Dr. James Wong received his doctoral degree in 2017 based on an interdisciplinary (ecology and geotechnical engineering) study: “ The effects of biochar on bacterial communities and geotechnical properties of landfill cover soils”.

This research revealed the potential applications of biochar (waste-derived material) for both ecological and geotechnical purposes. It is the first study that extended the application of biochar from agriculture and environmental science into engineering. More than ten peer-reviewed journal and conference papers were published during his PhD studies.

Dr. Wong is currently investigating the effects of biochar on ecological restoration, with a focus on soil bacterial communities; and geotechnical properties of biochar-amended soil, such as soil-water holding capacity. His research work also covers ecological performance, effects of biochar on plant growth performance, their interactions at both degraded lands (e.g. landfill cover) and slopes (natural and man-made).

His research output may be found on Google Scholar and Research Gate (by searching for James Tsz Fung WONG), and also on ORCiD (0000-0003-3897-7725).

Dr. Wong (third from the left) with his classmates and Prof. Ng at the 2017 HKUST congregation