Join the Lab
I’m always glad to hear from motivated students and researchers who want to work on real environmental problems — keeping PFAS and other emerging contaminants out of our water, soil, and air, and recovering valuable resources from waste. If that sounds like you, please read below and get in touch.
Who I’m looking for
- PhD students — [Currently, there are no PhD student positions open due to the funding limit.]
- Master’s students — [Non-thesis students interested in PFAS treatment, environmental analysis, or resource recovery are welcome to reach out]
- Undergraduate researchers — [Virginia Tech undergraduates looking for hands-on research experience are welcome to reach out year-round.]
- Postdoctoral researchers — [I’m happy to support strong candidates on fellowship applications; funded openings will be posted here when available.]
- Visiting scholars and students — [welcome to inquire.]
What I look for
- Genuine curiosity about environmental problems and how to solve them
- A background in environmental engineering or science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field
- Hands-on lab experience — or the eagerness to learn it
- Persistence, attention to detail, and good scientific communication
No single checklist defines a good researcher. If you’re excited about the work, reach out even if you don’t match every point.
What you’ll gain
- Close mentorship and a clear path toward your own research questions
- Training on advanced instrumentation — LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, IC, HPLC, and our hydrothermal reactors
- Work on problems that matter and attract funding, with real paths to publications, conferences, and even commercialization
How to reach out
Email me at shilai@vt.edu with:
- A few sentences on why our research interests you (specifics help — mention a paper or topic)
- Your CV
- Your transcripts (unofficial is fine to start)
- [For PhD/MS applicants: your target start term, and whether you’ve applied to the Virginia Tech graduate program]
Prospective graduate students should also apply through the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences graduate program. https://applyto.graduateschool.vt.edu/apply/
Due to the high volume of student inquiries, I may not be able to respond immediately. Please feel free to send a follow-up reminder if you have not heard back from me. Thank you for your interest and understanding.