Success Stories: Championing Clean Water – Taiwanese Postdoctoral Research Associate Secures NIW Approval for Biotech Advances in Wastewater
Client’s Testimonial:
“I’m relieved that my case has been approved. Thank you all for the excellent assistance and clear answers throughout the process. You’ve been very supportive and helpful, and I’m truly grateful.”
On August 14th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of Environmental Engineering (Approval Notice).
General Field: Environmental Engineering
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Country of Origin: Taiwan
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Missouri
Approval Notice Date: August 14th, 2025
Processing Time: 1 year, 9 months, 29 days
Case Summary:
We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval. This approval was granted to an environmental engineering expert from Taiwan whose work is helping advance sustainable wastewater treatment and renewable energy production. At the time of filing, the client was conducting postdoctoral research in the United States and had already produced impactful work in the field of environmental engineering.
Research Supporting Water and Energy Security
The client’s research focuses on using advanced biotechnologies to recover clean water and generate bioenergy from wastewater systems. Her work integrates microbial ecology, meta-omics, and bioinformatics to improve the efficiency and environmental safety of treatment processes. At the time of filing, she was working on enhancing anaerobic digesters to upgrade biogas, contributing to cleaner energy and improved water management infrastructure.
Evidence of Impact and Recognition
The petition highlighted 5 peer-reviewed journal articles, including two first-authored papers, published in high-impact environmental science journals. Her work had received 88 citations, with one article ranked among the top 20% most cited in its field. She had also completed a formal peer review for a leading journal, reflecting professional recognition. Her findings were cited by independent researchers, including in studies using her gene sequences and wastewater data to develop applied solutions.
Establishing National Importance
We demonstrated that the client’s research supports national goals in sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience. Her doctoral training, industry experience, and prior funding history positioned her to continue advancing the field. By showing the relevance of her work to U.S. public health and environmental priorities, we established both the merit and significance of her proposed endeavor.
Expert Testimonial
Among the letters submitted in support of the petition, one independent recommender emphasized the client’s innovative use of biotechnology to address environmental challenges.
The expert wrote:
“She skillfully employed advanced biotechnologies to uncover novel information about water reclamation and bioremediation. In her current research, [client] is applying these biotechnologies to wastewater and natural aquifers in order to recover water resources and bioenergy, and with a big mission in mind to address environmental sustainability.”
This statement helped affirm her reputation as a researcher whose work has both scientific value and real-world application.
NIW Approval and Outlook
The I-140 NIW petition was filed on October 16, 2023, and approved on August 14, 2025. With NAILG’s support, the client received approval to continue her research in the United States. Her work plays a vital role in advancing sustainable water and energy solutions, and we are proud to have contributed to her success.