Working to become a leading researcher in industrial sustainability within academia, Xiaohan Wu, a PhD candidate in the Sustainable Engineering Technology and Systems (S.E.T.S.) group of Purdue University’s School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE), presented research at the 2025 ASME Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (MSEC).  

Xiaohan Wu’s research, advised by Purdue Professor Fu Zhao, focuses on the techno-economic and life cycle assessment (TEA/LCA) of non-ferrous metal production, particularly the production and recycling of copper and gallium.

“I am driven by a vision to develop what I call the “Lab-Industry-Society” framework, which connects laboratory-scale innovation, industrial collaboration, and supply-chain analysis to bridge the gap between technological development and societal impact. My ambition is to ensure that sustainability solutions created in the lab can be effectively scaled up for industrial application and contribute to solving real-world challenges.”

Xiaohan Wu shared that MSEC is one of the “premier international gatherings for manufacturing researchers and practitioners.” 

“It provides a platform to share the latest advances in sustainable manufacturing, smart production, materials innovation, and systems design. This year’s conference was held in Greenville, South Carolina, bringing together scholars, industry leaders, and students from across the world to discuss pathways toward a more sustainable and digital manufacturing future…MSEC also includes topics to advance manufacturing such as Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Materials Manufacturing, Manufacturing Equipment and Automation, and Life Cycle Engineering...Purdue SEE are primary focusing on Life Cycle Engineering… I was pleasantly surprised to meet many Purdue alumni at MSEC. It was great to see how active and influential they are in sustainability and manufacturing research across different institutions and industries.”

Xiaohan Wu and Professor Fu Zhao worked with a team to conduct the MSEC presented study titled “Bioleaching Gallium from E-Waste: Comparative Techno-Economic Analysis.”

Xiaohan Wu said that the work originated from their GaCycle team’s submission to the DOE E-SCRAP Prize (Phase I Winner, $80,000).

“Our study explores sustainable approaches to recover gallium from industrial resources and E-waste. We compared bioleaching, hydro-annealing, and Bayer liquor–based recovery route through techno-economic analysis to identify the most cost-effective pathway.”

Xiaohan Wu had several big takeaways from the conference experience.

“One of my favorite parts of the conference was the opportunity to visit Clemson University and learn about the Deep Orange student-led vehicle development program, where undergraduate students design and build fully functional concept cars as part of their capstone projects. I also had the chance to tour the BMW manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, which offered an impressive view of large-scale production and automation…The experience was more about exposure and inspiration than specific technical lessons, and it broadened my perspective on how academic research connects to real-world manufacturing.” 

Xiaohan Wu values the strong sense of friendship and support within the community of SEE.

“Beyond research collaboration, I’ve met genuine friends who make both my academic and personal life more meaningful. People in SEE are always eager to share ideas, support one another, and celebrate each other’s progress — creating an environment that truly encourages growth and connection.”

For more information about Purdue’s School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering, please visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE.