Jie Zhang
Dr. Jie (Jay) Zhang is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Kennesaw State University. Previously a Senior Engineer and R&D Regional Lead at Carollo Engineers, he specializes in modeling water/wastewater treatment processes and optimizing infrastructure using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), mechanistic modeling, and machine learning (ML). His research also explores environmental fluid mechanics in natural and ecological systems. He is also a registered civil engineer (PE) in Washington and Arizona.
Education
- PhD, Civil Engineering, University of South Florida, 2014
- MS, Engineering Mechanics, Beihang University, 2010
- BE, Aircraft Design and Engineering, Beihang University, 2008
- BS, Applied Mathematics (minor), Beihang University, 2008
Working Experience
- Kennesaw State University (2025 - present)
- Assistant Professor
- Carollo Engineers (2017 - 2025)
- R&D Regional Lead, 2024 - 2025
- Senior Engineer, 2024 - 2025
- Lead Engineer, 2022 - 2024
- Engineer, 2019 - 2022
- Staff Professional, 2017 - 2019
- University of South Florida (2014 - 2017)
- Postdoc Researcher, 2014 - 2017
- Adjunct Instructor, 2015 - 2016
Highlights
- Associate Editor of Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2025 - Present
- Chair of ASCE EWRI ML/AI in Water Engineering Committee, 2024 - Present
- State-of-The-Art of Civil Engineering Award – ASCE, 2020
- Founding Chair of ASCE EWRI CFD Committee, 2015 - 2017
- Author Spotlight – Journal AWWA Water Science, 2021
- Outstanding Reviewer – Water Research, 2016
- Best Paper Award – AWWA Florida 2014 Fall Conference, 2014
Research Interests
- 🌊 Water and Wastewater engineering — especially topics related to treatment processes, hydraulics, and modeling.
- 💻 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) — with a focus on physical, chemical, and biological processes in water and wastewater treatment.
- 💧 AI applications in water engineering — including machine learning and artificial intelligence for water infrastructure, management, and operations.
- 🔬 Bridging research and practice — particularly moving AI and CFD innovations from demonstration to real-world deployment in water systems (Digital Twin).
Google Scholar | ResearchGate | LinkedIn
Long-term Annoucements
- Recruiting Potential PhD Researchers
We are seeking motivated students to join ongoing research projects in environmental and water engineering. Current research topics include computational fluid dynamics (CFD), machine learning applications in water systems, and sustainable water infrastructure. Students will gain hands-on research experience, with opportunities for publication and professional development.
Interested students should email Dr Zhang their CV/resume and briefly indicate the research topic(s) of interest. The PI normally responds emails within 48 hours. If you do not receive response after two inquiries, please consider oppoturnity in other places.
- Recruiting Reviewers – Journal of Environmental Engineering (ASCE)
We invite qualified researchers and professionals (preferably with a PhD degree) to join the reviewer team for the ASCE Journal of Environmental Engineering. Reviewers play a key role in ensuring the quality and integrity of published research. Those with expertise in environmental engineering, water resources, or related fields are encouraged to email Dr. Zhang their CV/resume and areas of expertise.
