Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang
  • Associate Professor
  • Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
  • Environmental Science and Policy Program

WEBSITE

https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/wei_zhang

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Wei Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and a jointly-appointed faculty in Environmental Science & Policy Program. He is a former Fellow of MSU Academy for Global Engagement. He received his Ph.D. degree in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University in 2010, his MS degree in Biosystems Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 2006, and his bachelor's degree in Environmental Chemistry from Nanjing University in 2000. Wei is broadly interested in the quality and sustainability of soil and water resources, with emphasis on the movement of water, solutes (e.g., nutrients, agrochemicals, and environmental toxins), and fine particles such as microorganisms, abiotic colloids, and engineered nanomaterials in natural and engineered systems, particularly in unsaturated soils. His current research focuses on the fate and transport of emerging contaminants including veterinary antibiotics, engineered nanoparticles, and emerging microbial pathogens. The overarching goal of his research program is to promote protection of soil and water resources and sustainable agricultural production through understanding of fundamental processes and scientifically-sound management practices. He is an Associate Editor for Journal of Environmental Quality, and Canadian Journal of Soil Science. He previously received the USDA New Investigator Award, US National Research Council Research Associateship Award, and Cornell Liu Memorial Award.

AREA OF EXPERTISE

  • hydrology, soil physics, colloidal and interfacial science,
  • environmental nanotechnology, contaminant fate and transport,
  • antibiotic resistance