
Ir Prof. Irene Man Chi Lo, JP
Chair Professor
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2358-7157
Fax: (852) 2358-1534
Email: cemclo@ust.hk
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2006 MICHAEL G. GALE MEDAL ON DISTINGUISHED TEACHING
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TEACHING PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACHES
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(1) I am strongly committed to teaching and put my time and effort into all my students. I have always considered teaching to be more a dialogue between teacher and students than a transmission of ideas from a powerful source to powerless receivers. Thus, students are always encouraged to actively participate in the class as part of their learning process. I encourage my students to answer my questions by telling them that “people do learn from mistakes”. If they give a wrong answer, I will simply say “good guess”. As a result, they do not feel embarrassed by giving a wrong answer.
(2) I am sure that well-prepared course materials and a sincere relationship with students both inside and outside the classroom are important in effective communication. It is important to prepare a good set of lecture notes and other reading materials for mediocre and passive students. This is because the mediocre students may not be able to follow the lecture. I also spend lots of time on setting good tutorial questions, which help students understand the lecture materials.
(3) Using student-centered approach in teaching, showing respect and consideration to students, and developing students’ analytical and critical thinking skills are the most important elements for the promotion of student learning. Besides, encouragement from a teacher is absolutely necessary for students who do not perform well at the earlier time. A few supportive words from our inner heart can make a substantial difference in the learning process of students.
(4) To be a good teacher, I always remind myself that a heart of understanding, enthusiasm, patience, and kindness for students are of paramount importance. Extra patience must be given to students because different levels of student ability varying from mediocre to top-notch could exist in a large class. I have to put myself into the students’ position, try to understand how they think, and be able to teach according to their level of understanding. I believe these components are part of my strengths. I also believe teaching should be done in such a way as to inspire enthusiasm for the subject matter among students.
(5) In the first 2-3 weeks of every new semester, I keep asking my students about the style and pace of my teaching. By doing this, I can modify and make appropriate adjustment for my teaching rather than waiting for the teaching evaluation results at the end of the semester. This kind of continuous assessment of student learning is necessary because the intake quality of students changes every year and thus their learning ability. We therefore should make the corresponding changes to suit their needs. In addition to verbal feedback, I also treat the teaching evaluation conducted by university at the end of each semester seriously. The main purpose of getting feedback is to improve the teaching quality.
(6) Teaching is a life-long learning process. No one can demonstrate effective teaching if he/she does not observe someone else’s teaching style and learn from others. In the past years, I have attended the classes of our colleagues and innovative teaching seminars offered by university. From their classes, I get more insights and skills in delivering a good lecture.
(7) Teaching in university should not be restricted to professional knowledge transfer. Providing spiritual support and enlightenment to my research graduate students for their future career and personal development are my highest vision to be a university professor. They not only need my technical advice but very often they need my understanding and sharing when they are ups and downs. These research students are our tomorrow’s professors and professionals in our society. Their success is indeed my success.
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Former PhD Students and Post-doctoral Fellows in Academics
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Name of Former Students/Post-doc Fellows |
Name of University |
Dr. Zhang Jianhong |
Professor, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, China |
Dr. Hu Liming |
Professor, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, China |
Dr. Wang Peng (Peter) |
Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
Dr. Rao Pinhua (Paul) |
Dean, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Univeristy of Engineering Science, China |
Dr. Yin Ke (Ken) |
Professor, Nanjing Forestry University, China |
Dr. Zheng Guanyu (Gordon) |
Professor, College of Resource and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, China |
Dr. Xia Deihua (Dennis) |
Associate Professor, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, China |
Dr. Zhou Wenwen (Shirley) |
Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Dr. Tsang Chiu Wa (Daniel) |
Associate Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
Dr. Zhang Weihua (Winnie) |
Professor, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, China |
Dr. Ng Tsun Wai (Kelvin) |
Professor, Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, Canada |
Dr. Liu Tongzhou (Tony) |
Associate Professor, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School, China |
Dr. Yan Yuk Shing (Dickson) |
Assiatnt Professor , Faculty of Science and Technology, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong |
Dr. Visanu Tanboonchuy |
Assiatnt Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, Khon KaenUniversity, Thailand |
Dr. Dong Haoran (Harry) |
Associate Professor, Associate Head, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, China |
Dr. Zhang Zhen (Simon) |
Associate Professor, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, China |
Dr. Fang Liping |
Associate Professor, Faculty of Material Sciences and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), China |
Dr. Gan Jielong (Vincent) |
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Dr. Woon Koksin (Vincent) |
Assistant Professor, Department of New Energy Science and Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia |
Dr. Kishore Sridharan |
UGC-Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science, Mangalore University, India |
Dr. Xiong Kun |
Associate Professor, State Key Laboratory of Environmental-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, China |
Dr. Jun Wan |
Assistant Professor, School of Environmental Science and Engineering,Wuhan Textile University, China |
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MPhil and PhD Research Students Supervision (Completed/Graduated)
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Student name |
Research title |
Degree |
Start Date |
Completion Date |
Chiu Lok Hin, Sam |
Evaluation of Environmental and Biogas Production Performance for Sewage Sludge and Food Waste Treatment by Life Cycle Assessment with Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis |
PhD |
Sep 2014 |
Aug 2017 |
Md. Uzzal Hossain (co-supervised with Prof. C.S. Poon of HK PolyU) |
Life Cycle Assessment of Recycled Construction Materials: Methodology Framework Development and Results Evaluation |
PhD |
Sep 2014 |
Jul 2017 |
Gan Jielong, Vincent |
Development of Approaches to Reduction in Embodied Carbon of Buildings: From Construction Materials to Alternative Building Structural Forms |
PhD |
Sep 2012 |
Aug 2016 |
Visanu Tanboonchuy (exchange student from Thailand) |
PAHs and Metals Removal from Field-Contaminated Sediment Using Activated Persulfate Oxidation Coupled with Chemical-Enhanced Washing |
PhD |
Sep 2014 |
Aug 2015 |
Woon Kok Sin, Vincent |
Sustainability Evaluation of Municipal Solid Waste Management Options in Hong Kong using Comparative Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing |
PhD |
Sep 2011 |
Aug 2015 |
Zhang Zhen, Simon |
Bioremediation of Contaminated River Sediment |
PhD |
Sep 2011 |
May 2015 |
Dong Haoran, Harry |
Fate and Transport of Nano Zero-Valent Iron (NZVI) in Subsurface Porous Media during Groundwater Remediation |
PhD |
Feb 2011 |
Aug 2013 |
Tang Cheuk Nam, Samuel |
Chromium(VI) Removal by Magnetic Hydrogel |
PhD |
Sep 2009 |
Aug 2013 |
Yan Yuk Shing, Dickson |
Removal of Heavy Metals and PAH from Contaminated Soil by Chemical Enhanced Soil Flushing/Washing and Advanced Oxidation Processes |
PhD |
Sep 2009 |
May 2013 |
Mak Sze Ho, Mark |
Effects of Humic Acid on Arsenic Removal by Permeable Reactive Barriers under Varying Geochemical Conditions |
PhD |
Sep 2008 |
Aug 2011 |
Yip Chi Man, Theo |
EDDS Extraction of Heavy Metals in Soils: Sequential Extraction, Transport Modeling, Kinetics. |
PhD |
Sep 2007 |
Aug 2010 |
Liu Tongzhou, Tony |
Removal of Chromium(VI) and Arsenic(V) by Zero-Valent Iron from Humic Acid-Rich Groundwater with Various Geochemical Constituents |
PhD |
Sep 2005 |
Jun 2009 |
Ng Tsun Wai, Kelvin |
Innovative Dvelopment of Landfill Daily Cover using Paper Sludge and Tire Chips: Mechanical Properties, and Pollutant Adsorption & Transport |
PhD |
Sep 2004 |
Aug 2008 |
Zhang Weihua |
Chemical-enhanced Washing for Remediation of Petrochemical Hydrocarbons Contaminated Soils |
PhD |
Feb 2003 |
Aug 2006 |
Tsang Chiu Wa, Daniel |
Non-equilibrium Transport of Heavy Metals in Soils and Its influence on Soil Remediation |
PhD |
Sep 2003 |
Aug 2006 |
Hu Jing |
Removal of Heavy Metals by Nano-scale Particles |
PhD |
Sep 2002 |
Sep 2005 |
Lai Chun Kit, Keith |
Laboratory- and Field-Scale Study of Iron Reactive Barriers |
PhD |
Feb 2001 |
Jul 2004 |
Fung Sau Long, Christopher |
Prototype/pilot-scale Study Photocatalytic Reactor System for Organic Degradation Using Magnetic Nanophotocatalysts Under Visible Light Irradiation |
MPhil |
Sep 2016 |
Aug 2018 |
Yu Zhigang, Aaron |
Environmental Behaviors of Arsenic-loaded Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles in Subsurface Systems |
MPhil |
Feb 2017 |
Aug 2018 |
Cheng Ying Kai, Jack |
Black Soldier Fly Bioconversion for Food Waste Recycling: Improved Residue Separation Method and Increased Larval Survival Rate |
MPhil |
Feb 2014 |
May 2016 |
Khan, Musharib |
Heavy metals-laiden Wastewater Traetment by Magnetic Nano- and Microparticles Technology in Couple with Metal Recylcing and Particles Reuse |
MPhil |
Feb 2014 |
Dec 2015 |
Ling Jiani, Jenny |
LCA of Construction Materials: Plywood |
MPhil |
Sep 2013 |
Aug 2015 |
Tang Yang, Ivan |
Solidification and Stabilization of Contaminated Sediment and Mud |
MPhil |
Sep 2013 |
Jan 2015 |
Jing Ran, Raymond |
LCA of Construction Materials: Steel |
MPhil |
Sep 2012 |
Aug 2014 |
Zhang Jiangliang, Judy |
Life Cycle Carbon Measurement of Hong Kong Construction Materials: Cement, Concrete and Plywood |
MPhil |
Sep 2011 |
Aug 2013 |
Lam Sze Chun, Chester |
Effects of Groundwater Geochemistry on Permeable Reactive Barriers |
MPhil |
Feb 2002 |
Aug 2004 |
Qi Yinan |
Factors Affecting Inactivation Behavior and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs) Formation in Monochloramination Range |
MPhil |
Sep 2001 |
Jan 2003 |
Zhou Wenwen, Shirley |
Geotechnical and Environmental Assessment of Sewage Sludge Disposal in Landfills |
MPhil |
Feb 1999 |
Jan 2001 |
Lai Chun Kit, Keith |
Effect of Salinity on the Dewatering Techniques of Biological Sludge |
MPhil |
Feb 1999 |
Dec 2000 |
Tang Chong I |
Leaching Behaviors and Binding Chemistry of Industrial Sludge by Solidification/Stabilization Techniques |
MPhil |
Sep 1997 |
May 1999 |
Yang Xiao-Yun |
New Composite Liners for Soil Contamination Prevention |
MPhil |
Sep 1997 |
May 1999 |
Mak Kwok Man, Raymond |
Feasibility Assessment of Using Modified Clay Materials for Solid/Hazardous Waste Disposal Landfills |
MPhil |
Sep 1993 |
Aug 1995 |
Pota Alok Ashwin |
Computer Aided System for the Selection and Design of Treatment Technologies for Removing VOCs from Contaminated Water |
MPhil |
Sep 1993 |
Aug 1995 |
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MPhil and PhD Research Students Supervision (In Progress)
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Student name |
Research title |
Degree |
Start Date |
Expected Graduation Date |
Tee Aaron, Kendric |
To be determined |
Mphil |
Sep 2019 |
Aug 2021 |
Zheng Yifan, Tim |
To be determined |
PhD |
Sep 2019 |
Aug 2023 |
Zheng Zexiao, Timmy |
To be determined |
PhD |
Sep 2019 |
Aug 2023 |
Li Xuejiao, Sandy (Co-supervised with Prof. Jack Cheng of HKUST) |
BIM based Construction and Demolition Waste Management |
PhD |
Sep 2018 |
Aug 2022 |
Badsha, Mohammad Abu Hashnat |
Development of a Novel Anionic Magnetic Hydrogel to Remove Cationic Ions of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution |
PhD |
Sep 2017 |
Aug 2021 |
Huang Junyi |
Degradation of Trichloroethylene by Modified Nanoscale Zero Valent Iron (NZVI) Activated Persulfate under the Impacts of Humic Acid and Coexisting Anions |
PhD |
Sep 2017 |
Aug 2021 |
He Juhua, Andy |
Simultaneous Endocrine Disruptor Photodegradation and Sewage Disinfection using Magnetically Separable Photocatalysts Activated by Visible Light |
PhD |
Sep 2016 |
Aug 2020 |
Khan, Musharib |
Development of High Performance Hydrogels for the Removal of Aqueous Pollutants |
PhD |
Feb 2016 |
Nov 2019 |
Wu Baile, Barry |
Highly Selective Magnetic Nanoparticles for Phosphate Removal and Recovery from Water and Wastewater |
PhD |
Sep 2015 |
Nov 2019 |
Kumar, Ashutosh |
Removal of PPCPs from Wastewater using Visible Light Driven Magnetic Photocatalysts |
PhD |
Sep 2015 |
Nov 2019 |
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Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Assistants Supervision
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Name |
Project involved |
Position |
Period |
Dong Chencheng, July |
Photo-Fenton Process |
Post-doc |
Aug 2019-now |
Ahmed Saeed |
Phosphate Removal from River Water |
Post-doc |
July 2019-now |
Liu Fei |
Phosphate Removal from River Water |
Post-doc |
July 2019-now |
Zhang Yanyang |
Phosphate Removal from River Water |
Post-doc |
Feb 2019-now |
Wan Jun |
Phosphate Removal from Natural Waters using Magnetic Nanoparticles |
Post-doc |
Aug 2018-July 2019 |
Xiong Kun, Quentin |
Sewage Disinfection using Magnetically Separable Photocatalysts Activated by Visible Light |
Post-doc |
Jan 2019-Jun 2019 |
Rayees Ahmad Rather |
Visible Light Driven Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction and Water Splitting by Z-scheme Photocatalysts |
Post-doc |
Nov 2017-Mar 2019 |
Lan Shenyu, Sharon |
Piezo-photo-catalysis of Hybrid Nanomaterials |
Post-doc |
Oct 2017-Apr 2019 |
Zeng Xiangkang, Max |
Sewage Disinfection using Magnetically Separable Photocatalysts Activated by Visible Light |
Post-doc |
Sep 2017-Oct 2018 |
Zhang Weilan |
Environmental Implications of Arsenic-loaded Zero-valent Iron Nanoparticles in Soils and Groundwater |
Post-doc |
June 2017-Apr 2018 |
Rokhsareh Akbarzadeh |
Development of a Multi-functional Photocatalyst |
Post-doc |
Oct 2016-Oct 2017 |
Gan Jielong, Vincent |
Low Carbon Construction Materials and Buildings |
Post-doc |
Oct 2016-Jun 2017 |
Kishore Sridharan |
Design and Development of Magnetically Functionalized Visible Light active Photocatalysts |
Post-doc |
Dec 2016-Apr 2017 |
Fang Liping, Fang |
Magnetic Nanoparticles for Phosphate Removal and Recovery |
Post-doc |
Nov 2015-May 2017 |
Xia Deihua, Dennis |
Magnetic Nanoparticles for POP Removal and Particles Regeneration |
Post-doc |
Mar 2015-Dec 2015 |
Zheng Guanyu |
Sediment Bioremediation Enhancement |
Post-doc |
Oct 2011-Aug 2012 |
Mak, Mark |
Large-scale Study of Chemical-enhanced Washing for Shenzhen Sediment |
Post-doc |
Sep 2011-Aug 2012 |
Ke Yin, Ken |
Chromium Removal by Magnetic Hydrogel |
Post-doc |
Nov 2009-Nov 2010 |
Rao Pinhua, Paul |
Chromium Removal by Zero Valent Iron and Magnetic Hydrogel |
Post-doc |
Jul 2009-Oct 2009; Jul 2007-Sep 2008 |
Wang Peng, Peter |
As and Cr Removal using Mesoporous Iron-based Materials and their Recovery |
Post-doc |
Jul 2008-Jun 2009 |
Tsang C. W., Daniel |
Non-equilibrium Havey Metal Transport in Soils with High Organic Matters Content |
Post-doc |
Sep 2006-Jun 2007 |
Hu Jing |
Inorganic and Organic Sorption by Activated Carbon and their Sorption Mechanisms |
Post-doc |
Nov 2005-May 2006 |
Tong S F, Agnes |
Gasification of Biomass and Municipal Solid Waste |
RA |
Jan 2005-Oct 2006 |
Liu M Y, Jess |
Waste Wood Derived Activated Carbon for Organic Removal |
RA |
Nov 2004-Mar 2006 |
Lai C K, Keith |
Reduction of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons by Zero-valent Iron |
Post-doc |
Aug 2004-Apr 2006 |
Shu Shanzhi |
Gasoline Migration in Saturated Soils using Geotechnical Centrifuge |
Post-doc |
Jul 2000-Jan 2001 |
Hu Liming |
LNAPL Migration in Saturated Soils and Aquifer using Geotechnical Centrifuge |
Post-doc |
Jul 2000-Jun 2001 |
Zhang Jianhong |
Accelerated Cadmium Migration in Unsaturated Soils |
Post-doc |
Aug 2000-Jul 2001 |
Lee Cheng-Hao, Samuel |
Sorption of Nonpolar and Polar Organics on Organically Modified Bentonite |
RA |
May 1995-Jun 1996 |
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Course Taught
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CIVL1100 Discovering Civil and Environmental Engineering (Environmental Session) (UG)
An overview of civil and environmental engineering, infrastructure development and engineering ethics is provided. The course includes lectures and laboratory sessions, where laboratory sessions are primarily directed to students who require the development of feasible conceptual solutions for the analysis and design of the basic problems in structural, environmental and geotechnical engineering.
CIVL 5450 Hazardous Waste Treatment and Site Remediation (PG)
Regulatory aspects of the handling and disposal of hazardous wastes, and innovative technologies for hazardous wastes treatment and contaminated soils such as bioremediation, and soil washing will be included.
CIVL 5460 Landfill Engineering and Design (PG)
Practical aspects of solid waste collection methods and equipment, current available disposal techniques with emphasis on complete engineering design of landfill systems, and landfill leachate treatment will be included.
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