Graduate Student

Join Dr. Yuhe Cao’s Innovative Research Team!

Explore the Future of Membrane Science and Sustainable Engineering

Are you passionate about tackling global challenges in clean water, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability? Do you want to gain hands‑on research experience while contributing to cutting‑edge scientific advancements? Dr. Yuhe Cao, an Associate Professor of Research in Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso, is looking for motivated undergraduate and graduate students to join his dynamic research team!

Dr. Cao’s work focuses on membrane science and technology, with applications in:

• Fabrication of Polymeric and Carbon Membranes:
  Scaling up devices for real‑world applications in wastewater treatment, desalination, and gas separation.
• Hybrid Process Integration:
  Combining membranes with other technologies to enhance efficiency and durability.

• Electrocoagulation (EC) Process Development:
  Innovating electrode materials (e.g., nano‑coated, mixed‑metal anodes) and reactor designs to optimize the removal of heavy metals, emulsified oils, phosphates, and persistent organics.
• Hybrid EC‑Membrane Systems:
  Pioneering the integration of electrocoagulation as a pre‑treatment to dramatically reduce fouling and extend the life of downstream membrane systems, creating more robust and efficient water treatment trains.
• Process Optimization & Resource Recovery:
  Using advanced modeling and control strategies to not only purify water but also recover valuable resources from industrial waste streams.

With a multidisciplinary background spanning chemical engineering, materials science, and biological sciences, Dr. Cao’s research combines materials design, process optimization, and device fabrication to address pressing environmental and energy challenges.

• Hands‑on
  
  Experience:
  
  Gain practical skills in membrane fabrication, nanomaterials synthesis, and separation processes.
• Interdisciplinary
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work at the intersection of engineering, materials science, and environmental technology.
• Impactful Projects:
  Contribute to patents, peer‑reviewed publications, and technologies with real‑world applications.
• Professional Growth:
  Develop expertise in high‑demand areas like sustainable engineering, water purification, and clean energy.

• Undergraduate Students:
  Looking for research opportunities, senior design projects, or experiential learning in engineering and materials science.
• Graduate Students (M.S./Ph.D.):
  Interested in thesis/dissertation work in membrane technology, environmental engineering, or nanomaterials.

Ideal candidates are curious, proactive, and eager to learn. A background in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, materials science, or related fields is beneficial but not required—what matters most is your enthusiasm and commitment!

If you’re excited about pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology and want to be part of a forward‑thinking research team, we’d love to hear from you!

To express your interest or learn more, please contact:

Dr. Yuhe Cao

Email: ycao2

Associate Professor of Research

Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering