Dr. Wangwang Yan is an Associate Professor at the School of Ecology, Sun Yat-Sen University, China. She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in 2019. Her research focuses on energy-efficient wastewater treatment, resource recovery from sludge and waste, and anaerobic digestion. She has published over 40 SCI-indexed papers in top journals like Water Research and Chemical Engineering Journal. Her innovative biodegradation technologies have received technical certifications and been applied by Singapore’s Public Utilities Board, demonstrating both academic excellence and practical impact in environmental sustainability.
Profile
Scopus
Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Wangwang Yan’s journey into the realm of environmental engineering began with a deep-seated passion for sustainable solutions in waste management. She pursued her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where she honed her expertise in wastewater treatment and resource recovery. During her doctoral studies, she delved into advanced methodologies for enhancing anaerobic digestion, focusing on optimizing energy-efficient water reclamation processes. Her rigorous research and commitment to academic excellence positioned her as a promising scholar in the field of environmental sustainability.
Professional Endeavors 🌟
In 2021, Dr. Yan joined Sun Yat-Sen University as an Associate Professor in the School of Ecology. Since then, she has spearheaded multiple research projects aimed at revolutionizing wastewater treatment and solid waste management. Her primary research areas include resource recovery from municipal and industrial wastewater, energy reduction in nutrient removal processes, and sludge management. Through her dedicated efforts, she has successfully completed five major research projects and has been involved in two consultancy and industry collaborations, further bridging the gap between academia and practical applications in environmental engineering.
Contributions and Research Focus 📈
Dr. Yan’s research revolves around developing cutting-edge technologies for the treatment and sustainable management of waste and wastewater. Her work includes:
- Innovative Waste-to-Resource Technologies: She has made significant contributions in enhancing the conversion of recalcitrant organic wastes using conductive materials.
- Microbial Electron Transfer Mechanisms: Utilizing advanced multi-omics analysis, she has unraveled microbial electron transfer processes in anaerobic environments, providing key insights into biodegradation pathways.
- Perfluoroalkyl Compound Studies: Her in-depth research into the migration and transformation of perfluoroalkyl compounds has led to crucial findings in mitigating environmental pollution.
With 42 publications in high-impact journals such as Water Research and Chemical Engineering Journal, Dr. Yan has significantly contributed to scientific advancements in wastewater treatment. Her expertise and innovative approaches have also resulted in three patents related to anaerobic biodegradation technologies.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Dr. Yan’s excellence in research has garnered widespread recognition. She serves as a Guest Editor for Toxics, demonstrating her thought leadership in environmental science. She is also an active member of the Guangdong Solid Waste Environmental Management Committee, contributing to policy-making and research initiatives for sustainable waste management. Her groundbreaking work has been acknowledged through multiple industry certifications, including the application of her anaerobic biodegradation technologies by Singapore’s Public Utilities Board.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Beyond academia, Dr. Yan has played a pivotal role in shaping industry best practices and influencing environmental policies. Her collaborations with industry partners and government bodies underscore her commitment to translating research into real-world solutions. By integrating her scientific findings into practical applications, she has contributed to the advancement of sustainable waste and wastewater management strategies, thereby reducing environmental footprints and fostering energy conservation.
Her mentorship of emerging researchers and involvement in the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Team reflect her dedication to nurturing the next generation of environmental scientists. Through these initiatives, she continues to inspire young scholars to explore innovative solutions for pressing environmental challenges.
Publication Top Notes
Author: B., Cui, Baihui, H., Rong, Hongwei, S., Luo, Shiyi, … P., He, Penghong, D., Guo, Dabin
Journal: Renewable Energy
Year: 2025
Author: B., Cui, Baihui, S., Meng, Shengao, Z., Wang, Zi, … C., Lin, Chunmian, W., Yan, Wangwang
Journal: Environmental Research
Year: 2024