Contact Information

Biography

Prior to joining Duquesne, Dr. Wei was the founding director and professor at Slippery Rock University’s School of Engineering from 2017 to 2023, where he launched four engineering programs with ABET accreditation. He was named Professor of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers Pittsburgh in 2022. From 2011 to 2017, Dr. Wei was a founding member and program director of the ABET accredited civil engineering program at the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY. Previously, Wei taught civil and environmental engineering at West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) and Northeastern University (Shenyang, China).

Experienced in research and scholarship within engineering education, Dr. Wei's expertise spans water quality, environmental chemistry, nano-materials, and industrial waste treatment. As a seasoned scholar with a hands-on approach, Dr. Wei has successfully led numerous funded research projects, consistently contributing to peer-reviewed journals. Notably, his research spotlights the potential of magnetite nanoparticles for cost-effective environmental treatment. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable systems and innovative solutions, he believes in integrating research into engineering education. Dr. Wei's skills have been honed through research experiences at Slippery Rock University and previous institutions, shaping his ability to conduct scholarly research in his areas of expertise.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, West Virginia University
  • M.S. in Mining Engineering, West Virginia University 
  • M.S. in Mineral Processing Engineering, Northeastern University
  • B.S. in Mineral Processing Engineering,  Northeastern University

Research Interests

  1. Environmental treatment using nano-particles and eco-friendly materials, aiming to address the high costs and health concerns associated with nanotechnology. My research highlights magnetite nanoparticles as promising for environmental treatment due to their low cost and unique properties.
  2. Treatment or reuse of industrial wastes to achieve environmental sustainability, focusing on novel hazardous waste treatment processes and beneficial reuse of waste materials.
  3. Assessing the environmental impact on water quality due to human activities and restoring impaired waters. I emphasize the need for sustainable systems and innovative approaches to address environmental challenges.
  4. Exploring the relationship between Earth resources and population growth, emphasizing renewable alternatives for sustainable development.

School

Publications

  1. Wei, X., and Wolfe, F.A. (2013). “Chitosan Biopolymer for Water Quality Improvement: Application and Mechanisms,” Chapter 11 In Water Quality: Indicators, Human Impact and Environmental Health, Nova Science Publishers Inc., Hauppauge, New York (ISBN: 978-1-62417-112-3), pp. 273-294.
  2. Wei, X., Bhojappa, S., Lin, L.-S., and Viadero, Jr., R.C. (2011). “Removal of selenium from aqueous solutions using magnetite nanoparticles as adsorbent.” NSTI-Nanotech 2011, Cambridge, MA (ISBN: 9781439871294), 3, pp. 589-592.
  3. Wei, X. (2010) “Characterization, dewatering, disposal and beneficial use of acid mine drainage sludge,” Chapter 5 In Mine Drainage and Related Problems, Nova Science Publishers Inc., Hauppauge, New York, USA, Editor: Brock C. Robinson (ISBN 978-1-60741-285-4), pp.189-210.
  1. Wang, Q., Lin, L., Liu, W., Luo, J., Wei, X., Zhang, S., Zhu, X. (2022). “Toxicant Suppression in Co-pyrolysis of Chlorinated Paraffin-Containing Waste and N-Enriched Biomass,” ACS ES&T Engineering.,
  2. Lin, L., Luo, J., Wang, Q., Jia, C., Zhang, S., Wei, X., Wang, L., Su, S., Zhu, X. (2022). “Copyrolysis of Recycled Plastics and Biomass Reduces Biochar Bioavailable Silicon Production and Cadmium Phytotoxicity,” ACS ES&T Engineering, 2022, 2, 7, 1356–1364. .
  3. Ahmad, S., Zhu, X., Wang, Q., Wei, X., Zhang, S. (2021). “Microwave-assisted Hydrothermal Treatment of Soybean Residue and Chitosan: Characterization of Hydrochars and Role of N and P Transformation for Pb(II) Removal,” Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 160, 105330.
  4. Ahmad, S., Zhu, X., Wei, X., Zhang, S. (2021). “Influence of process parameters on hydrothermal modification of soybean residue: Insight into the nutrient, solid biofuel, and thermal properties of hydrochars”, Journal of Environmental Management, 283, 111981.
  5. Wei, X., Kazemi, M., Zhang, S., Wolfe, F.A. (2020). “Petrochemical wastewater and produced water: Treatment technology and resource recovery,” Water Environment Research, 92(10), 1695–1700.
  6. Viadero, R.C., Jr., Zhang, S., Hu, X., Wei, X. (2020), “Mine drainage: Remediation technology and resource recover”, Water Environment Research, 92 (10), 1533–1540.
  7. Ahmad, S., Zhu, X., Wei, X., Zhang, S. (2020). “Characterization and Potential Applications of Hydrochars Derived from P- and N‑Enriched Agricultural and Antibiotic Residues via Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Conversion” Energy & Fuels, 34(9), 11154-11164.
  8. Wei, X., Zhang, S., Han, Y., Wolfe, F.A. (2019). “Treatment of Petrochemical Wastewater and Produced Water from Oil and Gas,” Water Environment Research, 91(10), 1025–1033.
  9. Wei, X., Zhang, S., Shimko, J., Dengler II, R.W. (2019). “Mine Drainage: Treatment Technologies and Rare Earth Elements,” Water Environment Research, 91(10), 1061–1068.
  10. Wei, X., Zhang, S., Sun, Y, Brenner, S.A. (2018). “Petrochemical Wastewater and Produced Water,” Water Environment Research, 90(10), 1634-1647.
  11. Wei, X., Zhang, S., Han, Y, Wolfe, F.A. (2018). “Characterization and Treatment of Mine Drainage,” Water Environment Research, 90(10), 1899-1922.
  12. Zhu, X., Liu, Y., Qian, F., Shang, H., Wei, X., Zhang, S., Chen, J.M., Ren, Z.J. (2018). “Carbon Transmission of CO2 Activated Nano-MgO Carbon Composites Enhances Phosphate Immobilization,” Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2018(6), 3705-3713.
  13. Liu, Y., Zhu, X., , X., Zhang, S., Chen, J., Ren, Z.J. (2018). “CO2 Activation Promotes Available Carbonate and Phosphorus of Antibiotic Mycelial Fermentation Residue-Derived Biochar Support for Increased Lead Immobilization,” Chemical Engineering Journal, 334, 1101-1107.
  14. Wei, X., Zhang, S., Han, Y., Wolfe, F.A. (2017). “Mine Drainage: Research and Development”, Water Environment Research, 89(10), 1384-1402.
  15. Wei, X., Rodak, C.M., Zhang, S., Han, Y., Wolfe, F.A. (2016). “Mine Drainage Generation and Control Options”, Water Environment Research, 88(10), 1409-1432.
  16. Sun, Y., Han, Y., Wei, X., Gao, P. (2016). “Non-isothermal reduction kinetics of oolitic iron ore in ore/coal mixture,” Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 123(1), 703-715.
  17. Wei, X., Wolfe, F.A., Li, Y. (2015). “Mine Drainage and Oil Sand Water”, Water Environment Research, 87(10), 1373-1391.
  18. Wei X., Buzby, K.M., Hendricks, J.J., Creel, A., Semmens, K.J., Viadero, R.C., Jr. (2015). “Application of Geotextile Bag Filters in Flow-Through Aquaculture Systems: Solid Waste Management and Water Quality Implication.” Jacobs Journal of Environmental Sciences. 1(1): 004. https://
  19. Sun, Y., Han, Y., Gao, P., Wei, X., Li, J. (2015). “Thermogravimetric study of coal-based reduction of oolitic iron ore: Kinetics and mechanisms,” International Journal of Mineral Processing, 143, 87-97.
  20. Li, Y., Wang, R., Han, Y. Wei, X. (2015). “Phase transformation in suspension roasting of oolitic hematite ore,’ Journal of Central South University, 22(12), 4560-4565.
  21. Wei, X., Wolfe, F.A., Han, Y. (2014). “Mine Drainage: Characterization, Treatment, Modeling, and Environmental Aspect.” Water Environment Research, 86(10), 1515-1534.
  22. Wei, X., and Wolfe, F.A. (2013). “Minerals and Mine Drainage.” Water Environment Research, 85(10), 1515-1547.
  23. Wei, X., Bhojappa, S., Lin, L., and Viadero, R.C. (2012). “Performance of nano-magnetite for removal of selenium from aqueous solutions.” Environmental Engineering Science, 29(6), 526-532.
  24. Wei, X., Wei, H., and Viadero, R.C. (2011). “Post-reclamation water quality trend in a Mid-Appalachian watershed of abandoned mine lands,” Science of the Total Environment, 409(5), 941-948.
  25. Hedrick, L.B., Welsh, S.A., Anderson, J.T., Lin, L.-S., Chen, Y., and Wei, X. (2010). “Response of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to highway construction in an Appalachian watershed” Hydrobiologia, 641,115–131.
  26. Chen, Y., Viadero, Jr., R.C., Wei, X., Hedrick, L.B., Welsh, S.A., Anderson, J.T., and Lin, L.-S. (2009). “Linking multiple landscape factors to stream health in a Mid-Atlantic highlands watershed, USA: Implications for New Highway Construction,” Journal of Environmental Quality, 38, 1-11.
  27. Han, Y., Li, L., Chen, X., Zhang, S., Wang, Y., Wei, X. (2009). “Surface modification of basic mangnesium sulfate whiskers,” Advanced Materials Research 58, 191-198.
  28. Wei, X., Viadero, Jr., R.C., and Bhojappa, S. (2008). “Phosphorus removal by acid mine drainage sludge from secondary effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants,” Water Research, 42(13), 3275-3284.
  29. Wei, X., and Viadero, Jr., R.C., (2007). “Adsorption and precoat filtration studies of synthetic dye removal by acid mine drainage sludge,” Journal of Environmental Engineering, 133(6), 633-640.
  30. Wei, X., and Viadero, Jr., R.C., (2007). “Synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles with ferric iron recovered from acid mine drainage: Implications for environmental engineering,” Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 294(1-3), 280-286.
  31. Viadero, Jr., R.C., Wei, X., and Buzby K.M. (2006). “Characterization and dewatering evaluation of acid mine drainage sludge from ammonia neutralization,” Environmental Engineering Science, 23(4), 734-743.
  32. Wei, X., Viadero, Jr., R.C., and Buzby K.M. (2005). “Recovery of iron and aluminum from acid mine drainage by selective precipitation,” Environmental Engineering Science, 22(6), 745-755.
  33. Wei, X., Han, Y.X., Chen, B.C., Yin, W.Z., Zhai, Y.C., Tian, Y.W. (2002). “Features of selective grinding of bauxite in ball mill.” China Mining Magazine, 2002(2), 19-22.
  34. Yin, W.Z., Han, Y.X., Wei, X., Zhai, Y.C., Tian, Y.W. (2001) “The crystal chemical analysis of the floatability of diasporite and kaolinite.” Metal Mine, 2001(6), 29-34.
  35. Wei, X., Han, Y.X., Yin, W.Z. (2001) “Experimental research on the selective grinding of henan bauxite.” Gold Journal, 3(3), 192-195.
  36. Wei, X., Han, Y.X., Yin, W.Z., Zhai, Y.C., Tian, Y.W., Chen, B.C. (2001) “Study on the necessity and flexibility of selective grinding for bauxite.” Metal Mine, 2001(10), 29-41.
  37. Hao, Z., Wei, X., Wang, W. (2001) “Intranet construction of mine enterprise information.” Gold Journal, 3(3), 203-206.
  38. Wei, X., Chen, B.C. (2000) “Study on fine grinding character of ball mills.” Sulphur Phosphorus & Bulk Materials Handling Related Engineering, 2000(6), 18-20.
  39. Han, Y.X., Wang, Z.H., Wei, X., Yu, F.J. (1997). “ Experimental research on improving the efficiency of two-stage classification of Donganshan Sintering Plant.” Metal Mine, 1997(9), 19-21.
  1. Wei, X. (2023). “Course Design to Build Resiliency for Student Success,” PASSHE Conference on Teaching and Learning, Slippery Rock, PA, Jan. 10-11, 2023.
  2. Wei, X. (2022). “Building Resiliency for Student Success: From Course Design Perspective,” Invited Talk, Slippery Rock University Professional Development Day, Slippery Rock, PA, Oct. 4, 2022.
  3. Wei, X. (2021). “The World Trade Center Collapse from the Civil Engineering Perspective,” Keynote speaker at 9.11 Commemorating, Slippery Rock University, Sept. 8, 2021.
  4. Wei, X. (2020). “Mine Drainage Treatment: Nanomaterials & Environmental Sustainability”, Invited Talk, Center for Environmental Research and Education, Â鶹ֱ˛Ą, Pittsburgh, PA, Feb. 28, 2020.
  5. Wei, X. (2019). “Nanomaterials for Water Treatment & Environmental Sustainability”, Invited Talk, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China, August 2, 2019.
  6. Wei, X. (2019). “Earth Elements: Resources, Processing and Environmental Impact” Invited Talk, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China, August 1, 2019.
  7. Wei, X. (2019). “Nanomaterials for Water Treatment & Environmental Sustainability”, Invited Talk, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, July 24, 2019.
  8. Wei, X, Wolfe, F.A. (2019). “Ferrite Nanoparticles for Arsenic Removal: Synergistic Effect of Mixed Metals” 2019 AEESP Research and Education Conference, Phoenix, AZ, May 14-16, 2019.
  9. Wei, X. (2017). “Engaging Students: The Use of Magic and Hands-On Demonstrations in Classroom”, Invited Talk, Slippery Rock University Professional Development Day, Slippery Rock, PA, Oct. 10, 2017.
  10. Wei, X., Rodak, C., Christoferson, R., Nguyen, S. (2017). “Contaminants removal by chitosan modified diatomaceous earth for small public water systems”, AEESP 2017 Research and Education Conference, Ann Arbor, MI, June 20-22, 2017.
  11. Rodak, C., McHugh. R., Wei, X. (2016). “Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Hydraulic Fracturing in Unconventional Reservoirs by Means of Fault Tree Analysis: An Initial Discussion”, AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec. 12-16.
  12. Wei, X., Carpenter, M., Brenner, S. (2016). “Detection and quantification of engineered nanoparticles from water and wastewater using modified silica microspheres”, 252 American Chemical Society National Meeting & Expo, Philadelphia, PA, Aug. 21-25, 2016.
  13. Wei, X., Cady, N., Mosier, A. (2016). “Synergistic effect of metal combinations in ferrite nanoparticles for As (III&V) removal”, 252 American Chemical Society National Meeting & Expo, Philadelphia, PA, Aug. 21-25, 2016.
  14. Wei, X., (2016). “My Two Cents on US and China Higher Education”, Invited Talk, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China, June 30, 2016.
  15. Wei, X., (2016). “Environmental Nanotechnology: An Opportunity for Innovation”, Invited Talk, ASM International, New Hartford, NY, Mar. 29, 2016.
  16. Wei, X., (2015). “Detection and Quantification of Engineered Nanoparticles and Arsenic Removal by Ferrite Nanoparticles”, Invited Talk, INTour 2015 – Albany (Nanotechnology Track) by PerkinElmer, Albany, NY, Oct. 28-29, 2015.
  17. Wei, X., (2015). “Mine Waste Treatment Technology in US: Status & Development”, Invited Talk. 2015 National Symposium on Technology Exploration and Utilization of Low-grade Mineral Resources, Baotou, China, August 12-14, 2015.
  18. Wei, X., (2015). “Selenium and lead removal by nano-magnetite modified diatomaceous earth”, 2015 Gordon Research Conference on Environmental Nanotechnology: Steps for Environmentally Safe Implementation of Nanotechnology, West Dover, VT, June 21-26, 2015.
  19. Wei, X., “Environmental Impact of Mining and Highway Construction,” Sichuan Research Institute for Mineral Recourses, Chengdu, China, (Invited talk), June 6, 2014.
  20. Wei, X., “Mine Water: Innovative Research to Achieve Sustainability,” Northeastern University, Shenyang, China, (Invited talk), July 30, 2013.
  21. Wei, X., “Nanotechnology and its application in environmental engineering”, Indium Corporation of America, Clinton, NY (invited talk), Jan. 16, 2013.
  22. Wei, X., Wolfe, F.A., “Diatomaceous earth modified by magnetite nanoparticles for contaminants removal,” The 6th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology, Houston, TX, 6/25-29, 2012.
  23. Wei, X., “Environmental research for sustainability,” Provost Lecture Series, SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, NY, March 23, 2012.
  24. Wei, X., Cardona, I., “Removal of selenium by nano-magnetite modified diatomaceous earth,” 2011 AEESP Education & Research Conference, Tampa, FL, July 10-12, 2011.
  25. Wei, X., Bhojappa, S., Lin, L.-S., Viadero, Jr., R.C., “Removal of selenium from aqueous solutions using magnetite nanoparticles as adsorbent.” TechConnect World Conference & Expo 2011, Boston, MA, June 13-16, 2011.
  26. Wei, X. “Environmental research for sustainability.”New York State Department of Transportation, Albany, NY, March 18, 2011.
  27. Buzby, K.M., Wei, and K.J. Semmens, “A procedure to optimize the size of a flow-through aquaponics system,” Aquaculture America 2011, New Orleans, LA, Feb. 28-March 3, 2011.
  28. Cardona, I., and Wei, “Selenium removal by magnetite impregnated diatomaceous earth,” The 85th Annual Meeting of West Virginia Academy of Science, Morgantown, WV, April 10, 2010.
  29. Buzby, K.M., T.P. West, Wei, and K.J. Semmens, “Nutrient removal by aquaponic crops”, Aquaculture America 2010, San Diego, CA, March 2-5, 2010.
  30. Bhojappa, S., I. Cardona, and Wei, “Removal of selenium from aqueous solution by magnetite nanoparticles,” WVNano Research Symposium, Morgantown, WV, May 11, 2009.
  31. Liu, M., Wei, and B. Van Aken “Oil shale bioextraction using thermophilic bacteria and archaea,” The 84th Annual Meeting of West Virginia Academy of Science, Glenville, WV, March 28, 2009.
  32. Wei, X. “Beneficial use of waste sludge from acid mine drainage treatment,” 2009 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit, Denver, CO, February 22-25, 2009.
  33. Buzby, K.M., T.P. West, Wei, and K.J. Semmens “Limitations to nutrient removal in a flow-through aquaponics system,” Aquaculture America 2009, Seattle, WA, February 15-18, 2009.
  34. Wei, X., and W. Ravenscroft “Corridor H stream monitoring study: An overview,” West Virginia Division of Highways Corridor H Mitigation Meeting, Charleston, WV, August 13, 2008.
  35. Chen, Y., R.C. Viadero, Wei, L.B. Hedrick, S.A. Welsh, J. T. Anderson, and L.-S. Lin “Impacts of highway construction on stream water quality and macroinvertebrate index in Mid-Atlantic Highlands” 93rd ESA Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, WI, August 3-8, 2008.
  36. Wei, X., and W. Ravenscroft “Corridor H stream monitoring study: Research progress,” West Virginia Division of Highways Spring Technical Meeting, Weston, WV, January 11, 2008.
  37. Viadero, R. and Wei “Synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles from reclaimed acid mine drainage,” 79th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, June 12-14, 2005.
  38. Peng, F.F., and Wei “Mitigation technologies for avoiding carbon dioxide building up in the atmosphere,” 2002 Joint Spring Meeting, West Virginia Coal Mining Institute and West Virginia Coal Association, Charleston, WV, May 2-4, 2002.
  39. Wei, X., and Chen, B.C. “An investigation of crystalline properties of fineground quartz in a ball mill,” Proceedings of the 5th National Academic Conf. On Comminution, May 1998.
  40. Wei, X., and Chen, B.C. “Fractal measurement of fineground product and its crystalline properties”, Proceedings of the 4th Conf. On Measurement and Control of Granular Materials, Sep. 1997:83-85.
  41. Wei, X., He, T. “Discussion on the comminution limit in the grinding processes,” Proceedings of the 2nd Youth Academic Conf. Of Liaoning Province, Oct. 1995.

Awards

  • ABET IDEAL Scholar, Institute for the Development of Excellence in Assessment Leadership, ABET, Jan. 2023
  • 2021 Professor of the Year, American Society of Civil Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA, Feb. 2022
  • Finalist– SRU President's Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement, 2020
  • Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement, SRU College of Health, Engineering, and Science, 2020
  • Affiliate Faculty Member of Western Illinois University, Institute for Environmental Studies, June 2020 to present.
  • Lead Reviewer for Water Environment Research Literature Review (Petrochemical Wastewater section), 2018-2020.
  • Lead Reviewer for Water Environment Research Literature Review (Minerals and Mine Drainage section), 2013-2020.
  • Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship awarded by Air Force SFFP on March 21, 2015
  • NSF Summer Institute Fellowship, Nanomechanics, Nanomaterials, and Micro/Nanomanufacturing Workshop in Evanston, May 29-31, 2013.
  • ExCEEd 2012 Teaching Fellow, awarded 2012 ExCEEd Fellowship ($2,075), American Society of Civil Engineers, July 2012.
  • Selected as a Member of the Academic Advisory Board for The Dictionary of Global Sustainability, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, May 11, 2012.
  • AEESP Career Award, Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors, July, 2011
  • Approved Graduate Faculty for CEMR MS and PhD committees, 2007, WVU.
  • Outstanding Graduate Student Award, 1995, Northeastern University (China).
  • Excellent Paper Award, 1995, The 2rd Young Researcher Academic Conference of Liaoning Province, China.