Research Scientist at University of Illinois at Urbana-champaign, United States
Suwei Xu is a Research Scientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializing in soil biogeochemistry and sustainable agricultural systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the same institution, where his research focused on phosphorus cycling in agricultural soils. Xu has extensive experience in teaching, research, and mentoring, having worked as a Teaching/Research Assistant and Postdoctoral Research Associate. His research aims to improve nutrient use efficiency in agriculture and reduce environmental impacts. Xu has secured multiple research grants and has published in top scientific journals. He is passionate about advancing sustainability in food systems and environmental conservation.
Professional Profile
Education
Suwei Xu’s academic background is exemplary, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental and soil sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2022, maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Science in the same field in May 2019, also with a 4.0/4.0 GPA. His undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Tongji University in Shanghai, China, was completed in June 2017, where he graduated with an impressive GPA of 4.39/5.00. His solid academic foundation has played a pivotal role in shaping his research career in soil biogeochemistry and sustainability.
Work Experience:
Suwei Xu has significant professional experience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, beginning as a Teaching/Research Assistant in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from August 2017 to May 2022. His contributions to this role were pivotal, assisting in teaching and research projects while contributing to soil chemistry and environmental science research. He advanced to a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Crop Science, working on phosphorus cycling and soil formation factors from July 2022 to November 2024. Currently, he holds the position of Research Scientist at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, focusing on the biogeochemistry of phosphorus and the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils. His evolving career trajectory highlights his commitment to improving sustainability in agriculture and environmental management.
Research Interests:
Suwei Xu’s research focuses on soil biogeochemical processes that play a significant role in driving sustainable food systems. His primary areas of investigation include the distribution and movement of phosphorus in agricultural fields, exploring mechanisms of phosphorus retention in soils, and examining the influence of pedogenic and anthropogenic factors on soil phosphorus cycling. Xu’s work aims to optimize nutrient use efficiency in agricultural systems, minimize phosphorus losses to water systems, and support long-term soil fertility. His research is aligned with broader sustainability goals, emphasizing the need for efficient resource management, crop productivity, and environmental conservation. Xu is dedicated to understanding the complex dynamics of phosphorus cycling and its implications for global food security.
Grants and Funding:
Suwei Xu has actively participated in securing and contributing to various research grants throughout his career. He is the Co-PI for a current USDA NRCS-funded project titled “Linking changes in DSP with soil morphology and soil classification over multiple decades,” valued at $499,844. Xu’s responsibilities include proposal writing, leading fieldwork, mentoring lab technicians, and preparing research manuscripts. In addition to this, he was involved in securing past funding, such as the Undergraduate Innovation Program at Tongji University, which focused on the adsorption of heavy metals in soils. Xu’s ability to lead research teams, manage field and lab work, and secure substantial funding demonstrates his strong capability in advancing environmental research.
Publications:
Suwei Xu has authored numerous impactful publications in top-tier scientific journals. Some of his recent work includes papers published in Science of the Total Environment, Global Change Biology, and Environmental Science & Technology. His research spans topics such as phosphorus dynamics in soils, the influence of human activities on phosphorus cycling, and the environmental impacts of agricultural practices. Xu’s papers are frequently cited and contribute significantly to the understanding of biogeochemical processes in soil systems. His work on phosphorus retention, soil fertility, and environmental management has advanced the scientific community’s understanding of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Teaching and Mentorship:
Suwei Xu is deeply committed to education and mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists. He has served as a Teaching Assistant for the course Introduction to Soil Science (NRES201) at the University of Illinois, where he led lab sessions, designed quizzes and exams, and received multiple Teachers Ranked as Excellent awards. Beyond classroom teaching, Xu mentors students through programs like the Summer Youth Program, where he guided high school students in research projects related to soil science. His role as a mentor is reflective of his dedication to fostering academic growth and scientific curiosity in his students, ensuring they gain practical experience in environmental research.
Awards and Honors:
Throughout his academic and professional career, Suwei Xu has received several prestigious awards and honors. His research excellence is reflected in his multiple publications in high-impact journals with significant citation rates. Additionally, Xu has been recognized for his outstanding teaching abilities, earning the Teachers Ranked as Excellent award from the University of Illinois. These accolades highlight his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in environmental sciences and his exceptional contributions to teaching and mentoring. Xu’s work continues to be highly regarded in his field, and his achievements underscore his potential for future success in both research and academia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Suwei Xu is a dedicated and accomplished researcher whose work in soil biogeochemistry and sustainable agriculture contributes significantly to advancing environmental sustainability. His expertise in phosphorus cycling and nutrient management in agricultural soils positions him as a valuable asset in the field of natural resources and environmental sciences. With a strong academic foundation, hands-on research experience, and a commitment to innovation, Xu continues to make meaningful strides in improving agricultural practices and fostering sustainability. His contributions through research, teaching, and mentorship demonstrate a deep commitment to addressing global agricultural and environmental challenges.
Publication Top Notes
- Title: Phosphate elution from anion‐exchange membranes in soil analysis
- Authors: Suwei Xu, Andrew J. Margenot
- Year: 2025
- Journal: Agricultural & Environmental Letters
- Title: The missing phosphorus legacy of the Anthropocene: quantifying residual phosphorus in the biosphere
- Authors: Andrew Margenot, Shengnan Zhou, Suwei Xu, Leo Condron, Geneviève Metson, Philip Haygarth, Jordon Wade, Prince Chapman Agyeman
- Year: 2024
- Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Dataset)
- Title: Depth‐dependent soil phosphorus alteration is independent of 145‐year phosphorus balances
- Authors: Suwei Xu, Yuhei Nakayama, Maia G. Rothman, Andrew J. Margenot
- Year: 2024
- Journal: European Journal of Soil Science
- Title: Missing phosphorus legacy of the Anthropocene: Quantifying residual phosphorus in the biosphere
- Authors: Andrew J. Margenot, Shengnan Zhou, Suwei Xu, Leo M. Condron, Geneviève S. Metson, Philip M. Haygarth, Jordon Wade, Prince C. Agyeman
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Global Change Biology
- Title: Soil phosphorus cycling across a 100‐year deforestation chronosequence in the Amazon rainforest
- Authors: Suwei Xu, Chunhao Gu, Jorge L. M. Rodrigues, Chongyang Li, Brendan Bohannan, Klaus Nüsslein, Andrew J. Margenot
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Global Change Biology
- Title: Accumulation and release of organic phosphorus (P) from legacy P-affected soils to adjacent drainage water
- Authors: Suwei Xu, Martin N.F., Matthews J.W., Arai Y.
- Year: 2022
- Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
- Title: Adsorption mechanisms of inositol hexakisphosphate in the presence of phosphate at the amorphous aluminum oxyhydroxide-water interface
- Authors: Suwei Xu, Arai Y.
- Year: 2022
- Journal: Science of the Total Environment
- Title: Competitive sorption and accumulation of organic phosphorus in phosphate-rich soils and sediments
- Authors: Suwei Xu, Arai Y.
- Year: 2022
- Book: Advances in Agronomy