Expertise
Environmental biotechnology
Fate, transport, and removal of micropollutants
Biological nutrient removal
Halotolerant microorganisms
Genetic Algorithms biological processes for environmental engineering. This includes engineered systems, such as biological wastewater treatment processes, and also natural systems such as wetlands and estuaries

My students and I engage in water quality research using modern tools from microbiology, chemistry, and hydraulics. Our ongoing work utilizes laboratory experimentation and mathematical modeling techniques. Our currently work lays in the following areas:

  • Endocrine-disrupting compounds:

    EDCs are an increasing environmental concern because of their potential to cause developmental abnormalities in fish, reptiles, and possibly humans. We are studying the removal of a model EDC (ethinyl estradiol (EE2)) in one emerging technology known as the membrane bioreactor (MBR). We are finding that EE2 removal efficiency is higher in the MBR than in the conventional process due to unique particle characteristics. We are also finding that ammonia-oxidizing organisms can play a key role in EE2 biodegradation pathways. Our work with EE2 is particularly relevant because EE2 is the active ingredient in birth control pills, and perhaps one of the most important EDCs in the environment.

  • Polyphosphate metabolism:

    Polyphosphate metabolism is the central feature of enhanced biological phosphorus removal. We are currently studying polyphosphate metabolism in laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors to uncover new knowledge and novel applications.

  • Perchlorate removal:

    Perchlorate in water has received increasing attention since 1997, when perchlorate was detected in drinking water in more than 22 states affecting more than 20 million Americans. The chemical has been demonstrated to pose health risks relating to thyroid function. We are investigating the function of highly-specialized microbial consortia capable destroying perchlorate completely.

  • Remediating mercury with nanotechnology:

    We are also working with Don Zhao (Auburn University) to develop and apply an innovative nanotechnology for in-situ immobilization of mercury in estuarine sediments by injecting a new class of non-agglomerating, nanoscale iron particles into the contaminated sediments. We are evaluating the effect of the stabilized nanoparticles for in-situ immobilization of mercury and for inhibition of mercury methylation.

  • Genetic algorithms:

    We are investigating the suitability of the genetic algorithm (GA) method for providing cost-effective design of complex systems. The GA is an iterative optimization routine that searches for design features that perform best against a given fitness function. The GA is a computationally simple parallel search process and does not require the computation of derivatives on the function that is subject to optimization - so that the full power of the GA is revealed when addressing complex problems.

  • Genetic algorithms: We are investigating the suitability of the genetic algorithm (GA) method for providing cost-effective design of complex systems. The GA is an iterative optimization routine that searches for design features that perform best against a given fitness function. The GA is a computationally simple parallel search process and does not require the computation of derivatives on the function that is subject to optimization - so that the full power of the GA is revealed when addressing complex problems.
  • Biological nutrient removal: BNR processes are key to effective prevention of eutrophication. We are currently studying polyphosphate metabolism in laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors to uncover new knowledge and novel applications related to enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Perchlorate removal: Perchlorate in water has received increasing attention since 1997, when perchlorate was detected in drinking water in more than 22 states affecting more than 20 million Americans. The chemical has been demonstrated to pose health risks relating to thyroid function. We are investigating the function of highly-specialized microbial consortia capable destroying perchlorate completely.
  • Endocrine-disrupting compounds: EDCs are an increasing environmental concern because of their potential to cause developmental abnormalities in fish, reptiles, and possibly humans. We are studying the removal of a model EDC (ethinyl estradiol (EE2)) in one emerging technology known as the membrane bioreactor (MBR). We are finding that EE2 removal efficiency is higher in the MBR than in the conventional process, and we hypothesize that retention of highly hydrophobic organisms is a key factor. Our work with EE2 is particularly relevant because EE2 is the active ingredient in birth control pills, and perhaps the most important EDC in the environment
Environmental biotechnology
Fate, transport, and removal of micropollutants
Biological nutrient removal
Halotolerant microorganisms
Genetic Algorithms
Activated Sludge, Biotechnology, Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds, Environmental Engineering, Eutrophication, Nutrient Removal, Perchlorate
Past Affiliations

Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University

Assistant Professor, Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University

Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh (past)

Communities
Civil Engineering
Degrees
PhD, University of California, Berkeley, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2002
PhD, University of California, Berkeley, Environmental Engineering, 2002
M.ENG., Cornell University, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1993
M.Eng., Cornell University, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1993
BS, University of California, Los Angeles, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1992
BS, University of California, Los Angeles, Civil Engineering, 1992
BS
PhD
MS
Keywords
civil engineering environmental engineering biotechnology waste water
Languages
English, Spanish
Honors

Gordon Research Conference Award, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 2003

Scholarship, Graduate Division (University of California, Berkeley), 1996-1998

Fellow, National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (Cornell University), 1992-1993

Civil Engineering Honor Society, Chi Epsilon (University of California, Los Angeles), 1992

Associations
Association of Environmental Engineering Professors
Water Environment Federation