Jose M. Cerrato

Jose M. Cerrato is a Professor and Regents' Lecturer at the University of New Mexico (UNM), serving as Interim Associate Director of the Center for Water and the Environment (CWE). He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech (2010), an MS in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech (2005), and a BS in Civil Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Honduras (2001). His research focuses on biogeochemical processes at water-energy interfaces, metals and radionuclides cycling in the environment, and innovative environmental technologies. He leads the E-H2O Research Group, which integrates spectroscopy, microscopy, and molecular biology tools.

• Education:
• PhD, Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2010
• MS, Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2005
• BS, Civil Engineering, National Autonomous University of Honduras, 2001

Dr. Cerrato’s work addresses critical issues in drinking water quality, treatment, and environmental sustainability. His interdisciplinary approach combines aqueous chemistry, nanotechnology, and field studies to advance environmental science. He has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award and the Fulbright Scholarship.

• Awards:
• OAS-LASPAU-Fulbright Scholarship
• NSF Integrative Graduate Education Research Traineeship (IGERT)
• Oak Ridge Ralph E. Powe Award
• UNM Faculty of Color Research Award
• NSF CAREER Award

His teaching spans environmental engineering chemistry, aqueous analysis, and nanotechnology applications. He actively engages in outreach through the CWE, including lab tours, field capabilities, and dual enrollment programs.