Cheng Shengtong started working at the Division of Environmental Engineering and Division of System Engineering within the Department of Environmental Engineering (DEE) in 1981, engaging in research and teaching. He served as DEE's Deputy Director. His research interests included water pollution prevention and control planning, comprehensive urban improvement, environmental economy and environmental assessment. He was the head of the expert group of the comprehensive remediation plan for the water supply crisis in Taihu Lake. He retired in 2005.