2024New Faculty

In general terms, what does your research consist of?

My research tries to help uncover the fascinating secrets of soil as an engineering material. I’m working to develop practical tools in the field of soil mechanics that civil engineers need to make decisions to design, build and maintain the infrastructure that our communities rely on. More importantly, my research helps to build and unlock the underpinning science of soil behavior. I put particular emphasis on the engineering understanding and modelling of the physical interactions that develop between engineering infrastructure and the soils that support and/or are used to build it. I’m particularly passionate about replacing natural soils with equivalent recycled materials whenever possible.

What have you learned from your work that surprised you?

While I’m a civil engineer with expertise in geotechnical engineering, I’ve grown to admire the fields of history and geology. It has dawned on me that the world in which we live is primarily dictated by geology. Geology has influenced societal decisions throughout human history. Where we live, how we live, the plants and animals that succeed in an area – i.e. the entire story of the human experience on planet Earth has been inherently orchestrated by the Earth’s geology.

Can you tell us about your favorite hobby?

Music. When I was in high-school/college I played guitar in a few bands. While I love classic electric and acoustic guitars, nothing really compares to playing bass guitar.
I’m also starting pottery classes – I want to learn how to make clay spoons (I can’t think of anything more suitable for a geotechnical engineer obsessed with soil mechanics).

Can you share a fun fact about you that people would be surprised to know?

You mean, other than being an unfulfilled bass guitar player who wants to make clay spoons? Well, I also aspire to be a sheep farmer one day… I have no farming skills (city boy here). And this is not because of farming soils either, or even the sheep themselves. It’s simply because of the border collies. I love all dogs, but border collies are very close to my heart. My ideal farm would have a nice, sunny west-facing green slope with one sheep and around five to ten border collies.

What is your best piece of advice for students?

Know what you are good at. Try. Make mistakes. Never be afraid of trying something new that might be out of your comfort zone. A great band is the sum of its great musicians. So is great engineering. In the end, what matters is how good the design, the science or the band are. The former are just complementary parts of the latter. If you know what you’re good at, you’ll be the best engineer, architect, mathematician, physicist, bass guitarist or drummer that you can be.

What do you like about working in Department of Civil Engineering, Voiland College or WSU?

I very much appreciate the positive environment and the authenticity that we have at WSU. I think that these are extremely rare to have and difficult to find in academia. I also appreciate the culture, the work-life balance, and the natural beauty that both the Pullman area and the Pacific Northwest region have to offer.
Read more about Dr. Carraro

In general terms, what does your research consist of?

My research is focused on understanding the sources, spatial distributions, chemical compositions, and health effects of air pollution.

How did you become interested in your field of study/academia?

Growing up in a coal mining town in Northern China has been a pivotal factor in shaping my academic interests. Living in a community heavily reliant on coal extraction, I observed the extensive impact of air pollution on both the ecosystem and the well-being of the residents. As I navigated through my education, I became increasingly aware of the urgent need for sustainable and effective solutions to mitigate the detrimental effects of pollution.

What have you learned from your work that surprised you?

Air pollution is considered to be the world’s leading environmental health threat, accounting for over 7 million deaths around the world every year, according to the WHO!

Can you tell us about your favorite hobby?

I am an enthusiastic runner. I find solace and passion in running, especially trail running. Exploring the scenic hiking trails and embracing the thrill of running have become an integral part of my life outside of work.

Can you share a fun fact about you that people would be surprised to know?

I ran 2021 kilometers in 2021

What advice do you have for students?

Developing time management skills and the ability to focus are super important!

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I find joy in witnessing my students’ growth and development. Seeing them grasp new concepts and helping them overcome challenges have been incredibly rewarding.

What do you like about working in Department of Civil Engineering, Voiland College or WSU?

I like the supportive environment the most. I have gained significant benefits from the mentorship provided by senior faculty members.
Read more about Dr. Meng

In general terms, what does your research consist of?

I develop engineering strategies aiming to replace fossil fuel-based products with bio-based alternatives that are both financially and environmentally sustainable. Specifically, I use natural and engineered groups of microorganisms to convert organic waste, such as sewage sludge, food waste, and agricultural waste, to energy sources (e.g., renewable natural gas) and useful chemicals (e.g., carboxylic acids).

How did you become interested in your field of study/academia?

I have always been curious about how things work and could not stop asking why. Academia allows me to make it into a career.

What have you learned from your work that surprised you?

I am constantly surprised by how little we know about microorganisms. Their capabilities and importance always challenged my understanding even when I thought I was overestimating them. For example, the clostridium species I used to convert sugar to produce hydrogen gas can sustain near-boiling temperature for an hour and still live to produce hydrogen gas.

If you could name one person who inspires you, who would it be and why?

That would be Dr. John Novak, my Master’s advisor at Virginia Tech. He showed me his passion for research and how fulfilling a career in academia could be.

Can you tell us about your favorite hobby?

I enjoy cooking but often do not strictly follow recipes. I like to explore different combinations of flavors and textures that I have not tried before and enjoy pleasant surprises. Of course, as a person who works to reduce and utilize waste, I never throw away failed trials but instead swallow my mistakes.

What is your best piece of advice for students?

I think it is very useful to take a step back from time to time and question why this subject is worth studying. It has provided me with directions, given me motivation, and made the work fulfilling.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I really like that good teaching can spark students’ interest in the subject that I am passionate about. Additionally, while helping students learn knowledge that is useful for their careers, teaching also allows me to identify my knowledge gap and interrogate my own understanding of the subject.

What do you like about working in the Department of Civil Engineering, Voiland College or WSU?

It is a friendly environment filled with knowledgeable people who are passionate about what they do. And they do not hesitate to share their knowledge.
Read more about Dr. Zhu