
Jianzhou He, Ph.D.
Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics
Home Campus: Armstrong
jhe@georgiasouthern.edu
912-344-2827
Research Areas
Environmental/Analytical Chemistry, Advanced Materials for Contaminants Detection, Quantification, and Remediation
Education
- Ph.D. in Materials Sciences and Engineering (Highest honor) (Advisor: Ralf Riedel)
- Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
- M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering (Advisor: Shengming Zhou)
- Chinese Academy of Science, China
- B.S. in Inorganic Nonmetallic Materials Engineering
- Central South University, China
Publications
- He, J., Boersma, M., Song, Z., Krebsbach, S., Fan, D., Duin, E. C., & Wang, D.* (2024). Biochar and surfactant synergistically enhanced PFAS destruction in UV/sulfite system at neutral pH. Chemosphere, 141562.
- He, J., Gomeniuc, A., Olshansky, Y., Hatton, J., Abrell, L., Field, J.A., Chorover, J., and Sierra-Alvarez, R.* (2022). Enhanced removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by crosslinked polyaniline polymers. Chemical Engineering Journal, 446, 137246.
- He, J., Zhang, L., He, S.Y., Ryser, E., Li, H., and Zhang, W.* (2021). Stomata facilitate foliar sorption of silver nanoparticles by Arabidopsis thaliana. Environmental Pollution, 292, 118448.
- He, J., Zhang, Y.Z., Guo, Y., Rhodes, G., Yeom, J., Li, H. and Zhang, W.* (2019). Photocatalytic degradation of cephalexin by ZnO nanowires under simulated sunlight: Kinetics, influencing factors, and mechanisms. Environment International, 132, 105105.
Funding
Current Grants
- National Science Foundation, “ERI: Unravel Phototransformation Mechanisms of Emerging Polyfluoroalkyl Surfactants in Water”, 2025-2027, PI
- Department of Defense, “Ionic Liquids: A Green and Cost-Effective Method to Separate Fluoropolymers from Metal Powders”, 2025-2027, Co-PI
Research Projects
Validation of Nanozyme-Enhanced ELISA for Selectively Quantifying PFAS in Water
The project will design and validate a novel PFAS detection platform based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, offering both high specificity and sensitivity. This innovative assay combines magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and PFAS-specific antibodies to efficiently capture and separate PFAS from complex samples, while antibody-linked nanozymes are employed to amplify the detection signal (high sensitivity) that can be read and converted to concentration in real time using a portable UV-vis spectrophotometer.
Developing Passive Samplers for in-situ Monitoring Emerging Contaminants in Stormwater
We aim to design and evaluate innovative passive sampling technologies that leverage advanced material synthesis for enhanced contaminant capture and selectivity. By integrating novel sorbent materials with tailored surface properties, the samplers will be optimized to detect a wide range of emerging contaminants—including chemicals in tire wear leachate—commonly found in urban and highway stormwater systems. Laboratory testing under controlled conditions will be conducted to assess sorption efficiency, durability, and reproducibility of the synthesized materials, providing critical performance data prior to field deployment. The outcomes will advance stormwater monitoring by delivering cost-effective, reliable tools for assessing contaminant fate and risks in water environments.
News
- PhD student Tanvir Siddike Moin has been selected as a Vlog Presidential Research Fellow. This Fellowship is one of the highest honors bestowed within our graduate programs, recognizing his outstanding academic and research potential.
- Genell Drummonds received the BCP Department Summer Research Fellowship.
- Kathryn Moore was awarded a COSM COUR Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Research Group
Undergraduate Students
- Isabella Sherman
- Genell Drummonds
- Laci LaDuke
- Kathryn Moore
- Kendra Ezeanii
Graduate Students
- Ayush Pokharel,
- Ogochukwu Okeke,
- Tanvir Siddike Moin
- Robert Hamrick