Kristen Conroy

Kristen Conroy is an Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Engineering Department at Boston College. She previously taught at Ohio State University in Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, and contributed to the Humanitarian Engineering minor. Her research focuses on sustainable water systems, sanitation design, and materials cycling. She earned a PhD and MSc in Biological Engineering from Ohio State University, with doctoral research on high-salt wastewater treatment and sanitation systems. Conroy has also served as a Princeton in Africa Fellow.

Her educational contributions emphasize collaborative, project-based learning with NGOs, industry, and government partners. Research interests include improving sanitation access in low-income regions and applying the Diffusion of Innovation framework to technology adoption.

Publications highlight advancements in biofilm dynamics, community-engaged engineering curricula, and wastewater treatment innovations. Her work bridges environmental engineering and public health, addressing both technical and socio-behavioral challenges in sustainable infrastructure.