Qian Ye
- Course: Civil Engineering PhD
- PhD title: Design of novel integrated cathodes in electro-Fenton like processes for organic contaminants and microplastics degradation in aquatic environment
Qian Ye is a Postgraduate Researcher at the University of Leeds in the School of Civil Engineering.
Civil engineering student Qian Ye had spent her entire academic life in the city of her birth, making the choice to study abroad a major one. Her decision to study her PhD at the University of Leeds was inspired by its strong reputation in her field of study, along with its world-class facilities and resources.
Leeds is also a living and attractive place with a good combination of university and city life, and the opportunity to experience an inclusive atmosphere and diverse cultural background strongly attracted me to Leeds.
“I was particularly impressed by the university's collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment”, said Qian. “Leeds is also a living and attractive place with a good combination of university and city life, and the opportunity to experience an inclusive atmosphere and diverse cultural background strongly attracted me to Leeds.
“My application was driven by a combination of continuing my previous work in advanced water treatment technologies and being excited about collaborating with esteemed academic staff members whose work greatly inspired me.”
A passion for research
Qian’s studies are driven by a strong desire to make the world a better place. “I’ve always been passionate about finding solutions to environmental issues, especially when it comes to water treatment. I was motivated by the potential impact that my research could have on improving water treatment processes, which are crucial for public health and environmental conservation. The opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions in this field was a significant driving force and I want to dive deep into this area to make a real difference.
“Through my research, I hope to develop novel and efficient methods for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants and the separation of microplastics in water environments, which are concerns of the current water environment. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to the body of knowledge in environmental engineering and provide practical solutions that can be implemented in wastewater treatment facilities, thereby enhancing water quality and sustainability.
The opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions in this field was a significant driving force and I want to dive deep into this area to make a real difference.
“Practically, my research involves a combination of laboratory experiments and data analysis. I conduct experiments to synthesize novel catalysts for electrochemical cells and test the efficacy of various catalysts in the decomposition of micropollutants, using characterization techniques to analyze the surface and microstructure of the catalysts. Additionally, I engage in extensive literature reviews and lab-scale experiments to predict and optimize the performance of the systems I study. Also, the analytical methods of quantifying pollutants concentration are also one of the focus of my research.”
A collaborative spirit
Qian has benefitted from the expertise of the people around her. “My supervisors are highly knowledgeable, supportive, and deeply invested in my academic and professional growth. They are easygoing and I enjoy every talk and interaction with them. Our research interests align well, which makes for a great working relationship. I deeply respect their serious and passionate attitude towards academia.
“The broader community of researchers at Leeds, including Leeds Doctoral College, is very supportive and inclusive, providing numerous resources, networking opportunities, and forums for sharing research findings and receiving constructive feedback.”
What lies in store beyond University? “Looking ahead, I hope to continue my research in environmental engineering, either in an academic setting or within the industry. I aspire to contribute to the development and implementation of innovative technologies that address critical environmental challenges. Additionally, I hope to take on a mentorship role, guiding future researchers and fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.”
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