Global Recognition for Environmental Innovation: Celebrating Research Excellence and Scholarly Impact from Professor Irene Lo’s Research Group

We are pleased to share a series of distinguished accomplishments by existing/former members of the research group led by Ir Prof. Irene M.C. Lo, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. These recent recognitions underscore the group’s sustained excellence in innovative research and its significant contribution to professional knowledge exchange.

The group’s scholarly output continues to receive significant international attention. Notably, the comprehensive review article, “Magnetically Recyclable Nanophotocatalysts in Photocatalysis-Involving Processes for Organic Pollutant Removal from Wastewater: Current Status and Perspectives”, has been featured in two special theme collections: “Outstanding Papers 2024 – Environmental Science: Nano” and “Highlights from Environmental Science: Nano in 2024”, showcasing influential research from across the global community. The paper provides a critical overview of the development and application of magnetically recyclable nanophotocatalysts, an important innovation that addresses the practical challenge of catalyst recovery. It explores advances in synthesis routes, performance enhancement strategies, and implementation in photocatalysis-involving processes, and offers forward-looking perspectives to accelerate translation toward industrial practice. This paper is a collective and international effort of Prof. Lo’s current/former research students, including Dr. Zexiao Zheng (current Research Assistant Professor at HKUST), Dr. Juhua He (current Distinguished Scientist at Foshan University, China), Mr. Zuyao Zhang (former MPhil student), Dr. Ashutosh Kumar (current Assistant Professor at National University of Sciences & Technology, Pakistan), Dr. Musharib Khan (current Assistant Professor at Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, India), and Dr. C.W. Lung (current Post-Doctoral Fellow at HKUST).
 

Research moments in the lab with Professor Lo and her former PhD students. Pictured (left image, from left): Dr. He and Dr. Zheng; (right image): Dr. He and Dr. Lung.

Group photo from the 2017 Applied Environmental Technology Workshop (left to right): Dr. Khan (2nd), Prof. Lo (4th), Dr. Kumar (6th), and Dr. He (7th)

Further exemplifying the group’s research impact and communication excellence, Dr. Jonathan Cavillo, a Post-Doctoral Fellow from Professor Lo’s group, recently received the Best Presentation Award (Early-Career Researcher Category) at the 2nd International Conference on Thermal Treatment and Resource Recovery (2nd T2R2 Conference). The awarded presentation, “A Tandem Electrochemical Reduction/Oxidation System (ER/EO) for the Near-Complete Mineralization of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Drinking Water” addresses one of today’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges. PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that are notoriously resistant to conventional water treatment. The research introduces an innovative tandem electrochemical strategy designed to achieve near-complete PFAS mineralization, representing a promising advancement toward safeguarding drinking water quality. The award recognises both the transformative potential of the work and Dr. Cavillo’s outstanding ability to communicate complex science with clarity and engagement.

Dr. Cavillo (3rd from left) at the 2nd International Conference on Thermal Treatment and Resource Recovery

These accomplishments build on a consistent record of excellence among Professor Lo’s mentees. In recent years, the group has also received notable accolades, including:

• In 2024-2025, Dr. Zexiao Zheng received the HKIE Best Environmental Paper Award.

• In 2024, Prof. Lo and her research team, comprising Dr. Zexiao Zheng, Mr. Taoran Dong (current PhD candidate), Mr. Justin H.K. Man (current PhD candidate), and Dr. C.W. Lung, were awarded first runner-up in the Net Zero Tech International Contest in Taiwan

• In 2023, Ms. Yu Zhang (current PhD candidate) received the Shotgun Presentations Award at the International Caparica Conference on Pollutant Toxic Ions & Molecules.

• In 2022-2023, Prof. Lo’s research team, comprising Dr. Zexiao Zheng, Mr. Justin H.K. Man, and Mr. Taoran Dong, won the HKIE Best Environmental Paper (Team Paper) Award.

• In 2021, Dr. Juhua He and Prof. Lo collaborated with DSD received the HKIE Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/Researchers.

Collectively, these achievements highlight the vibrant, high-calibre research environment fostered by Professor Lo and the lasting impact of her mentorship, from fundamental discovery to practical, real-world application.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Lo and all members of her research team, past and present, on these well-deserved honours.