Undergraduate Student's research project:
Undergraduate students at Baylor University majoring in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or Biology can contact Dr. Gao for independent research projects. The project focuses on investigating the fate and transport of emerging contaminants (nano/microplastics, nanomaterials, and Tire-derived organic and inorganic contaminants), synthesizing nanomaterials to deliver micronutrients and pesticides to crops, and assessing the health effects of emerging contaminants. Depending on the student's background, both wet chemistry lab-based projects and modeling/meta-analysis-based projects are available.
Students who want to pursue a Ph.D.:
Update (Aug/20/2026): We are inviting students to apply for PhD positions for Spring and Fall 2027
The Gao Lab in the Department of Environmental Science at Baylor University is seeking two highly motivated Ph.D. students to join the group in Spring or Fall 2027.
Our group applies environmental chemistry, nanotechnology, and advanced analytical approaches to understand and engineer processes at environmental and biological interfaces. The incoming students will have opportunities to work in one of the following research areas:
1. Nano-enabled sustainable agriculture
Design and synthesize functional nanomaterials for the targeted delivery of nutrients and other beneficial compounds to crop plants. Research will focus on understanding the mechanisms governing nanomaterial-plant interactions, including nanoparticle uptake, transport, transformation, and their effects on plant growth and nutrient utilization. A machine-learning approach will also be applied to optimize material design.
2. Critical mineral elements at the soil-plant interface
Investigate the environmental behavior, bioavailability, and transformation of critical mineral elements at soil-plant interfaces. Research will combine environmental chemistry with advanced analytical and spectroscopic techniques to understand the processes controlling elemental mobility, uptake, and accumulation in plants.
Applicants with backgrounds in Environmental Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
A master's degree is preferred, although exceptional applicants with a bachelor's degree will also be considered.
A strong academic record is expected; a GPA of approximately 3.5/4.0 or higher in relevant coursework is preferred.
Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong scientific communication and writing skills.
International applicants must meet Baylor University's current English-language proficiency requirements (TOEFL > 80 or IELTS> 6.5). English communication skills will also be evaluated through application materials and an online interview.
Competitive Ph.D. stipend (~$32,000/year) with full tuition coverage and applicable benefits.
Individualized mentoring and professional development tailored to career goals in academia, industry, government, or research institutions.
Opportunities to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and research facilities, including ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, advanced microscopy and spectroscopy, and synchrotron-based techniques.
A multidisciplinary and international research environment, with opportunities to collaborate with researchers across North America and Europe.
Opportunities for international research visits and collaborations, including potential research experiences with collaborators at McGill University (Canada).
Support for participation in scientific conferences, professional development, and outreach activities.
Baylor University is a private Christian Research 1 (R1) university located in Waco, Texas. Baylor combines a rapidly growing research enterprise with strong commitments to graduate education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student mentorship. Students have access to extensive research infrastructure within the Baylor Sciences Building and across the University.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Xiaoyu Gao with the following materials:
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Unofficial transcripts
A brief description of research interests and career goals
English proficiency scores, if applicable
Contact information for 2–3 academic or research references
Please indicate whether you are interested in starting in Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 and which of the two research areas is of greatest interest.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
Opening for postdoctoral researcher:
Please return later for more updates.