Principle investigator
Dr. Wenjie Fei
Wenjie Fei received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University under the mentorship of Kyle Bishop. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. Before entering academia, Dr. Fei worked as a Research Engineer at the Coating Innovation Center at PPG, where she gained three years of experience developing advanced coating technologies.
Dr. Fei is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at Texas Tech University. Her research explores colloidal interactions, pollutant characterization, and membrane transport processes, with applications in water, energy, and health.
graduate student reserachers
Xiangshuai Hou
Xiangshuai Hou joined Dr. Fei’s group as a PhD student in 2025 in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at Texas Tech University and currently serves as a Teaching Assistant. He completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees in China. His previous research focused on developing clean high-temperature ceramics from recycled resources. During this period, he published in peer-reviewed ceramics journals and presented at international conferences. In 2024, he received the university’s highest-level scholarship and an Outstanding Graduate Student honor. During the research, he developed a strong interest in environmental engineering. His current research focuses on filtration membranes and antifouling. Outside the lab, he enjoys badminton, photography, and other outdoor activities.
Email: xhou@ttu.edu
undergraduate and MENVE student researchers
Kol Iozzo
Kol Iozzo is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Studio Art, focusing on painting. Kol is a member of Chi Epsilon, the Civil Engineering Honor Society.
Email: Kol.iozzo@ttu.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kol-iozzo/
Kyra Heinisch
I am Kyra Heinisch, an Environmental Engineering student pursuing both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a minor in Civil Engineering at Texas Tech University. Through my experiences with Parkhill, BGE, and the Texas Tech research lab, I’ve built a strong foundation in design, data analysis, and project support within the treatment and air quality sectors. My involvement in organizations like Alpha Omega Epsilon and Chi Epsilon has strengthened my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. I’m driven to advance in the engineering field by earning my PE license, contributing to sustainable design solutions, and continuing to grow as a professional within a collaborative, innovative environment.
Email: kyra.heinisch@ttu.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kyra-heinisch
