Engineering Clean Water: Learn, Innovate, Protect!
The Environmental Engineering Research lab focusses on finding solutions to some of the most pressing water quality issues. We investigate the effects of wildfires on drinking water sources and develop methods to improve the resiliency of water treatment plants to pollutants introduced to drinking water sources by storms that mobilize burned materials to rivers and lakes.
We also work on removing harmful "forever chemicals" like PFAS from drinking water using sustainable materials like biochar. Additionally, our projects include designing affordable water treatment technologies to support low-income communities in Central Mexico. By combining cutting-edge research with a commitment to sustainability, our lab is making a real impact on the world.
Student Opportunities and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Our lab is a vibrant space for interdisciplinary research and hands-on learning, offering opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in meaningful projects summarized below that combine engineering, environmental science, chemistry, and public health. We frequently partner with organizations like Caminos de Agua and collaborate with other universities, enabling students to work on impactful projects that contribute to both local and global communities.
- Wildfire Impacts on Drinking Water Systems: This interdisciplinary research is funded by the USDA Forest Service in collaborations with Montana, Oregon, and Washington State Universities focusing on enhancing the resilience of drinking water systems in the Pacific Northwest against wildfire-induced disruptions. ()
- Organic Contaminant Treatment with Biochar: We explore the use of biochar as a sustainable adsorbent for removing organic contaminants like PFAS ("forever chemicals") from drinking water. This research addresses local and global water quality issues and provides accessible technology solutions for low-resource communities.
- Fluoride Removal with Bonechar: Our team investigates using bonechar to remove fluoride from drinking water, addressing a major global health concern. This project, in collaboration with Caminos de Agua, provides students with opportunities to directly impact affected communities in San Miguel Mexico while advancing water treatment engineering.