Zehui (Summer) Xia, Ph.D., E.I.T.

Project Scientist

Bio
Relevant Experience
Education & Credentials

Bio

Dr. Summer Xia is an environmental engineering Ph.D. and PMP-certified project leader with 8 years of experience managing water quality, emerging contaminants, and environmental monitoring programs. Her expertise includes PFAS, heavy metals, and nanoplastics, and she has a strong track record in water quality analysis, environmental monitoring, and technical program execution. Dr. Xia’s experience includes technical coordination, QA/QC-focused workflows, budget oversight, stakeholder communication, data interpretation, and external laboratory and partner collaboration. She has a proven ability to translate technical findings into actionable project plans, defensible reporting, and practical recommendations for diverse stakeholders.

Relevant Experience

PFAS/Emerging Contaminants

Advanced PFAS Monitoring Platform (USDA Small Business Innovation Research [SBIR]), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Served as principal investigator for the development of advanced PFAS monitoring technologies for water quality applications. Led project planning, technical execution, validation activities, QA/QC implementation, and stakeholder engagement.

Rapid PFAS Detection Platform (NIH SBIR), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Directed development of a rapid PFAS detection platform, including analytical method development, laboratory validation, data analysis, technical reporting, and collaboration with external laboratories and stakeholders.

Water Quality Monitoring

Next-Generation Spacecraft Water Monitoring Platform (NASA Small Business Technology Transfer), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Led development of advanced water monitoring systems for spacecraft applications. Managed project budgets, schedules, technical teams, and validation studies while coordinating industry and academic partnerships.

Nanoplastics Monitoring Platform (NOAA SBIR), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Led research and development of innovative monitoring technologies for nanoplastics in environmental waters. Managed testing, validation, stakeholder engagement, and technical reporting.

Project Management

Federal Research Program Portfolio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Managed a portfolio exceeding $2 million in federally funded programs sponsored by NASA, NIH, NOAA, and USDA. Oversaw project budgets, schedules, deliverables, stakeholder communications, subcontractor coordination, and technical reporting while leading cross-functional teams and external collaborators.

R&D

Federal Research and Development Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Authored and managed more than 30 federal research proposals, developing technical approaches, budgets, schedules, commercialization plans, and project execution strategies that resulted in more than $2 million in awarded funding.

Education & Credentials

Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 2019

M.S., Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 2014

B.S., Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui China, 2012

Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI, License No. 4097189

Engineer in Training, Pennsylvania, License No. EI033788

Continuing Education

OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER (in progress)

Professional Affiliations

Pennsylvania Water Environment Association

American Chemical Society

Achievements & Awards

Inventor, “Water Analysis with Ultra-Thin Solid State Nanopores” (patent pending, 2023)

Inventor, “Water Monitoring with Solid State Nanopores” (patent pending, 2023)

Peer Reviewer

Science, Environmental Science & Technology

RSC Advances

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

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