Xinchao 'Steven' Wei, Ph.D., P.E.

Prior to joining Duquesne, Dr. Wei was the founding director and professor at Slippery Rock University’s School of Engineering from 2017 to 2023, where he launched four engineering programs with ABET accreditation. He was named Professor of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers Pittsburgh in 2022. From 2011 to 2017, Dr. Wei was a founding member and program director of the ABET accredited civil engineering program at the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY. Previously, Wei taught civil and environmental engineering at West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) and Northeastern University (Shenyang, China).

Experienced in research and scholarship within engineering education, Dr. Wei's expertise spans water quality, environmental chemistry, nano-materials, and industrial waste treatment. As a seasoned scholar with a hands-on approach, Dr. Wei has successfully led numerous funded research projects, consistently contributing to peer-reviewed journals. Notably, his research spotlights the potential of magnetite nanoparticles for cost-effective environmental treatment. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable systems and innovative solutions, he believes in integrating research into engineering education. Dr. Wei's skills have been honed through research experiences at Slippery Rock University and previous institutions, shaping his ability to conduct scholarly research in his areas of expertise.

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, West Virginia University
• M.S. in Mining Engineering, West Virginia University 
• M.S. in Mineral Processing Engineering, Northeastern University
• B.S. in Mineral Processing Engineering,  Northeastern University

1. Environmental treatment using nano-particles and eco-friendly materials, aiming to address the high costs and health concerns associated with nanotechnology. My research highlights magnetite nanoparticles as promising for environmental treatment due to their low cost and unique properties.
2. Treatment or reuse of industrial wastes to achieve environmental sustainability, focusing on novel hazardous waste treatment processes and beneficial reuse of waste materials.
3. Assessing the environmental impact on water quality due to human activities and restoring impaired waters. I emphasize the need for sustainable systems and innovative approaches to address environmental challenges.
4. Exploring the relationship between Earth resources and population growth, emphasizing renewable alternatives for sustainable development.