Welcoming New Scientists to the NYS Center for Clean Water Technology
The New York State Center for Clean Water Technology (CCWT) is excited to announce the addition of four new scientists to its team: Dr. Lokesh Padhye, Dr. Zhengyang (Philip) Wang, Dr. Rahul Kumar, and Dr. Sheng Yin. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse expertise to the Center, bolstering its mission to advance water quality solutions for Long Island and beyond.
Dr. Lokesh Padhye
Dr. Padhye joins the Center with a stellar academic and professional backgrou
nd in water quality and water treatment research, including the last ten years as
an Associate Professor (Full Professor US system, tenured) at the University of Auckland,
New Zealand. A Georgia Tech alumnus, he has received accolades from leading organizations
like the American Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry.
As the new Associate Director of Emerging Contaminants Research, Dr. Lokesh Padhye is leading efforts to tackle complex water quality challenges across New York State. His research focuses on the occurrence, fate, and treatment of emerging contaminants such as PFAS, microplastics, tire chemicals, disinfection byproducts, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Dr. Padhye’s research group is at the forefront of developing innovative methods and enhancing existing water treatment technologies, ensuring they are more efficient, sustainable, and capable of addressing the most challenging contaminants in today’s water systems.
Dr. Zhengyang (Philip) Wang
Joining as a Research Scientist, Dr. Philip Wang brings a strong ba
ckground in physico-chemical water treatment, including sorption, coagulation, and
membrane filtration. His research explores interactions between dissolved organic
matter and other chemical substances, addressing contaminants like PFAS, chlorinated
VOCs, phosphate, and arsenic. Dr. Wang's work aims to create innovative, sustainable
solutions for water quality issues in a changing climate.
Dr. Wang’s academic journey spans institutions in China and the United States, including postdoctoral training in Environmental Chemistry at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station under distinguished scientist Dr. Joseph Pignatello.
Dr. Rahul Kumar
Dr. Rahul Kumar, a research scientist, specializes in environmental engi
neering and environmental health and focuses on wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE).
Dr. Rahul Kumar’s work not only advances the scientific understanding of contaminant
behavior in wastewater and wastewater treatment efficacy but also bridges the gap
between environmental monitoring and community health, enabling early detection of
public health threats and providing data-driven strategies for improving societal
well-being.
Dr. Kumar’s experience spans international academia and consulting, with research affiliations including the postdoctoral work at the Biodesign Center at Arizona State University under Professor Rolf Halden. His contributions have earned him numerous awards from global organizations, underscoring his impactful research.
Dr. Sheng Yin
As a Postdoctoral Associate, Dr. Sheng Yin focuses on designing advanced m
aterials to remove and destroy PFAS. His expertise in engineered nanomaterials and
electrochemical methods will help the Center tackle some of the most persistent contaminants
in water systems using innovative treatments.
Dr. Yin completed his doctoral studies at the University of Texas at El Paso and holds a Master’s in Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences. He is committed to advancing water treatment technologies to tackle emerging contaminants, enhancing public health, and promoting sustainability.
A Stronger Future for Water Innovation and Protecting New York’s Water Quality
The NYS Center for Clean Water Technology is excited to welcome these researchers, whose collective expertise will enhance the Center’s capacity to address emerging contaminants, advance sustainable water treatment technologies, and safeguard communities through innovative applications of WBE. Their collective vision to improve water quality and public health aligns perfectly with the Center’s commitment to protecting New York’s water resources for generations.
We look forward to their contributions as they join our team to tackle some of our time's most pressing water quality challenges.