Principle Investigator

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Dr. Weiqiang Chen (postdoc)

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (2023), The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
• MSEng in Geotechnical Engineering (2019), China University of Mining and Technology, China
• B.S. in Civil Engineering (2016), Zhejiang University, China

Weiqiang’s previous research focused on the study of nanoscale mass transport within civil engineering applications, utilizing both experiments and simulations. His work has uncovered intricate relationships between mass and heat transfer phenomena, particularly within nanoconfinement, saline environments, and charged solid environments. At Rice University, Weiqiang conducts experiments and simulations spanning different scales, geared towards the advancement of sustainable and resilient civil engineering materials. Outside of academia, he enjoys playing basketball.

Office: 487 Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering Science || Email: wc68@rice.edu  || GoogleScholar || LinkedIn

Dr. Zhanzhao Li (postdoc)

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (2024), The Pennsylvania State University, USA
• B.Eng. in Civil Engineering (2019), Harbin Institute of Technology, China

Zhanzhao’s previous research focused on concrete durability, data-driven concrete science, and 3D printing of concrete. As a Rice Academy Fellow, he aims to further advance data-driven approaches to decode the complex behavior of concrete and accelerate the discovery of sustainable, low-carbon alternatives toward deep decarbonization of the construction industry. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports and exploring various genres of music.

Office: 487 Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering Science || Email: zhanzhao.li@rice.edu  || GoogleScholar || LinkedIn || Website

Samira Hossain (3rd year, PhD)

• PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University,
• M.S., Chemical Engineering (2023), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh
• B.S., Chemical Engineering (2021), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh

Samira’s previous research focused on lab-scale waste-to-energy technology and system-scale modelling of emerging low- to zero-carbon fuel generation processes. At Rice University, her overarching research objective is to decarbonize infrastructure materials by innovating and assessing novel cementitious materials. Currently, she is delving into the chemical reaction mechanisms of blended cements, alkali-activated materials, and carbon mineralization. Beyond academia, she finds joy in reading, cooking, and spending time with feline companions.

Office: Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering Science || Email: sh162@rice.edu || GoogleScholar || Linkedin

Qiyao He (2nd year, PhD)

• PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University,
• M.S.E in Construction Engineering and Management (2024), University of Michigan, USA
• B.E. in Inorganic Nonmetallic Materials Engineering (2022), Jilin University, China

Qiyao’s current research in the SIM group focuses on performance prediction and design optimization for alkali-activated materials. Her overarching goal is to develop advanced, sustainable materials by integrating experimental and computational techniques. Prior to joining Rice University, she worked on the tensile performance of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC). Outside of academia, she enjoys cooking and watching movies.

Office: Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering Science || Email: qh21@rice.edu || Linkedin

Chanyeong Park (2nd year, PhD)

• PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University,
• M.S., Global Smart City (2023), Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
• B.S., Environmental and Safety Engineering (2021), Ajou University, South Korea

Chanyeong’s previous research focused on waste treatment technologies that integrated energy production with pollution control processes. She contributed to projects aimed at generating renewable energy and recovering valuable resources from municipal solid waste. At Rice University, her upcoming work will center on sustainable cement technologies and waste-to-resource conversion, combining experimental approaches with data mining and machine learning. In her free time, she enjoys playing Pokémon GO (1868 4127 3999), weaving, and reading.

Office: Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering Science || Email: cp87@rice.edu || GoogleScholar || Linkedin

 Jiabao Zhai (1st year, PhD)

• B.E., Civil Engineering (2025), Tongji University, China  

Jiabao’s earlier research focused on repurposing construction and demolition waste to develop high-strength, highly ductile fiber-reinforced alkali-activated materials. At Rice University, his work centers on incorporating brick dust into blended cement systems at various replacement ratios, using machine learning to optimize mix design and improve mechanical performance, setting times, and workability. In his free time, Jiabao enjoys playing tennis, swimming, watching movies, and listening to music.

Office: Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering Science || Email: jz188@rice.edu || GoogleScholar || Linkedin

Alumni

• Alyssa Albert, undergraduate research assistant, 2024S
• Isabelle Chang, undergraduate research assistant, 2024F. 
• Raphael Dela Cruz, undergraduate research assistant, 2024F-2025S.