Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weina Zhang | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Guangdong University of Technology | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weina Zhang is a distinguished environmental scientist specializing in the transformation mechanisms of atmospheric pollutants, formation and growth of fine particulate matter, and the climate effects of aerosols. She serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, under the prestigious “Hundred Talents Program A”. A core member of the Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, she has made impactful contributions through both theoretical modeling and experimental investigations. Dr. Zhang’s research bridges chemistry, environmental science, and climate studies, with publications in leading journals such as Journal of the American Chemical Society, Environmental Science: Nano, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, and Science of the Total Environment. She has successfully led multiple national, provincial, and municipal research projects, and contributed to high-profile programs such as the Guangdong “Pearl River Talent Program.” Recognized for her outstanding academic achievements, she has received prestigious group awards including the Guangdong Province May 1st Labor Award and the Guangdong Youth May 4th Medal. Dedicated to nurturing young scientists, she integrates her research expertise into teaching and mentoring, inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to advance the frontiers of environmental science and atmospheric chemistry.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Weina Zhang’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in engineering and environmental sciences, underpinned by rigorous research training. She obtained her Bachelor of Engineering degree from the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), where she specialized in exploration technology and engineering. Her undergraduate studies provided her with a robust understanding of geological processes, environmental monitoring, and engineering methodologies. She then pursued advanced research at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducting her doctoral work at the Wuhan Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics. There, she focused on geotechnical mechanics and engineering safety, gaining expertise in both experimental analysis and computational modeling. Her doctoral research laid the groundwork for her later interdisciplinary work that combines chemistry, physics, and environmental engineering. Through this academic progression, Dr. Zhang developed a rare skill set that bridges multiple disciplines, enabling her to address complex environmental challenges at molecular, local, and global scales. Her education not only equipped her with advanced technical skills but also fostered her capacity to lead multidisciplinary research, integrating theoretical simulations with real-world environmental problem-solving approaches in atmospheric pollution and climate effect studies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Weina Zhang has established herself as a leading researcher and educator in atmospheric environmental science. She currently holds the position of Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, where she plays a central role in advancing both research and teaching in the field. She is affiliated with the Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, contributing as a core member to pioneering studies on emerging pollutants and their environmental health implications. Prior to her current role, she undertook postdoctoral research at the same institution, working on projects that integrated computational chemistry with environmental monitoring to understand the transformation and health impacts of atmospheric pollutants. Her professional portfolio includes leadership in multiple national, provincial, and municipal research projects, as well as key participation in large-scale programs such as the National Key R&D Program of China. She collaborates extensively with interdisciplinary teams, applying theoretical simulations to practical environmental challenges. Her professional contributions extend to mentoring graduate students, designing specialized courses, and engaging in international research collaborations, reflecting her commitment to advancing environmental science while nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhang’s research is driven by the goal of understanding and mitigating atmospheric pollution through a combination of theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches. Her primary interests include elucidating the transformation mechanisms of atmospheric pollutants, studying the chemical and physical processes leading to the formation and growth of fine particulate matter, and assessing the climate impacts of aerosols. She places particular emphasis on the role of secondary particulate matter, exploring how primary emissions undergo chemical aging in the atmosphere and transform into more complex, potentially harmful species. Her work integrates molecular-level simulations with field and laboratory data, enabling the prediction of pollutant behaviors under different environmental conditions. She is also deeply engaged in research on heterogeneous reactions between organic amines, mineral particles, and acidic species, aiming to reveal the pathways that contribute to new particle formation. Another key aspect of her interest lies in evaluating the environmental and health effects of aerosols, including their interactions with climate systems. By linking molecular mechanisms to large-scale environmental outcomes, Dr. Zhang’s research provides essential insights that support more effective air quality management and climate policy development.

Research Skills

Dr. Weina Zhang possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable her to address complex atmospheric and environmental challenges with precision and depth. She is proficient in theoretical simulations and computational chemistry techniques, which she applies to model reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. Her expertise extends to experimental atmospheric chemistry, including the design and execution of laboratory experiments to investigate pollutant transformation and particulate matter formation. She has strong skills in environmental monitoring and analytical chemistry, utilizing advanced instrumentation to measure trace atmospheric components and analyze aerosol composition. Dr. Zhang’s interdisciplinary capabilities include integrating chemical modeling with climate impact assessment, allowing her to evaluate the broader environmental significance of her findings. She is adept at leading multi-institutional research collaborations, coordinating projects that involve scientists from fields such as chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering, and artificial intelligence applications. Her project management skills are complemented by her ability to secure competitive funding, design research methodologies, and mentor students in both theoretical and experimental techniques. This combination of skills positions her as a versatile scientist capable of translating complex chemical interactions into actionable environmental solutions.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhang’s academic and research excellence has been recognized through multiple awards and honors at the provincial and institutional levels. She has been a core member of research teams awarded the Guangdong Province May 1st Labor Award and the Guangdong Youth May 4th Medal (Group), both of which reflect exceptional contributions to scientific advancement and societal benefit. These accolades underscore her role in impactful research initiatives with direct relevance to public health and environmental policy. In addition to team awards, her mentorship has led to notable student achievements, including top academic scholarships and thesis awards, reflecting her effectiveness as an educator and guide for emerging scholars. Her selection as a Distinguished Associate Professor under the “Hundred Talents Program A” of Guangdong University of Technology further illustrates her standing as a high-caliber academic leader. This prestigious appointment is reserved for scholars with outstanding research records and leadership potential, reinforcing her reputation within the scientific community. Collectively, these honors highlight her dedication to excellence, collaborative impact, and her ability to translate advanced environmental science into both academic and societal value.

Author Metrics

• Total Citations: 1,086+

• h-index: 21

• i10-index: 38

Publications Top Notes

1. A novel phase transition behavior during dynamic partitioning and analysis of retained austenite in quenched and partitioned steels
Citations: 64
Year: 2018

2. Direct observations on the crystal structure evolution of nano Cu-precipitates in an extremely low carbon steel
Citations: 59
Year: 2017

3. Development of TRIP-aided lean duplex stainless steel by twin-roll strip casting and its deformation mechanism
Citations: 50
Year: 2016

4. The aging precipitation behavior of 20Cr-24Ni-6Mo super-austenitic stainless steel processed by conventional casting and twin-roll strip casting
Citations: 43
Year: 2019

5. The blocking effects of interphase precipitation on dislocations’ movement in Ti-bearing micro-alloyed steels
Citations: 38
Year: 2015

6. Thin-gauge non-oriented silicon steel with balanced magnetic and mechanical properties processed by strip casting
Citations: 37
Year: 2022

7. The role of retained austenite on the mechanical properties of a low carbon 3Mn-1.5 Ni steel
Citations: 36
Year: 2017

8. Improvement on room-temperature ductility of 6.5 wt.% Si steel by stress-relief annealing treatments after warm rolling
Citations: 34
Year: 2016

9. Microstructural bandings evolution behavior and their effects on microstructure and mechanical property of super-austenitic stainless steel
Citations: 33
Year: 2018

10. Development of an easy-deformable Cr21 lean duplex stainless steel and the effect of heat treatment on its deformation mechanism
Citations: 32
Year: 2017

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weina Zhang represents the new generation of environmental scientists whose work bridges molecular-level understanding with real-world environmental challenges. Her contributions to elucidating the transformation mechanisms of atmospheric pollutants and the formation of fine particulate matter have advanced both scientific knowledge and policy-relevant insights. Combining computational simulations with experimental approaches, she offers a holistic perspective on air pollution and its climate implications. Her leadership in securing and managing diverse research projects demonstrates her ability to integrate multidisciplinary expertise to address urgent environmental issues. Beyond her research, Dr. Zhang’s commitment to teaching and mentoring fosters a vibrant academic environment, preparing students to tackle the next wave of environmental and atmospheric challenges. Recognized through prestigious awards and academic appointments, she stands out not only as a prolific scientist but also as a dedicated contributor to scientific collaboration and knowledge dissemination. Her career reflects an ongoing pursuit of innovation in environmental science, with a clear vision of translating research into strategies for improved air quality, climate resilience, and public health protection.