Alumni
Highlights
• Lihua Lou • Jordan SmithLihua Lou
What is your current position and how did Texas Tech University Department of Environmental Toxicology (formerly TIEHH) prepare you for your career?
I am presently serving as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical
and Materials Engineering at Florida International University. Beginning in August
2024, I will assume the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical
Engineering at Clemson University. My academic journey began with a Ph.D. at Texas
Tech University's Department of Environmental Toxicology, previously known as The
Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH).
Throughout my 3.5 years of educational and research training, I acquired a robust
foundation in nanomaterial fabrication and its diverse applications under the supervision
of Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar. My work primarily involved designing, synthesizing, and
characterizing nanocomposites with unique properties tailored for environmental remediation
and human health protection. These nanomaterials were engineered to address critical
issues such as pollutant removal and enhancing the efficacy of medical treatments.
In my role as a Research Assistant Professor at Florida International University,
I have continued to expand my expertise in the field of mechanical and materials engineering.
I have been involved in several interdisciplinary projects that integrate principles
of mechanical engineering with advanced material science, focusing on innovative engineering
solutions for cardiac diseases.
Looking ahead to my upcoming tenure at Clemson University, I am enthusiastic about
the opportunities to further my research and contribute to the academic community.
My goal is to advance the understanding of in-situ mechanical properties of nanomaterials
and practical applications of nanocomposites, fostering collaborations that bridge
the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications.
What are you most proud of from your TTU Environmental Toxicology (TIEHH) experience?
Texas Tech University's Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) provided an exceptionally supportive and inclusive environment. As an international student transitioning from a background in Textile Engineering to a new focus in Environmental Toxicology, I faced significant challenges, particularly with my oral English proficiency and foundational knowledge in my new field. The initial year of this transition was particularly arduous. However, the supportive culture at TIEHH played a crucial role in overcoming these difficulties.
The encouragement and assistance I received from friends, classmates, staff, and faculty were invaluable. Among the many individuals who supported me, my mentor, Dr. Ram, stood out for his unwavering guidance and mentorship. His support was instrumental in helping me adapt and thrive in my new academic and research environment.
Through their collective support, I was able to gradually build my confidence and competence in Environmental Toxicology. The encouragement I received was not limited to academic support but also extended to personal encouragement, which was crucial in maintaining my motivation and determination.
What advice would you give to our current graduate students?
Based on my academic experiences, I offer the following suggestions for current graduate students:
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- Embrace Challenges and Be Resilient: Embrace challenges such as language barriers, research fields, and complex topics. Difficult times are inevitable but are also when you will learn and grow the most. I still remember my advisors advice during my first year: “Never Give Up.” This mindset is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
- Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Maintain curiosity and openness to new ideas and interdisciplinary approaches. Often, the most innovative solutions emerge at the intersection of different fields. These ideas can originate from thorough literature reviews, attending conferences, collaborating with internal and external partners, and following leading researchers in your field. Engage actively with diverse perspectives to foster creativity and innovation.
- Plan and Stay Organized: Set clear goals and milestones for your research and academic progress. Keep organized records of your work, manage your time effectively, and continuously evaluate your progress. This approach will help you stay on track and make steady progress toward your degree. I recommend setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Although it can be challenging to adhere strictly to the schedule, having a clear plan of tasks ensures consistent progress.
- Seek Support and Build a Network: Develop relationships with your peers, faculty, and staff. Do not hesitate to seek advice and assistance when needed. The support I received from my network kept me motivated and allowed me to progress. Building a strong support system is essential for navigating the complexities of graduate studies.
- Trust Yourself and Be Yourself: Academic life can be unpredictable. Maintain confidence in yourself and your decisions. You may encounter judgments from others. For constructive feedback, use it to improve. For unjust criticism, refrain from immediate argument; over time, such judgments lose their significance. Focus on your growth and integrity.
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Remember, graduate school is not just about earning a degree; it is about developing as a researcher, a professional, and an individual. Embrace the journey with all its ups and downs, and you will emerge stronger and more prepared for the future.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
One interesting aspect of my professional journey is the diverse research background
I have cultivated over the years. I began my academic career by earning both my Bachelors
and Masters degrees in Textile Engineering. This foundational training provided me
with a robust understanding of soft material properties, fabric manufacturing processes,
and the principles of textile science. Subsequently, I pursued a Ph.D. in Environmental
Toxicology at Texas Tech University, where my research shifted towards the development
and application of functional nanomaterials for environmental remediation and human
health protection.
Following my doctoral studies, I started on my first postdoctoral training in the
Pharmaceutical Department. Here, I delved into the intersection of nanotechnology
and pharmacology, exploring the use of nanomaterials in drug delivery systems and
their potential for improving therapeutic efficacy and targeting. This experience
broadened my understanding of the biomedical applications of nanomaterials and provided
me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within pharmaceutical
sciences.
My second postdoctoral position was in the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department,
where I further honed my expertise in the fabrication and characterization of advanced
nanocomposites and their mechanical characterizations. This role allowed me to integrate
principles from mechanical engineering with my prior knowledge of materials science
and toxicology. It also enabled me to engage in interdisciplinary research, developing
nanomaterials with tailored properties for biomedical applications.
Despite the apparent differences in these fields, my research direction has consistently
focused on nanomaterials and their composites. The breadth of my academic and research
experiences has been immensely beneficial, offering me the opportunity to immerse
myself in various domains of knowledge and innovation. This interdisciplinary exposure
has fostered a dynamic and holistic approach to problem-solving, allowing me to generate
novel ideas and insights by integrating concepts from textile engineering, toxicology,
pharmacology, and materials science. It has also equipped me with a versatile skill
set and a broad perspective, enabling me to tackle complex research challenges and
contribute to advancements in multiple fields.
Jordan Smith
What is your current position and how did Texas Tech University Department of Environmental Toxicology (formerly TIEHH) prepare you for your career?
I am a Biomedical Scientist and Team Lead for the Exposure Science and Pathogen Biology Team at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Our team aims to understanding exposure to chemicals and pathogens, where they go in human and biological systems, and how they affect those systems. My research applies advanced molecular tools, cell-based models, in vivo techniques, and computational tools to understand how absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) processes affect internal dosimetry of chemicals that mediate toxicity.
What are you most proud of from your TTU Environmental Toxicology (TIEHH) experience?
Being associated with really great people at TIEHH. The network of students, professors, staff is excellent at TIEHH, and I maintain contact with many Red Raiders. The breadth of impact across academia, industry, government, and consulting sectors is impressive, and I am proud to be part of that network.
What advice would you give to our current graduate students?
Take advantage of opportunities at TIEHH beyond the traditional graduate school program. During my time at TIEHH, I was fortunate to conduct some of my graduate work at the Idaho National Laboratory. This experience provided me with insight and strong network of colleagues within the National Laboratory System. Both elements have played critical roles in my career development from a graduate student at TIEHH to scientist at PNNL.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I am a former mutton busting champion of the Clark County Rodeo.
Department of Environmental Toxicology
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Address
Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Box 41163, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.4567 -
Email
entx.it@ttu.edu