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Ir Professor Irene Man Chi Lo, JP
勞敏慈講座教授, 工程師, 太平紳士


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
http://home.ust.hk/~irenelo


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2006 MICHAEL G. GALE MEDAL ON DISTINGUISHED TEACHING
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Article (link)

Video (link)



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.




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


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


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


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


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.