Expertise

Im’s overarching research goal is to promote the development of sustainable biotechnologies for Water-Energy-Health-Climate nexus, by examining diverse catabolic activities of microbes, and by harnessing their activities for environmental engineering applications. In this vein, his primary research focus includes: (a) investigating biological and biologically mediated abiotic (BMAD) processes that influence contaminant fate and nutrient cycling in natural and engineered systems; (b) deciphering plant-microbe interactions using plant cell cultures for environmental engineering applications; (c) developing biotechnologies for control, reduction and utilization of greenhouse gases (CH4, N2O and fluorinated gases); and (d) understanding fate of emerging contaminants in the context of human health.

Research:

  • Biotransformation pathways of emerging contaminants
  • Plant-microbe interactions and their implications for environmental management
  • Detoxification of halogenated contaminants
  • Role of microorganisms in controlling greenhouse gas emissions from conserved forages.
Communities
Engineering, Civil Engineering
Degrees
PhD, University of Michigan, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2006
MS, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2004
BS, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2002
Keywords
agricultural biotechnology environmental engineering detoxification climate change biodegradation water pollution greenhouse gases waste management bioremediation groundwater water quality environmental microbiology environmental toxicology environmental restoration or remediation
Associations
American Society for Microbiology
American Society of Civil Engineers
Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors