Prof. JIN Ling Nathanael, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Health Technology and Informatics at PolyU, has been awarded the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.
Prof. JIN (left) harnesses various biotechnological and bioinformatic advancements to assess the impact of environmental hazards on both human and wildlife health.
Prof. JIN and his team integrate approaches from environmental chemistry, microbiology, and data science to uncover causal relationships, identify the underlying cause of harm, and trace their sources.
Prof. JIN’s long-term goal is to explore the impacts and mechanisms of complex chemical and microbial mixtures that humans and wildlife are exposed to.
Prof. JIN（4th from the right, front row）is committed to mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers, fostering their professional growth.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting global well-being through interdisciplinary research across various fields. Prof. JIN Ling Nathanael, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Health Technology and Informatics at PolyU, has been awarded the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) for his contributions to advancing the fields of environmental science.
Prof. JIN harnesses various biotechnological and bioinformatic advancements to assess the impact of environmental hazards on both human and wildlife health. He integrates approaches from environmental chemistry, microbiology, and data science to uncover causal relationships, identify the underlying cause of harm, and trace their sources.
By integrating insights from these fields, he conducts comprehensive studies that link pollutant exposure to specific health outcomes, ultimately driving the development of innovative solutions in environmental health.
Prof. JIN said, “This integrated approach not only guides the development of effective health policies but also strengthens community health initiatives through evidence-based strategies to mitigate environmental risks. By doing so, it leverages technological advancements to protect human health amid environmental changes.”
Prof. JIN's pioneering research on the plastisphere underscores the critical need for a unified global strategy to address the microbial risks associated with plastic pollution. His research has garnered significant recognition, leading to multiple invitations from Nature for his team to share their insights on these pressing issues.
Prof. JIN’s passion for environmental and health research began during his MPhil studies, where he investigated the effects of sunscreen ingredients on human endocrine function. He was later honored with the Prime Minister's Australia-Asia Endeavour Award to pursue a PhD, focusing on examining the combined effects of pollutant cocktails on the health of green turtles and dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef. His work contributed to shaping integrated marine environmental quality and biodiversity conservation strategies for endangered wildlife in Australia.
Prof. JIN shared, "My long-term goal is to explore the impacts and mechanisms of complex chemical and microbial mixtures that humans and wildlife are exposed to. By identifying the key risk drivers and their sources, we can provide informed recommendations for precise control measures, supporting the integrated objectives of One Sustainable Health."
Beyond research, Prof. JIN is committed to mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers, fostering their professional growth, and contributing to their many achievements under his guidance. He also actively takes on editorial roles and leads initiatives that promote global discussions on critical environmental issues.
Founded in 1955, the AAEES has more than 3,000 members and is one of the preeminent organisations for environmental engineers and scientists. The 40 Under 40 Recognition Program was introduced to recognise talented individuals who have made significant achievements in advancing the fields of environmental science or environmental engineering within the past year.
