| Name | Research Interests |
| Assoc Prof Cao Bin | Biofilms in natural and engineered systems
Biofilm-mediated environmental bioprocesses
Biofilm biology-informed biofilm engineering
Biofilm-enabled biotechnological applications |
| Prof Chiew Yee Meng | He has had more than 25 years of research experience in many aspects of fluvial, hydraulic, coastal and offshore engineering. His particular research interest is in the area of erosion, sediment transport and turbulence. In addition to his research activities, Dr Chiew provides extensive consulting services to the engineering industries, both internationally and in Singapore. He was the Chairman of the 2nd International Conference on Scour and Erosion (ICSE-2) that was held in Singapore in November 2004.
SELECTED PUBLICATION LIST
1. Chiew, Y. M. "Mechanics of Local Scour Around Submarine Pipelines" Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 116, no. 4, 515-529, 1990.
2. Chiew, Y. M. "Scour Protection at Bridge Piers" Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 118, no. 9, 1260-1269, 1992.
3. Chiew, Y. M. and Parker, G. "Incipient Sediment Transport on Non-Horizontal Slopes" Journal of Hydraulic Research, IAHR, vol. 32, no. 5, 649-660, 1994.
4. Chiew, Y. M. "Mechanics of Riprap Failure at Bridge Piers" Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 121, no. 9, 635-643, 1995.
5. Song, T. and Chiew, Y. M. and Chin, C. O. "Effect of Bedload Movement on Flow Friction Factor" Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 124, no. 2, 165-175, 1998.
6. Cheng, N. S. and Chiew, Y. M. "Turbulent Open-Channel Flow with Upward Seepage" Journal of Hydraulic Research, IAHR, vol. 36, no. 3, 415-431, 1998.
7. Melville, B. W. and Chiew, Y. M. "Time Scale for Local Scour at Bridge Piers" Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 125, no. 1, 59-65, 1999.
8. Cheng, N. S. and Chiew, Y. M. "Incipient Sediment Motion with Upward Seepage" Journal of Hydraulic Research, IAHR, vol. 37, no. 5, 665-681, 1999.
9. Ming, D. H. and Chiew, Y. M. "Experimental study for shoreline changes behind a detached breakwater" Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, ASCE, vol. 126, no. 2, 63-70, 2000.
10. Chiew, Y. M. and Lim F. H. "Failure behavior of riprap layer at bridge piers under live-bed conditions" Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 126, no. 1, 43-55, 2000.
11. Song, T. and Chiew, Y. M. "Turbulence Measurement in Non-Uniform Open Channel Flow Using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV)". Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, vol. 127, no. 3, 219-232, 2001.
12. Chiew, Y.M. "Failure Mechanisms of Riprap Layer around Bridge Piers". Invited Paper (Plenary Section) in Proc. of First Int. Conf. on Scour of Foundations (ICSF-1), Vol. 1, 70-91, 2002.
13. Chen, X. W. and Chiew, Y. M. "Response of Velocity and Reynolds Stress Profiles to Sudden Change of Bed Roughness in Open-Channel Flow". Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 129, no. 1, 35-43, 2003.
14. Chen, X. W. and Chiew, Y. M. "Velocity Distribution of Turbulent Open Channel Flow with Bed Suction". Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 130, no. 2, 140-148, 2004.
15. Chiew, Y. M. "Local Scour and Riprap Stability at Bridge Piers in a Degrading Channel". Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE, vol. 130, no. 3, 218-226, 2004.
16. Lu, Y., Chiew, Y.M. and Cheng, N. S. "Review of seepage effects on turbulent open-channel flow and sediment entrainment". Journal of Hydraulic Research, IAHR, 46(4), 476-488, 2008. |
| Assoc Prof Chong Tzyy Haur | Membrane Process Intensification: Engineering for Efficiency and Sustainability in Water-Energy-Environment Nexus
• Desalination and reclamation, water and wastewater treatment, industrial applications
• Membrane fouling mechanisms, control strategies and fouling sensors
• Process intensification, enhanced module and system design
• Hybrid membrane chemical and bio-reactors |
| Prof Chu Jian | Prof Chu's area of expertise includes laboratory and in-situ testing, soil properties, ground improvement, land reclamation, and waste utilisation. |
| Asst Prof David Lallemant | - Disaster risk modeling
- Engineering risk and reliability analysis
- Remote sensing and earth observation technology
- Geostatistics/spatial statistics
- Predictive modeling
- Humanitarian and development sciences
- Design thinking as a research tool |
| Assoc Prof Dong Zhili | Dr. Dong has more than twenty years experience in transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction of materials. His research interests include open-framework materials, nanostructured functional materials, advanced coatings and materials synthesis. |
| Asst Prof Fang Mingliang | High-resolution mass spectrometry based metabolomics and lipidomics
Fate and transport of emerging environmental contaminants
Human exposure and biomarker discovery
Nuclear-receptor related endocrine disruption by environmental contaminants
High-throughput bioassay application in the toxicity assessment
Effect-directed analysis to screen bioactive compounds in environmental mixtures |
| Asst Prof Fei Xunchang | Google Scholar: http://goo.gl/kJPC3h
Solid waste management
Environmental engineering
Geoenvironmental engineering |
| Prof Fung Tat Ching | Prof Fung's areas of expertise are Computational Mechanics and Structural Engineering. His current research works focus on structural behaviour of tubular joints and the design of higher order time-step integration algorithms. |
| Assoc Prof Goh Teck Chee, Anthony | In recent years, A/P Goh's research has been concentrated in three areas:
(a) He has pioneered, and is at the forefront of research into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies for solving civil engineering problems. His journal publications have often been cited, particularly in the area of seismic liquefaction assessment.
(b) He has been at the forefront of research into studying braced excavations in clays, and the effects of lateral soil movements from excavation and embankment construction activities on existing piles.
(c) He has pioneered research to study the stability of excavations using the finite element method. Recently, he has pioneered work to incorporate uncertainty and reliability concepts into the design of geotechnical structures and to assess their serviceability performance. |
| Asst Prof Grzegorz Lisak | Environmental chemistry with focus of novel analytical protocols for determination of pollutants in environment.
Analytical chemistry with focus on electroanalysis.
Electrochemistry with focus on conducting materials, e.g. conducting polymers.
Novel materials for the use in sensor technology.
Electro stimulated transport of species across membranes.
On-line determination of toxic metals bioavailability in various samples, e.g. soil. |
| Prof Harianto Rahardjo | Main research interest:
• Rainfall - induced landslides: mechanism, assessment, characterization, instrumentation and preventive measures
• Unsaturated Soil Mechanics: laboratory testing, field measurements and numerical modelling
• Capillary Barrier System for slope stabilization and Geo-Barrier System for retaining structure using the principles of unsaturated soil mechanics
• Behaviour of unsaturated tropical soils: shear strength, air and water flows, suction measurements
• Soil improvement for tree stability
• Specialised laboratory soil testing and field instrumentation for unsaturated soils
Prizes and Awards:
• The 2019 Korean Geotechnical Society (KGS) Awards Lecture at the Spring Geotechnical Conference, Seoul, South Korea on 14 March 2019.
• Minister for National Development’s R&D Awards 2017 (Special Mentioned Award) for Stability Assessment of slopes covered with Mangrove along Punggol Waterway using Unsaturated Soil Mechanics Principles, Singapore 29 June 2017.
• Winner of the “Inaugural Asia-Pacific Distinguished Lecture on Unsaturated Soils”, at the 6th Asia-Pacific Conference on Unsaturated Soils in Guilin, China on 24 October 2015.
• Nanyang Education Award (College), 12 March 2015.
• Fellow of the Teaching Excellence Academy, 12 March 2015.
• Patent No. 161787: Apparatus and Method for Preventing Slope Failure – joint patent by NTU. (Nanyang Technological University and HDB (Housing Development Board) of Singapore, 30 March 2012.
• ASTM International Award for “Outstanding Article on the Practice of Geotechnical Testing”, 25 May 2006.
• Teacher of the Year Award, Nanyang Technological University, 1998.
• National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Postgraduate Scholarship, 1988 and 1989.
Selected Publications:
• Rahardjo, H., Satyanaga, A., Gofar, N., Leong, E.C., Kew, J.H., Wang, C.L., Wong, J.L.H. (2019). “Geobarrier System for Protection against Rainfall-induced Slope Failure” ISSMGE International Journal of Geoengineering Case Histories. 5(1):26-42.
• Rahardjo, H., Kim, Y., Satyanaga, A. (2019). “Role of Unsaturated Soil Mechanics in Geotechnical Engineering”, The 2019 Korean Geotechnical Society (KGS) AWARDS LECTURE at 2019 Spring Geotechnical Engineering Conference, Seoul, South Korea, 14 March 2019.
• Rahardjo, H., N. Gofar, A. Satyanaga, E.C. Leong, C.L. Wang, J.L.H Wong (2018). “Effect of Rainfall Infiltration on Deformation of Geobarrier”, Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, pp. 1-17.
• Rahardjo, H., X.F. Nong, D.T.T. Lee, E.C. Leong, and Y.K. Fong (2018) “Expedited soil–water characteristic curve tests using combined centrifuge and chilled mirror techniques”, Geotechnical Testing Journal, Vol. 41(1), pp. 2017-217.
• Rahardjo, H., Y. Kim, N. Gofar, E.C. Leong, C.L. Wang, J.L.H. Wong (2018) “Field instrumentations and monitoring of GeoBarrier System for steep slope protection”, Transportation Geotechnics, Vol. 16, pp. 29-42.
• Rahardjo, H., N. Amalia, J.D. Wee, E.C. Leong, L.F. Ow and P.Y. Tan (2017) “Effect of soil hydraulic properties on water infiltration of containerised soil”, Landscape and Urban Planning, Vol.165, pp.84-92.
• Rahardjo, H, N. Amalia, E.C. Leong, F.R. Harnas, T.T. Lee, and Y.K. Fong (2017) “Flux Boundary Measurement to Study Tree Stability”, Landscape and Ecological Engineering, Vol.13, Issue 1, January 2017, pp.81-92.
• Rahardjo, H, N. Gofar, N. Amalia, E.C. Leong, and L.F. Ow (2016) “Structural Cell Contribution to Resistance of Trees to Uprooting”, Trees - Structure and Function, October, Vol.30, Issue 5, pp.1843-1853.
• Rahardjo, H., A. Satyanaga, E.C. Leong, V.A. Santoso and Y.S. Ng (2014). “Performance of An Instrumented Slope Covered with Shrubs and Deep Rooted Grass”. Soils and Foundations, Japanese Geotechnical Society, May, Vol. 54, No. 3, pp. 417-425. |
| Prof Ivan Au | Structural vibration testing, structural health monitoring, engineering risk methods, Monte Carlo methods |
| Prof Law Wing-Keung, Adrian | Research in environmental fluid mechanics with special emphasis on wastewater disposal and impact, environmental hydraulics in wastewater treatment processes, pollutant transport in coastal environment, and advanced laser imaging techniques for measurements. |
| Assoc Prof Leong Eng Choon | Unsaturated soils, soil dynamics, field and laboratory tests, foundation engineering and numerical modelling.
Current research projects include:
1. Dynamic properties of Singapore soils
2. Instrumentation for the Study of Rainfall - Induced Slope Failures in Singapore
3. Soil Improvement for Tree Stability and Tree Root Systems
4. Slope Repair Technology in Singapore
5. Development of specialised container technology for growing trees in Singapore |
| Assoc Prof Li Bing | Earthquake and Blast Resistant Design: Seismic and blast resistant design of reinforced concrete buildings and buildings incorporating precast concrete elements. Development blast testing for explosive effects on reinforced concrete structures.
Structural Concrete: Design and behavior of reinforced and precast concrete structures, reinforcement detailing and cyclic strut-and-tie models.
Structural Dynamics: Non-linear dynamic response of buildings subjected to blast and seismic loadings. Probabilistic performance assessment of reinforced concrete structures in blast environments. |
| Assoc Prof Lie Seng Tjhen | Numerical Fracture Mechanics
Boundary Element Method
Symmetric Galerkin Boundary Element Method
Fatigue of welded joints and structures
Fracture of cracked welded joints and structres
Development of Failure Assessment Diagram |
| Assoc Prof Lim Siow Yong | Fluvial and open channel Hydraulics, sediment transport and scouring phenomena. |
| Prof Lim Teik Thye | My core research fields are:
Advanced oxidation processes for water and wastewater treatment
Environmental catalysis for wastewater treatment
Environmental nanomaterials for water decontamination
My secondary research field is:
Waste-to-energy and waste-to-materials
Brief summaries of my research projects are listed below.
Catalytic advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)
I have 15 years of research track records in redox technologies for surface water, wastewater and groundwater treatment. For the oxidation technologies, my research activities cover sulfate-radical based advanced oxidation process or SR-AOP (homogeneous and heterogeneous), UV-based AOP (homogeneous and heterogeneous), Fenton processes (heterogeneous), photocatalysis (heterogeneous), electrochemical oxidation, and sonochemical oxidation, and hybrid AOPs. On SR-AOP, my group has made significant contribution to the scientific community in terms of advancing the understanding of the mechanisms of the heterogeneous SR-AOP with metal oxides (monometallic oxide and bimetallic oxides) and carbonaceous materials as catalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and peroxydisulfate (PDS). We have discussed our works in our numerous scientific papers and 3 critical reviews in the top journals. Specifically, we have provided insights into the radical and non-radical reaction pathways associated with transformation and mineralization of a wide range of organic emerging micropollutants such as antibiotics, cytostatic drugs, bisphenol A and industrial chemicals. On the homogeneous SR-AOP, our group is among the leading contributor to post-formation mitigation strategy for controlling iodinated disinfection by-products such as iodinated trihalomethanes and iodoacids in RO water. Our group also developed composite catalytic materials which comprise mixed metal oxides, bimetallic oxides, and catalyst-nanocarbon composites that exhibit multifunctional properties such as combined catalysis, adsorption-promoted catalysis, “switchable” catalysis, etc. Our iron-based catalytic composites can function as Fenton catalyst, photo-Fenton catalyst and photocatalyst, such that their applications can be switched over the day/night cycle. When irradiated with sunlight, they trigger sunlight-driven photocatalytic redox degradation of organic pollutants without any chemical addition. The materials can be recovered from the treated water using magnet. We have also developed a hybrid TiO2-activated carbon composites, which can be used as solar-driven photocatalyst or solar-regenerable adsorbent. This invention has been approved for PCT filing as a recognition of our intellectual property.
Catalytic ceramic membrane for removing recalcitrant organics
Over the last 10 years, my group has advanced the research of coupling catalytic oxidation and membrane separation process. The synergistic processes were enabled through our catalytic ceramic membrane research. We developed three types of such hybrid membranes: (1) photocatalytic membrane, (2) catalytic sulfate-radical oxidation membrane, and (3) catalytic ozonation ceramic membrane. One of our inventions, Ag-decorated photocatalytic TiO2-coated alumina membrane, has three functionalities: antibacterial and antibiofouling property, photocatalytic activity, and separation function with membrane pore sizes down to 4 nm.
The details of my research activities and publications are available at https://www.ntu.edu.sg/home/cttlim/ |
| Dr Liu Shukui | (1) Marine Hydrodynamics
(2) Ship Design and Optimization
(3) Fuel and Environmental Performance Analysis
(4) Dynamics of a ship in Seaways
(5) Ship Stability |
| Prof Liu Yu | Dr. Liu has about 20 years of experience in environmental biotechnology, and has the interests in biological nutrient removal, biogranulation and biofilm technology, molecular mechanism and cellular signaling of biogranulation, granular sludge membrane bioreactor, enhanced anaerobic process for low-strength organic wastewater treatment and integrated approach for water reclamation. |
| Assoc Prof Lo Yat-Man, Edmond | Hydrodynamics; Urban flood modelling; City growth dynamics |
| Assoc Prof Low Bak Kong | Reliability analysis in geotechnical engineering, soil and rock slope stability, ground improvement, rock engineering, and engineering analysis accounting for uncertainty.
Current research works focus on geotechnical reliability-based design with insights for improving the evolving Eurocode 7 and the Load and Resistance Factor Design approach, for example as presented in his ASCE JGGE paper https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%29GT.1943-5606.0001795, and his Chapter 4 of the ISSMGE TC205-TC304 joint report “Discussion of Statistical/Reliability Methods for Eurocodes” (the PDF file under the "Book Chapters" folder at http://alum.mit.edu/www/bklow).
Web of Science citation count and h-index are available at https://publons.com/researcher/2817861/Bak-Kong-Low/. |
| Prof Lua Aik Chong | Professor Lua's areas of expertise are the development of activated carbons for adsorbing gaseous and aqueous pollutants and measurement of flow rates. His current research activities are the preparation and characterization of activated carbons, adsorption technology for air pollution and water filtration, development of polymeric membranes for gas separation, measurement of flow rates using fluidic flowmeters and measurements of particulates and gas emissions from diesel engines. |
| Dr Lum Kit Meng | Intelligent Transportation Systems
Pavement Materials and Design
Traffic Safety and Management
Operations Research and Simulation |
| Assoc Prof Massimo Pica Ciamarra | We are interested in understanding the physics of disordered many-particle systems via statistical mechanics tools and numerical simulations, which is arguably one of the most pressing needs in material science. Such an understanding is crucial to 1) design atomic or polymeric disordered materials with specific mechanical and rheological properties; 2) rationalize natural catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and avalanches; 3) improve the many industrial products and processes handling particulate media, from the food to the pharmaceutical and the electronic industry. The main difficulty is the developing of a theoretical framework connecting the macroscopic and the microscopic scales in the presence of disorder. Some topics of specific interest are:
1. glass transition
2. suspensions of soft deformable particles, e.g. microgels
3. liquid with density anomalies
4. rheological properties of disordered particulate systems, with applications to earthquakes
5. pattern formation in driven particulate systems, e.g. segregation
6. transport properties in disordered media |
| Prof Ng Wun Jern | NG WUN JERN's research interests are largely in the area of water, wastewater, and sludge and agri-wastes management, with recovery of useful materials and energy. The focus of his efforts has been on investigations into water quality, treatment science, and development of treatment technologies and systems. These investigations span the water quality spectrum - ranging from ultra-pure water to high strength and inhibitory wastewaters, and organic sludges to agri-wastes management for recovery of soil fertility and crop yields.
His research output may be found in some 400 publications. These include journal papers, conference presentations, book chapters and monographs, reports, and patents. His latest book publications are titled "Industrial Wastewater Treatment" (Imperial College Press) and "Wetlands for Tropical Applications" (Imperial College Press).
Current R&D interests revolve around effluent treatment and include dehalogenation under bioreductive conditions. Of particular interest are the chloro-compounds and dehalogenation under acidic conditions with biomass sculptured into granules.
The interest in bioreductive (instead of bio-oxidative) processes stems from concern over energy costs and carbon footprints of treatment processes. Anaerobic processes are therefore of interest when used to manage strong wastewaters and slurries from industrial and agro-industrial sources. R&D interest is on hydrolysis, staged and phased anaerobic processes, process stability and kinetics, gas productivities and quality, and recovery of resources. Conceptually there is a shift from viewing the anaerobic process as a wastewater pretreatment device to one which is intended to recover resources.
Extending this interest is the work on biosorption where sorption is used to concentrate carbonaceous material from low strength wastewaters prior to anaerobic degradation of the sorbent with gas recovery. This approach deviates from the conventional approach of using anaerobic processes such as the UASB or anaerobic filter to address low strength wastewaters. Laboratory studies typically use the cyclic process configuration although larger scale studies can be with the cyclic or continuous flow configuration.
In aerobic treatment, there is interest in the MBR applied with granulated biomass. The interest is on biofouling mitigation using this modified biomass morphology. There is also interest in using the MBR and the concept of "back seeding" to achieve better nutrients removal and degradation of resistant organics (eg textile dyes). Aerobic processes are also used to produce enzymes, phytohormones, and beneficial microbial consortia from horti-and agri-wastes.
NG now leads his own research group, the Environmental Bio-innovations Group (EBiG), which as its name would suggest has focus on solutions which can be applied on the issues faced in the region. While not limited to bioprocesses, there are more numerous such solutions with intention to achieving more sustainable and circular approaches. |
| Prof Pan Tso-Chien | Damage Assessment of buildings subjected to dynamic loading
Structural design for blast loading and missile impacts
Vibration isolation for structures and equipment
Seismic hazard, vulnerability and risk assessments |
| Asst Prof Perrine Hamel | Perrine’s research focuses on the services provided by natural infrastructure in urban and rural environments, with a particular interest in hydrologic services. She has extensive experience in urban hydrologic modelling and has led the development of several ecosystem services models that support management decisions, now incorporated into the InVEST (integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs) software. She has conducted natural capital assessments in partnership with environmental NGOs and public and private actors around the world, most recently in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Her research on Southeast Asian cities focuses on three broad themes: i) natural infrastructure for integrated urban water management, ii) climate vulnerability and urban resilience; and iii) incorporation of ecosystem-based management approaches into urban planning. |
| Asst Prof Qian Shunzhi | Innovative and smart construction materials
Sustainable design and construction
Life cycle assessment |
| Assoc Prof Qin Xiaosheng | Research interests:
- Water resources and flood risk management
- Surface water quality modeling and control
- Climate change impact assessment and adaptation planning
- Groundwater modeling, risk assessment and site remediation
- Air quality control and solid waste management |
| Assoc Prof Seah Leong Keey | Phase-resolved Imaging, Latent Fingerprint Imaging, Strain Measurement, Thin-Walled Structures, Buckling Analysis, Structural Behaviour, |
| Prof Shane Allen Snyder | • Advanced oxidation processes for water treatment
• Analytical and bioanalytical methods for emerging environmental contaminants
• Novel sensor systems and networks for water treatment
• Water treatment process engineering and optimization
• In vitro bioassay systems for evaluating environmental mixtures
• Characterization of organic matter and disinfection byproducts |
| Asst Prof She Qianhong | Separation technologies for environmental sustainability and circular economy.
Dr She is working on the development of separation technologies to tackle pressing environmental issues, produce clean water via desalination and wastewater reclamation, separate chemical/biological products, and transform waste into value-added resources or clean energy. The main research interest in his group is on various membrane separation processes driven by hydraulic pressure, osmotic pressure, temperature and electrochemical potential. His group is also researching other separation processes (such as ion exchange, adsorption, extraction and distillation) and their integration with membrane separation. The objective is to improve the performance and reduce the energy consumption for separation. Currently, he is working on the following topics.
• Integrated system for energy-efficient separation
• Fundamental understanding of fouling and mass transport in separation processes
• Antifouling membrane development |
| Asst Prof Sonny Ben Rosenthal | Environmental communication, public understanding of science, media effects, media psychology, research methods, scale development |
| Prof Srinivasan Madhavi | Asst.Prof. Madhavi Srinivasan areas of expertise are in Energy storage devices (lithium ion batteries,zinc-air batteries/fuel cells, supercapacitors), Ecomaterials (photocatalysts, ion-exchange ceramic membranes) and synthesis/characterization (XPS, XRD, SEM/TEM and spectroscopy) of nanostructured materials. Her current research works focus on employing functionalized carbon nanotubes SWNT/MWNT)and decorated CNTs as electrodes in batteries/supercapacitors. Her ongoing work involves fabrication of nanostructures of transtion metal oxide and metal nanoparticles and optimization of their adhesion on to carbon-based materials.She is also working on visible light photocatalysts such as perovskite and nitrogen doped titania along with activated carbon. |
| Prof Stefan Wuertz | The basic task of an environmental engineer engaged in water quality management is the maintenance of adequate water supplies for the benefit of society. Aspects of both quality and quantity of water are very much at the forefront of today’s challenges in the face of a changing climate and diminishing resources. For example, being able to determine the origins of fecal pollution in urban waterways is becoming increasingly important as we aim to respond to natural and man-made disasters. Knowledge about the sources of microbial and other contaminants can help mitigate their impacts and facilitate risk assessment of exposure to drinking and recreational waters, Similarly, treatment of used water requires increasingly stringent and innovative technologies that build on the discovery and exploitation of microbiological processes, such as those found in the N and P cycle.
Through the development of new tools in the life sciences it has become possible to complete whole genome analyses of microorganisms in a short period of time. Bioinformatics tools, while lagging behind in the development of technical solutions to fast and” deep” sequencing technology, are being readied to accommodate the growing need of data compilation, management and interpretation. Across the developed world engineers have begun to interact with their counterparts in the natural sciences in a search for knowledge that can result in new technology for the treatment of water and used water.
As a researcher and educator steeped in both environmental engineering and life sciences disciplines, I strongly believe in studying fundamental biological and physico-chemical processes to develop new technology that is sustainable and market-ready in the long term. My vision for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) along with the Singapore Center on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is to train students in practical and theoretical aspects of what can truly be called environmental life sciences engineering (a new discipline coined by the directorate of SCELSE) and provide guidance to academic colleagues and postgraduate researchers at NTU.
In specific terms, my research program involves the following three thrusts:
a) Fundamental studies of biofilms and microbial communities in natural and engineered systems
The emphasis is on a complete spatial and temporal description of microbial aggregates involved in the removal of chemical constituents-of-concern using advanced imaging and pyrosequencing techniques.
b) Optimizing bioreactor treatment strategies
As chemical analytical techniques become more sophisticated, so does our knowledge about the occurrence of specific contaminants in the environment. The field of wastewater treatment has historically been based on general treatment goals using empirically derived methods in design. However, this system often fails to deliver specific treatment goals such as degradation of a specific contaminant without affecting general treatment performance. An ever increasing number of chemical contaminants are being detected in treated used water effluent and in biosolids. Therefore, knowledge of the removal mechanisms of specific contaminants as well as an in-depth understanding of overall microbial community dynamics and expression of functional genes in a reactor is necessary.
c) Protecting Public Health in Singapore
For several years I have been working on the quantitative detection of pathogens in natural (e.g. storm) waters and biosolids using procedures based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Much of this research is driven by the growing realization in the scientific and professional community that for a variety of reasons standard microbial indicators like E. coli, fecal coliforms and enterococci may be inadequate predictors of recent fecal contamination in recreational waters. |
| Assoc Prof Sun Delai, Darren | - TiO2 nanofibe/tube membrane for water and energy (H2 and solar cell) production
- Membrane fouling mechanism, control and prevention
- Multifunctional membrane module design
- Membrane bioreactor design
- Composite membranes and membrane modules for environmental applications
- Biofilms grown on liquid-permeable membranes
- Reutilization of waste into value-added product. |
| Prof Tan Kang Hai | A/P Tan's research interests include structural fire engineering, strut and tie modelling of reinforced concrete structures, progressive collapse analysis and testing of structures, finite element programs for heat transfer analysis and nonlinear structural analysis and evacuation modelling using cellular automata. |
| Assoc Prof Tan Soon Keat | Dr Tan's research interests include application of geographical information system (GIS) in water resources, numerical simulation of flow for hydraulics and coastal engineering applications. His current research projects include hydrodynamic consideration of mega underwater structures and application of wetland technologies in the removal of pharmaceutical products from wastewater streams.
Dr Tan specilaises in urban water management, rainfall-runoff modeling as well as water quality modeling, flooding, drainage, urban response, climate change and future scenarios analysis. Managing surface water in terms of quantitative distribution, storage and transport, removal of water-borne contaminant, particularly trace quantity of drugs and pharmaceutical products from waste-water streams are challenges in the management of water resources, and in particular, supply of raw water in the face of climate change and rapid urbanisation. A viable and feasible solution is to employ wetland technology as a means to remove contaminants and management of peak runoff. Under the supervision of Dr Tan, a research team is carrying out a series of constructed wetlands experiments with raw water spiked with selected contaminants. The research work has produced meaningful results and highly cited publications since its inception in 2009.
Currently Dr Tan is leading research work on strategic development of coastal, urban scape and water resources, in response to climate change as well as developmental scenarios. |
| Assoc Prof Teh Cee Ing | Application of numerical and computational methods to geotechnical engineering.
In-situ testings and interpretations.
Ground improvement. |
| Dr Teoh Bak Koon | • BIM
• Large-scale multi-discipline engineering design and construction – onshore and offshore, concrete and steel structures
• Construction technology and management
• Precast construction
• Heavy Lift – onshore and offshore |
| Prof Ting Seng Kiong | Dr Ting 's area of expertise are in civil and structural engineering. His current research works focus on construction technology, e.g., recycling of concrete, and issues related to the construction industry, e.g., demolition and recycling of construction waste. |
| Assoc Prof Tiong Lee Kong, Robert | Areas of research interests:
1. catastrophe risk assessment and management
2. alternative risk transfer mechanisms and financing
3. catastrophe micro-insurance
4. sustainable development and systems,
5. impact of climate change, carbon finance and carbon emission reductions
6. integrated risk analysis |
| Dr Tuti Mariana Lim | Dr. Lim's areas of expertise include resources recovery particularly for rare earth elements separation by solvent extraction which was her PhD research topic. She was also involved in clean energy research during her undergraduate study and her final year project was on the development of Vanadium Battery technology. She was the recipient of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) summer vacation scholarship in 1990-1991 to investigate the effect of pressure and temperature on the solubility of natural gas in LPG.
Dr. Lim's current research interests include advanced oxidation technologies, hybrid membrane technologies and renewable energy technologies. She has done significant research work and published over 25 top quality international conferences and journal papers. |
| Assoc Prof Wan Man Pun | Prof Wan's areas of expertise are aerosol sciences, building environmental quality and catalytic combustion. His current research works focus on transport of expiratory aerosols in indoor environments and infectious disease transmission, ultrafine particle dynamics, mass transfer and chemical kinetics in catalytic oxidation systems. |
| Prof Wang Rong | Dr Wang's main research interests cover membrane science & technology, chemical & environmental engineering processes. She focuses on:
• Development of various novel membranes such as biomimetic/bio-programmable hollow fiber RO membrane, synthetic water channel-based RO membrane, organic solvent resistant and low pressure NF membrane, FO/pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) membranes, hydrophobic membrane distillation (MD) membranes, extractive membranes and mixed matrix membranes for membrane-based separation & purification processes for water and energy productions, and for wastewater treatment in industry;
• Membrane surface modification for fouling control in water & wastewater treatments; modification of microporous membranes to enhance membrane anti-wetting and anti-fouling properties for MD and membrane contactor applications; dynamic membrane and system development;
• Brine processing by membrane distillation crystallization and membrane distillation module design;
• Membrane gas separation for O2 enrichment;
• Simulation and optimization of various membrane processes for seawater desalination and CO2 capture in membrane contactors, etc.
. |
| Assoc Prof Wang Zhiwei | Dr. Wang's research interests include Integrated land use-transportation planning, Transport network modeling and optimization, Public transport operations and planning,Logistics and network analysis. |
| Assoc Prof Wong Yiik Diew | [July 2020]
Wong's R&D interests are in sustainable urban mobility; road safety engineering & practices; driver & traveller behaviours; pedestrian safety & accessibility; bicycle transport & infrastructure; innovative construction materials in pavement. He has also undertaken research in freight transport; maritime safety & security; maritime manpower developments, urban studies. |
| Asst Prof Wu Wei | Experimental geophysics and energy geomechanics, with emphasis on mechanism of induced seismicity, unconventional energy extraction and storage. |
| Assoc Prof Yang En-Hua | High performance construction materials; Intelligent construction materials; Waste to resource for construction materials |
| Prof Yang Yaowen | (a) Application of smart sensor technology for structural health monitoring;
(b) Energy harvesting using smart materials;
(c) Uncertainty analysis and modeling for structural systems; and
(d) Evolutionary computation for optimization and inverse problem solving; |
| Asst Prof Yi Yaolin | • Soft ground improvement
• Underground construction
• Treatment of contaminated soil
• Sustainable construction materials |
| Asst Prof Yuen Kum Fai | maritime transport management; maritime economics; sustainability, corporate social responsibility; last-mile delivery; shared transport and economy; technology innovation management |
| Asst Prof Zhang Limao | • Artificial Intelligence
• Tunnelling Excavation
• Structural Health Monitoring
• Data-Driven Simulation
• Uncertainty Modelling and Risk Analysis
• Decision Support Systems |
| Asst Prof Zhao Ou | Dr Zhao Ou’s current research interests include:
1) Structural behaviour of stainless steel tubular and open section members at room and elevated temperatures
2) Structural behaviour of high strength steel open section members at room and elevated temperatures
3) Structural behaviour of 2D and 3D high strength steel frames in fire
4) Fire and post-fire performance of concrete-filled stainless steel tube structures
5) Structural performance of concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tubular columns and joints |
| Assoc Prof Zhao Zhiye | Development of the discontinuous deformation analysis
Numerical analysis for rock mass and cavern under dynamic loads
Modeling of blast loads in numerical simulations.
Development of ensemble neural network for engineering applications. |
| Assoc Prof Zhou Yan | • Energy Efficient Water treatment and reclamation processes
• Sludge pretreatment and dewatering
• Nutrient recovery and reuse from biosolids
• Bioprocess enhancement by conductive materials/systems |
| Asst Prof Zhu Feng | • Connected Vehicles & Automated Vehicles
• Network Modeling & Network Design
• Traffic Control
• Transportation Sustainability
• Traffic Flow Modeling
• Dynamic Traffic Assignment |
