the academic ranks, serving as an Associate Professor from 2013 to 2018 before attaining the prestigious position of Full Professor in 2019. His academic journey also led him to Nanyang Technological University, where he served as a Visiting Scholar at the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute from 2014 to 2015, broadening his research horizons and fostering international collaborations.

Contributions and Research Focus On Waste Treatment

Wang's research interests primarily revolve around Membrane Science and Technology, with a particular focus on various aspects such as wastewater treatment and reuse, membrane bioreactor technology, forward osmosis-based technology for wastewater reclamation and energy recovery, membrane fouling and fouling control, and membrane technology for waste activated sludge (WAS) treatment. His contributions in these areas have significantly advanced the understanding and application of membrane technology in environmental engineering.

Accolades and Recognition In Waste Treatment

Xinhua Wang's dedication and contributions to his field have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by numerous accolades and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Best Young Scholar Award by Jiangnan University in 2023 and the Best Teaching Award in 2022. His excellence in academia was further recognized with the Cultivate Middle-aged and Young Science Leaders of Colleges and Universities of Jiangsu Province award in 2021 and inclusion in the prestigious Six Major Talent Peaks of Jiangsu Province in 2018. Additionally, he received the Excellent Teaching Staff Award by Jiangnan University in 2017, underscoring his commitment to education and mentorship.

Impact and Influence

Xinhua Wang's impact extends beyond his academic achievements to his role as a reviewer for numerous scholarly journals. With expertise spanning various domains of environmental engineering, he has reviewed over 100 papers annually for more than 50 esteemed journals. His insightful critiques and evaluations contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the dissemination of high-quality research within the academic community.

Waste treatment encompasses a diverse range of processes aimed at managing and mitigating the environmental impact of various types of waste. From municipal solid waste to industrial effluents, effective waste treatment strategies are essential for safeguarding human health and preserving ecosystems.

Legacy and Future Contributions To Waste Treatment

As Vice President of the School of Environment and Civil Engineering at Jiangnan University, Xinhua Wang continues to inspire and lead the next generation of researchers and engineers. His legacy lies not only in his significant contributions to membrane science and technology but also in his dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and nurturing talent. With his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, Wang's future contributions are poised to further propel the field of environmental engineering forward, addressing critical challenges and shaping a sustainable future.

Notable Publications

Fabrication of novel thin-film composite membrane based on ultrathin metal-organic framework interlayer for enhancing forward osmosis performance 2023

Integrating anaerobic acidification with two-stage forward osmosis concentration for simultaneously recovering organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus from municipal wastewater 2023

Photocatalytic thin film composite forward osmosis membrane for mitigating organic fouling in active layer facing draw solution mode 2023

 High propensity of membrane fouling and the underlying mechanisms in a membrane bioreactor during occurrence of sludge bulking 2023

Weihua Zhang – Environmental Science – Best Researcher Award

Weihua Zhang - Environmental Science - Best Researcher Award

Radiation Protection Bureau of Health - Canada

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Weihua Zhang's academic journey commenced with a strong foundation in Nuclear Physics, culminating in a B.Sc. degree from Nanjing University Nuclear Physics Department in 1982. Driven by a passion for scientific exploration, he pursued higher education, obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Radiochemistry from Dalhousie University Chemistry Department in 1997. During this early academic phase, Weihua Zhang demonstrated a keen interest in trace element analysis, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Research Scientist at RPB of Health Canada (2002-present)

Weihua Zhang's professional trajectory led him to the Radiation Protection Bureau (RPB) of Health Canada in 2002, where he assumed the role of a Research Scientist. Over the years, he has been dedicated to advancing the field of spectrometry, focusing on gamma, beta, and alpha-spectrometry techniques. His contributions have significantly enhanced the monitoring of environmental radioactivity and expanded our understanding of radiation exposure to humans from various sources.

Adjunct Professor at Carleton University (2016-present)

In addition to his research role, Weihua Zhang has been contributing to academia as an Adjunct Professor in the Physics Department of Carleton University since 2016. This dual engagement reflects his commitment not only to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge through research but also to nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers.

Research Associate at National Research Council Canada (1997-2000)

Before joining Health Canada, Weihua Zhang served as a Research Associate at the National Research Council Canada from 1997 to 2000. During this tenure, he played a crucial role in providing a radionuclide calibration service to Canadian clients. His efforts significantly improved the accuracy of radioactive measurements, particularly in the field of nuclear medicine, where precise measurements are essential for patient safety.

Software Engineer at JDS Uniphase (2000-2002)

Weihua Zhang's diverse skill set extends to software engineering, as evidenced by his role as a Software Engineer at JDS Uniphase from 2000 to 2002. During this period, he applied his programming expertise with LabVIEW 6.0 and Visual Basic 6.0 to automate testing for optical instruments, showcasing his versatility in both scientific and technical domains.

Contributions and Research Focus

Weihua Zhang's primary research contributions revolve around the refinement and development of spectrometry techniques. His work in gamma, beta, and alpha-spectrometry has led to substantial improvements in environmental radioactivity monitoring. Additionally, his research investigates radiation exposure to humans, both from natural and anthropogenic sources, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the potential health impacts.

Accolades and Recognition

Weihua Zhang's dedication and outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 1992, he received the Dalhousie graduate scholarship, a recognition of his academic excellence and potential in the field of radiochemistry.

Impact and Influence

Weihua Zhang's impact is discernible in the advancements he has brought to spectrometry techniques, influencing the precision of measurements in environmental radioactivity monitoring. His work has practical applications, notably in nuclear medicine, where accurate measurements are critical for patient safety and effective medical diagnostics and therapy.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Weihua Zhang continues to serve as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor, his legacy is shaped by a commitment to excellence in both research and education. His future contributions are anticipated to further propel spectrometry techniques, advancing our capabilities in monitoring environmental radioactivity and ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials in various applications.

Notable Publications

The development of a digital gamma-gamma coincidence/anticoincidence spectrometer and its applications to monitor low-level atmospheric 22Na/7Be activity ratios in Resolute Bay, Canada 2018

Gamma peak search and peak fitting algorithm for a low-resolution detector with applications in gamma spectroscopy 2019

Observation of Ground-level Enhancement Across Canada's Fixed Point Surveillance Network during the 20 January 2005 Solar Event 2017