Spotlight: Siyi Zhou, MSE ‘21

Siyi Zhoe is a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University in Houston. She is researching wastewater-based epidemiology for antibiotic-resistant genes. 

What are some of your other research interests? 
I am interested in understanding the complex interactions between genes, microbial populations, and biogeochemical processes in natural settings. 

How did your degree prepare you for current and future roles in environmental science? 
Two-year graduate study at Johns Hopkins has equipped me with a solid background and lab skills in environmental engineering. I conducted my master’s research under the guidance of Dr. Sarah P. Preheim. This provided me with precious opportunities to study microbial ecology and do research on microbial communities and their associated functions in the Chesapeake Bay. I became fascinated by these topics during my studies, and it made me consider choosing this field for PhD research. Indeed, having a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins gave me a sense of self-confidence and also made me a stronger candidate on PhD applications, since I was familiar with some of the key research topics and main techniques through the literature study and lab experience.  

What appealed to you about our program? 
I was impressed with the variety of classes. Students can always explore their own interests and dive into the academic environment. 

What's your advice for prospective students? 
Always keep your goal in mind, stay focused, and make sure you complete the goal. 

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Environmental Health and Engineering is a cross-divisional department spanning the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Whiting School of Engineering. This hybrid department is uniquely designed to lead pioneering research and prepare the next generation of scholars and professionals to solve critical and complex environmental issues. Learn more about our programs.