Nearly nine years ago, Chenglin Li joined DHI as a fresh graduate, and today, he’s an experienced wastewater engineer who has worked on many inspiring projects. Along the way, he’s balanced his career with the joys and challenges of parenthood. Read on to learn how his journey has unfolded and what keeps him excited about his work every day.

Hi Chenglin, it’s nice to see you on DHI People. Please tell us about yourself! 

My name is Chenglin Li, and it’s hard to believe that nearly nine years have flown by since I joined DHI. I still vividly remember walking into the office on my first day as a fresh master’s graduate, full of excitement and curiosity. Fast forward to today, and I’m now the proud parent of a 1.5-year-old daughter! During my master’s studies, I developed a passion for coding and algorithms, which led me to an internship at DHI's urban water department. DHI became my first job, and I was thrilled to join such an international company. Every day here has been a rewarding journey, especially when diving into technical challenges and finding solutions. 

What does your day look like, and what’s the best part?

My day typically starts bright and early at around 6 a.m., feeding my daughter—arguably the most demanding part of my routine! Once I’m settled at my desk, the best part of my day is uncovering interesting insights from WEST simulations, especially when tackling real-world issues. There’s a unique mix of frustration and satisfaction in this work: the frustration of not being able to explain something through simulation is quickly outweighed by the dopamine rush when the results finally make sense. It’s like solving a puzzle, and the ‘aha!” moment is always worth it.

Tell us about a memorable project you have been involved in and why was it significant for you? 

One of the most memorable projects for me was my first role as a Project Manager back in 2018. It was a pilot project, and we were venturing into uncharted territory—implementing an online wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) decision-support system. This was not only a first for me but also a first for DHI China in terms of WWTP operation and optimisation. The project was challenging, but the client’s satisfaction with the final result made it all worthwhile. I still remember how they were so impressed that they hired a professional team to film an introduction video for the system. It was a proud moment for all of us involved.

What’s one thing about being a wastewater engineer that you find particularly interesting or rewarding? 

What I find most fascinating about being a wastewater engineer is the inherent logic of the treatment process. Simulations often reveal a kind of ‘truth’ when compared to real-world systems. Sometimes the issues lie in the actual system, and other times they stem from the model itself. It’s like being a detective, constantly figuring out what the model can and cannot do. This process of discovery and problem-solving is what keeps me motivated and excited about my work every day.

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m not sure if this will surprise anyone, but I’ve recently discovered a hidden talent: cooking! Specifically, I’ve become quite skilled at cooking fish, and I’ve developed a particular fondness for the tail part. It’s a small but satisfying accomplishment outside of work, and it’s always fun to surprise friends and family with a well-cooked meal. Who knew a wastewater engineer could also be a fish connoisseur?