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's focus includes investigating the fate and transport of emerging contaminants (nano/microplastics, nanomaterials, and PFAS), synthesizing nanomaterials for delivering micronutrients and pesticides to plant crops, and health assessment on emerging contaminants. Depending on the student's background, wet chemistry lab-based projects or modeling/meta-analysis-based projects are both available.
Students who want to pursue a Ph.D.:
Update (Aug/1/2025): We are inviting students to apply for PhD positions for Fall 2026
Update for Fall 2026: Thanks for the wide interest. Currently , we have received over 300 applications. Due to the High volume of application, I cannot response to individual emails. We plan to schedule interviews from October 2025. You will receive the email if you are selected for interview. Thanks!
The Gao Lab at Baylor University, Department of Environmental Science, is looking for 2 highly motivated Ph.D. students starting in Fall 2026 interested in researching 1) Designing nanomaterials for delivering nutrients to agricultural crop plants. This work will involve the synthesis of nanomaterials and understanding mechanistically how NPs affect plants' growth and 2) Developing machine learning based methods for analyzing the risks of emerging contaminants.
Requirements:
Students with a background in Environmental Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science & Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, or related fields are encouraged to apply. A master's degree is preferred, although exceptional students with a bachelor’s degree will also be considered. The students are expected to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in a 4-scale system for the core courses.
Proficiency in English. International students are subject to the requirement by Baylor University - the English tests (TOEFL, 80 & above, IELTS, 6.5 & above). The proficiency in English will be further evaluated from application materials and a zoom interview.
Excellent scientific writing and communication skills (This will be evaluated via a Zoom interview)
What we provide:
Competitive stipend (~ 30k USD/year) and benefits (tuition fully covered)
A supportive advisor that will guide your career goal either for academia or industry
Multidisciplinary and multicultural research collaboration experience. Excellent students will have chances to be exchange students at McGill University in Canada or the University of Copenhagen (Denmark).
Outreach & Conference opportunities, at least once / year
Chances to use the state-of-the-art instrumentations and research facilities, including the possibility to work in Synchrotron facilities. Baylor Sciences Building | Baylor University
Baylor University is an R-1 (University with 'Very High' research activities) University consistently ranked as one of the top 100 Universities in the US by 'USNEWS.' It is the only private Christine University given the R-1 title.
Learn more: Awards & Rankings | About Baylor | Baylor University
Application method:
Please send the following information in 1 PDF file to Dr. Xiaoyu Gao at xiaoyu_gao@baylor.edu with the title ' PhD application-your name.' Only applications with the correct format will be reviewed.
Curriculum vitae
Transcripts
Cover letter that highlights your anticipated start day, your education, research experience and interests, and career goals (1-2 pages)
Contact information for 2 references
Opening for postdoctoral researcher:
Please return later for more updates.