Name: Hao Wu 

Hometown: Jinan, China 

Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering 

Research: Freshwater mussels play several ecological roles in natural streams but they are now considered one of the most endangered aquatic species in North America. Given that the flow conditions around mussels strongly affect the quality of their natural habitats, my research focuses on providing information on how the near-bed flow is modified by the presence of mussels. I developed an eddy-resolving numerical model to investigate flow and mass transport processes in an open channel containing active filtering, partially burrowed mussels, and to describe the main mechanisms through which mussels avoid dislocation from the bed. The data from my research should help develop strategies to protect mussels in natural river reaches. 

Plans after graduation: I would like to become an engineer in water resources and hydraulic engineering. I think it offers an opportunity to put my technical skills I developed during research into practical use.