On the first of September, we welcomed our new Senior Groundwater Specialist, Feifei Cao. Feifei is originally from China, where she also obtained her B.Sc. After, she continued her academic career in Europe, with an engineer's degree, a doctoral degree in hydrogeology and geochemistry, and a position as postdoctoral researcher as a result.
After gaining these degrees and experience in France and Sweden, Feifei decided to join IGRAC, where she will strengthen the team with her strong groundwater quality background. Time to sit down for an interview with this new team member.
"What is your academic background?"
"I am a hydrogeologist with a Ph.D. in Hydrogeology and Geochemistry from University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France) in collaboration with the French Geological Survey (BRGM). My educational journey also includes an Engineer’s degree in Water Sciences and Technologies from École Polytechnique Universitaire de Montpellier in France and a Bachelor's degree in Hydrology and Water Resources from Wuhan University in China. My academic background has equipped me with a strong foundation in hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry, and water resource management, and I am now eager to apply this knowledge to support sustainable groundwater resources development and management as a member of IGRAC."
"What is your work experience?"
"After obtaining my Ph.D. degree in France, I pursued my professional career with a two-year postdoctoral research position at Stockholm University in Sweden. My previous works during my post-doc, Ph.D. as well as engineering internships have been focusing on the characterization of aquifer systems, groundwater assessment related to different quality issues and contaminants (including pesticides, arsenic, nitrate, etc.), as well as the impact of climate change on groundwater resources, giving me more than 6 years of experience in the field of geoscience and groundwater management."
"Why did you apply at IGRAC?"
"I applied at IGRAC because my long-term research and career goals are rooted in in the characterization, assessment and sustainable management of groundwater systems, on reginal and international scales. This closely aligns with IGRAC’s mission, which focuses on providing evidence-based information & knowledge on groundwater worldwide to support decision-making for a sustainable planet. In the context of the current global environmental changes, I see a lot of challenges, new perspectives as well as opportunities in this field. I am eager to contribute to IGRAC’s mission and to make a positive impact on sustainable groundwater management by taking the role of Groundwater Specialist at IGRAC."
"What do you expect from of time at IGRAC?"
"I expect my time at IGRAC to be a mutually beneficial journey where I can contribute meaningfully to IGRAC’s mission through various initiatives and projects that align with my expertise, and develop professionally by gaining new skills, knowledge and experiences as a member of a team of enthusiast professionals. I also expect to collaborate closely with international researchers and policymakers, which will broaden my perspectives and also enhance my ability to address pressing global groundwater challenges."