Zou is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering.

“Our Early-Career Research Fellows are pursuing innovative and applied research that directly addresses the Gulf region’s most pressing challenges,” said Karena Mothershed, director of GRP’s Board on Gulf Education and Engagement. "Their research not only advances science but also provides real-world benefits for communities and ecosystems across the Gulf."

Zou said he was thrilled to be included among this outstanding group of researchers. 

“Being selected as a NASEM Early-Career Research Fellow is a tremendous honor,” said Zou. “This award provides the opportunity to advance electrified water treatment technologies that recover valuable resources from offshore produced water, while reducing environmental and community risks in the Gulf. With this support, I look forward to building new collaborations and advancing solutions that make offshore energy operations safer and more sustainable.