Amidst the global challenges of environmental sustainability, Dr. Inez Hua remains a leading force in the field of Environmental and Ecological Engineering. A professor at Purdue University for nearly 30 years, Hua has made remarkable contributions in the field of Environmental and Ecological Engineering and inspired countless students to search for better solutions.

 With a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology, her expertise spans aquatic chemistry, environmental sustainability, particularly as related to the circular economy and the intersection between sustainability and computing. Hua's research has been pivotal in understanding the potential to recovery critical materials from electronics. Her dedication to sustainability is evident in her recent projects, which include studying the environmental impacts of large language models used in AI, and a project to train engineering doctoral students to tackle environmental sustainability in corporate settings.

Hua draws inspiration from Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose life and thinking has made a profound influence on Hua. Ginsburg's commitment to justice and equality has inspired Hua to pursue excellence in her field and advocate for sustainable practices.

As a professor, Hua finds immense satisfaction in collaborating with her students on research. She values the discoveries they make together, whether through doctoral dissertations, master's theses, or undergraduate projects.

"It has been exciting and rewarding to make discoveries with my students and know that we are creating something unique and hopefully better," Hua shares.

In her role as an engineer and researcher, Hua emphasizes the importance of a systematic and quantitative approach to engineering. She believes these skills are essential for addressing complex environmental challenges. Her aspirations include finding better ways to solve problems through rigorous scientific inquiry and practical applications. Hua's work not only advances the field of environmental engineering but also inspires the next generation of engineers to think critically and act sustainably.