Alison Cupples

Dr. Alison Cupples is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University's College of Engineering. Her research focuses on Environmental Microbiology, specifically applying microbiology to understand and treat soil and water contamination through bioremediation techniques.

• Ph.D., Environmental Engineering and Science, Stanford University (2003)
• M.S., Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois (1999)
• B.S., Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, England (1997)

Her work centers on identifying microorganisms and functional genes responsible for biodegrading traditional contaminants (chlorinated solvents, BTEX, MTBE, RDX, 11,4-dioxane) and emerging contaminants (antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, personal care products). She also specializes in molecular methods like quantitative PCR, LAMP, stable isotope probing, and high-throughput sequencing to analyze microbial communities.

Recent articles highlight her expertise in 1,4-dioxane biodegradation, propane monooxygenase systems, and metagenomic analysis of contaminated sites. Her team has developed novel microbial cultures for degrading persistent pollutants and pioneered on-site detection tools for dechlorinating bacteria.

Scientific Awards

• Service Award, ASEE Division of Environmental Engineering (2021)
• Withrow Teaching Excellence Award (2015-2016)
• Lilly Teaching Fellow, MSU (2011-2012)
• Excellence in Review Award, Environmental Science & Technology (2011)
• USDA-ARS Superior Research Awards (2005, 2004)

Dr. Cupples has mentored 12 PhD/MS students and secured funding from NSF, USDA, and SERDP. Her outreach includes directing laboratory programs for the High School Engineering Institute and Wireless Integrated MicroSystems for TEENS initiatives.