The research group of Dr. Feng “Frank” Xiao at the University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) has three Ph.D. positions available for spring or fall 2023. We offer a very competitive stipend and full tuition coverage. Dr. Xiao’s research focuses on water and soil quality engineering. He currently is an editor of the Journal of Hazardous Materials (impact factor: 14.244).
Research topic #1: An Innovative Treatment Strategy for Removal of PFAS in Groundwater and Landfill Leachate
Background: Many countries and regions, including the U.S., plan to regulate primary PFAS compounds in drinking water. However, most water treatment facilities may not be prepared enough to face these new compliance challenges because conventional drinking-water treatment systems are not designed to remove PFAS from water. Effective strategies are urgently needed for removing PFAS in full-scale water treatment plants. This project aims to innovatively integrate and enhance commonly used water treatment technologies to effectively and practically remove PFAS from natural water and landfill leachate.
What will you learn:
- water purification
- water chemistry
- wastewater treatment
- liquid chromatography
- high-resolution mass spectrometry
- many other analytical skills
Research topic #2: Thermal Decomposition of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Soil
Background: The contamination of soil and water by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a worldwide concern. Soil largely contributes to the quality of groundwater and crops, which are potential human exposure pathways for these chemicals. The challenge of dealing with PFAS contamination results from their chemical structure that leads to strong resistance to chemical and biological degradation in the environment. This project aims to understand thermal decomposition mechanisms of PFAS chemicals in soils. A deeper understanding of these processes is necessary for developing thermal technologies to clean up soils contaminated by PFAS to protect human and ecological health.
What you will learn:
- knowledge of environmental remediation
- environmental organic chemistry
- liquid chromatography
- high-resolution mass spectrometry,
- gas chromatography
- many other analytical skills.
The University of Missouri has the No. 12 best ranked value among all other public universities within the U.S. Founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River, the University of Missouri is a committed flagship and land-grant institution, a member of the competitive SEC conference — and a proud member of the AAU (including 63 top U.S. and Canada private and public schools).
To apply, please send a CV/resume to Feng.Xiao@Missouri.edu. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to have a brief Zoom (or another format) meeting with Dr. Xiao and submit a complete application for department review.