Weijian Diao, PhD
Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Dr. Diao’s research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, especially rational catalyst synthesis and application for renewable chemical production. In his work, he synthesizes nanostructured metal-metal and metal-metal oxide catalysts with unique composition and morphology for hydrocarbon conversion, CO2 utilization and renewable energy.
“With the Assistant Tenure Track Faculty Career Development Award, I am able to build a mentor-mentee relation with a senior faculty outside Villanova who is a well-known expert in catalysis field,” Dr. Diao says. “We have met several times this year in person and online to discuss potential collaboration and joint proposals.”
“Another benefit of the program is that it supports me to attend national meetings in catalysis research area such as Gordon Research Conference,” he adds. “I was able to meet with and build connections with faculty from other institutions and experts from industrial companies. I also discussed with [National Science Foundation] program manager during the meeting about catalysis research at Villanova and future potential proposals to NSF.”