Two new PhD students join McAuliffe-backed FIBE2 CDT programme at the University of Cambridge

The FIBE2 CDT creates a pipeline of highly skilled, research-oriented professionals who are well-versed in the latest advancements and methodologies in their chosen fields. The programme integrates civil engineering with cutting-edge technology, sustainability and digital innovation that works to resolve complex engineering challenges in the construction and remediation industry.

FIBE2 CDT acts as a catalyst for innovation, growth and excellence within our organisation. Putting McAuliffe at the forefront of industry research, our collaboration with FIBE2 CDT supports continuous improvement and knowledge transfer with talented academics and researchers that help us to remain competitive and agile in a rapidly-evolving industry. 

Focused on practical, impact-driven projects, the FIBE2 CDT enhances McAuliffe’s research and development capabilities by working with students and researchers from the programme on real-world problems. This collaboration and insight helps McAuliffe to address specific engineering issues more effectively, while also contributing to the broader body of knowledge in construction and civil engineering.

Moreover, the programme's emphasis on sustainability and resilience in the industry is firmly aligned with McAuliffe's commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

The growth of FIBE2 CDT so far

Three years ago, Han Ding – now in his second year PhD – kickstarted the programme, joined in 2023 by India Harding, who is in her first year PhD. We have now welcomed Jerry Yu and Xuan Wang to the programme, both of whom are currently completing their MRes year before starting three years of PhD research.

Meet Jerry and Xuan:

Jerry Yu

Jerry is passionate about exploring the combination of biology and engineering, especially the application of biotechnology to sustainability and the built environment. While his background leans towards the life sciences, he has been diving into the engineering side throughout his MRes year. He is excited to be collaborating with McAuliffe on the project entitled “Smart microbes for sustainable and resilient land regeneration”.

Coming from a biotechnology background, Jerry hopes to integrate his existing knowledge into sustainable land remediation. He is currently undertaking his MRes project, revealing the potential self-healing properties of MICP stabilised soils through bacteria. Going forward, he hopes to focus on the intersections between MICP self-healing, soil stabilisation and bioremediation processes, exploring the integration of these processes into scalable, industry-relevant sustainable practices.

Xuan Wang

Prior to joining the FIBE2 CDT, Xuan graduated from Imperial College London with a MSc degree in Environmental Engineering, and worked as a Research Assistant at University College London. Her PhD will investigate the remediation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in contaminated groundwater and soils.

As PFAS have spread globally in various environmental compartments (e.g. groundwater and soils) and posed risks to human health, a number of remediation technologies have been developed such as immobilisation technologies (e.g. stabilization and solidification), mobilisation techniques (e.g. soil washing and phytoremediation), and destruction technologies (e.g. electrochemical treatment and sonolysis). Her PhD project aims to explore the treatment performance of these remediation technologies for PFAS-contaminated soils and groundwater, and provide efficient, cost-effective, sustainable and ‘‘resilient’’ remediation strategies for future remediation.