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Zackary Johnson , the Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography and Marine Biotechnology at Duke University, leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of marine microbiology and biogeochemical innovation. Affiliated with the Nicholas School of the Environment and based at the Duke Marine Laboratory , his work spans microbial ecology, algal biotechnology, and climate mitigation strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Science (Duke University, 2004), B.S. in Biology (MIT, 1994) Research Interests focus on marine microbial communities, particularly the model phytoplankton Prochlorococcus , algal cultivation for sustainable bioproducts, and the ecological impacts of ocean acidification. His lab investigates microbial interactions across diverse environments—from coastal estuaries to open-ocean gyres—and develops technologies for carbon-negative aquaculture systems. Publications highlight expertise in microbial biogeography, algal biofuels, and climate-resilient marine food webs. Recent work explores drone-based ocean color sensing, Gulf Stream eddy microbiomes, and the role of Labyrinthulomycetes protists in carbon export. Scientific Awards: Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professorship DOE and NSF-funded projects Grants include high-profile initiatives like the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) and REU Site program for coastal research training. His lab maintains a dedicated research site for studying microbial dynamics and sustainable algal cultivation.

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Biological Oceanography
• Algal Biotechnology
• +4 more

Prof. Om Parkash Dhankher is a distinguished Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. His research integrates plant biotechnology, phytoremediation, and climate-resilient crop development, focusing on detoxification of heavy metals, stress tolerance, and metabolic engineering for biofuels. He leads the Dhankher Lab , which pioneered transgenic plants for arsenic phytoremediation and manipulation of glutathione pathways. Education: Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Durham University (1998) M.Phil. in Biochemistry and Genetics, Kurukshetra University (1998) M.Sc. in Botany, Kurukshetra University (1987) B.Sc. in Medical, Maharishi Dayanand University (1985) Research interests include molecular mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance, glutathione homeostasis for oxidative stress, arsenic-free crop engineering, and nanotechnology applications in agriculture. His work on sulfur nanoparticles has demonstrated reduced toxicity in rice and Brassica napus, while his Crambe abyssinica and Camelina sativa projects focus on biofuel yield enhancement. He pioneered the first transgenic plant combining arsC and γECS for arsenic remediation. Scientific leadership is reflected through editorial roles in Plant Cell Reports , Frontiers in Plant Sciences , and Environmental Pollution (among others). His accolades include fellowships from CSSA, ASA, ISEB, and ISPP, alongside US patents for metal-resistant plants and oil content engineering. Notably, his research on plant-based nickel extraction featured in the Wall Street Journal (2025) and was highlighted in Nature Biotechnology (2002), earning over $10M in research funding. Publications span 117 peer-reviewed articles and 4 books, including breakthroughs on arsenic detoxification , nanoparticle-plant interactions , and stress-associated proteins . His work has been featured in Science , Nature , PNAS , and ACS Nano , with recent 2025 articles on Camelina nickel tolerance and nanomaterial gene delivery . Collaborations span institutions in India, China, Italy, and Egypt through international outreach programs.

• Phytoremediation
• Plant Biotechnology
• Heavy Metal Toxicity Mitigation
• +3 more

Dr. Philip A. Rea is a Professor of Biology and Rebecka and Arie Belldegrun Distinguished Director of the Life Sciences & Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences. With over 100 publications and two co-authored books, his work spans fundamental biochemical research and science communication, focusing on life sciences implementation challenges. Education: D.Sc. (2020) and D.Phil. in Plant Biochemistry (University of Oxford), B.Sc. First Class Honors in Biological Sciences (University of Sussex) Dr. Rea's research explores transport phenomena and cellular detoxification, including vacuolar proton pumps and ABC transporters in plants, yeast, and nematodes. His work has significant applications in phytoremediation and combating parasitic diseases. His recent publications and book Managing Discovery in the Life Sciences (2018) analyze the transition from laboratory discovery to market success through case studies like statins, ivermectin, and metformin. These works highlight serendipity in biomedical innovation and investor-driven discovery management. Scientific Awards: Jesse H. Neal Award (2025) for technical/scientific content AAAS Fellow (2013) for membrane transport research National Academies Cozzarelli Prize (2010) for original research Multiple teaching honors including Lindback Foundation Award (2014) and Ira H. Abrams Award (2009) Society for Experimental Biology President's Medal (1990) Teaching: Proseminar in Management and the Life Sciences (LSMP 1210) Biochemistry (BIOL 2810) Focus on problem-solving with incomplete datasets

• Biochemistry
• Plant Biology
• Science Communication
• +7 more

Niall Kirkwood is the Charles Eliot Professor of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (GSD), where he has been a faculty member since 1991. He holds concurrent roles as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Landscape Architecture Journal and is affiliated with institutions worldwide, including Tsinghua University and Chulalongkorn University. His research focuses on post-industrial landscape regeneration, brownfield remediation, and climate-resilient urban design. Education: BArch from University of Manchester (UK), MLA from University of Pennsylvania (USA), and honorary doctorates from Harvard and University of Ulster (2009). Research interests emphasize innovative technologies for polluted land remediation, environmental justice, and the intersection of design with ecological systems. Notable projects include the Tar Creek Superfund Site regeneration, DMZ reclamation in Korea, and brownfield revitalization in Mumbai. Publications include influential works like Principles of Brownfield Regeneration (2010) and PHYTO: Site Remediation and Landscape Design (2015). Awards include AAAS membership (2024) and FASLA fellowship (2009). Teaching spans design studios addressing global challenges like Bangkok's climate resilience and Ireland's urban transformation. He led GSD's Academic Affairs as Associate Dean (2019-2024) and founded the Center for Brownfield Research at Tsinghua University. Labs/Initiatives: Co-founded the Center for Brownfield Research (Tsinghua), directed the Center for Environment and Technology (GSD 1997-2017), and collaborates with the Harvard Global Health Institute.

• Landscape Architecture Technology
• Environmental Remediation
• Brownfield Redevelopment
• +7 more

Claudia Gunsch is the Muriel Theodorsen Williams E'46 Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University, with secondary appointments in the Nicholas School of the Environment and Department of Biomedical Engineering. She directs the NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) and serves as Associate Director for the Duke Microbiome Center. PhD (2004): University of Texas at Austin MS (2000): Clemson University BS (1998): Purdue University Her research focuses on environmental molecular biotechnology , particularly: investigating ecological impacts of emerging contaminants on microbiomes; developing microbiome engineering approaches for bioremediation; studying microbial evolution from contaminant exposure; and creating innovative water treatment technologies. Current projects apply advanced molecular methods to probe environmental microbial processes in bioremediation, contaminant impact assessment, and environmental microbiome modeling. She has been recognized with numerous awards including: NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award (2009), ASCE Huber Prize (2016), and NAE Frontiers of Engineering Fellowship (2011). Her lab has mentored 28 graduate students, 34 undergraduates, and 8 postdoctoral associates. She leads research initiatives funded by NSF, EPA, NIEHS, and industry partners. Editor-in-Chief, Biodegradation journal Member, npj Clean Water and Industrial Biotechnology editorial boards Active in AEESP and ASCE leadership roles

• Environmental Engineering
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Bioremediation
• +3 more

Roles and Affiliations: Dibs Sarkar is a Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. He serves as the Founding Director of the Stevens Center for Sustainability and the Sustainability Management MS and dual-degree MS-MBA programs. He is also an Adjunct Research Professor at Michigan Technological University and has held prior positions at Montclair State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Education: PhD (1997) in Geochemistry from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville MS (1991) and BS (1988) in Geology from the University of Calcutta Research Interests: Dr. Sarkar’s work focuses on environmental sustainability through a multidisciplinary lens, including soil/water chemistry, green technology development, and risk assessment. His research integrates geochemical, biological, and engineering principles to address environmental contamination, sustainable remediation of PFAS, phytoremediation, and stormwater management. He emphasizes holistic approaches to environmental problems, such as using vetiver grass for lead and TNT cleanup and developing biochar-based solutions. Grants and Funding: He has secured over $17 million in grants as PI/Co-PI for projects like PFAS remediation, sustainable stormwater management, and acid mine reclamation. Recent funding includes DOE projects on phytoextraction and NJDEP-supported studies on PFAS in wastewater. Awards and Recognition: Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2011) Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America (2019) Research Excellence Award (2022) Top 40 Under 40 San Antonio Rising Star Award (2004) Advisory and Editorial Roles: He chairs the Sustainability Minor at Stevens, edits multiple journals (e.g., Current Pollution Reports ), and serves on panels for NSF, NIH, and professional societies like SETAC and AGU. He is a founding member of SIROM Scientific Solutions, an environmental R&D firm. Labs and Teams: His research group collaborates on projects at the Stevens Center for Sustainability, focusing on green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental policy. The group emphasizes interdisciplinary innovation, from lab-scale studies to field demonstrations.

• Environmental Engineering
• Geochemistry
• Environmental Remediation
• +6 more

Dr. Emmanuel C. Omondi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at Tennessee State University's College of Agriculture. His research focuses on industrial hemp agronomy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation practices. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Agronomy from the University of Wyoming and a B.Sc. in General Agriculture from the University of Nairobi. His research explores industrial hemp’s role in crop rotations, reduced tillage systems, and economic viability in Tennessee. Key projects include USDA-funded studies on organic farming impacts, soil health, and hemp production economics. He has led over $6.8 million in grants, including a USDA NIFA project on organic hemp assessment and a William Penn Foundation initiative on soil health and water quality. Awarded the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society and multiple fellowships, Dr. Omondi’s work spans international development, including conservation agriculture projects in Kenya and Uganda. He has authored 20+ peer-reviewed articles on topics like soil carbon dynamics, organic farming profitability, and phytoremediation potential of hemp. Education: Ph.D. (Agronomy, University of Wyoming), M.Sc. (Agronomy, University of Wyoming), B.Sc. (General Agriculture, University of Nairobi) Grants: Over $6.8 million in funding for projects on hemp agronomy, soil health, and sustainable farming systems. His honors include the A.K. Dobrenz Student Paper Competition First Prize (2011) and recognition for international academic excellence. Current initiatives focus on bridging agricultural innovation with environmental stewardship through collaborative research.

• Industrial Hemp Agronomy
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Cropping Systems Agronomy
• +3 more

Dr. Sergio Abit is a Professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU), with a dual role as Plant & Soil Sciences Extension Specialist for Onsite Wastewater Management. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from North Carolina State University (2009) and has been at OSU since 2012. His primary appointment is 85% teaching, focusing on courses such as Environmental Soil Science and Fundamentals of Soil Science. He also oversees undergraduate coordination and serves on the Environmental Science Program Steering Committee. His research emphasizes subsurface pollutant dynamics, pathogen transport in soils, and environmental impacts of wastewater systems. Abit leads statewide septic system education efforts and chairs multiple departmental committees. He has received prestigious awards including the Distinguished Early Career Faculty Award (2018) and the Alpha Zeta Outstanding Teacher Award (2019). Education: B.S. in Agriculture (Soil Science), Visayas State University, Philippines (Exact year not specified) M.S. and Ph.D. in Soil Science, North Carolina State University (2005 and 2009) Postdoctoral Research with USDA-ARS (2009–2012) Research Interests: Dr. Abit’s work focuses on: Subsurface fate of dissolved pollutants (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) Soil amendment effects on pathogenic bacteria migration Environmental impacts of wastewater effluent application Grants and Outreach: He leads grants such as "Determination of Optimum Subsurface Absorption System Sizes in OK" (2017–2019) and coordinates extension activities like the Oklahoma Onsite Wastewater Conference. His peer-reviewed publications (e.g., Journal of Environmental Quality , Geoderma ) and extension guides address septic system best practices and soil health. Awards and Recognition: Abit’s accolades reflect his teaching and research excellence, including the 2016 USAID-STRIDE Fellowship for Visayas State University collaboration and OSU’s Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year (2017).

• Soil Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Water Quality Management
• +3 more

Dr. Gajender Aleti serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences within the College of Agriculture at Tennessee State University (TSU), having joined the institution in August 2022. His academic appointment bridges agricultural sciences, environmental health, and biomedical research through interdisciplinary microbiome studies. His educational credentials include a PhD in Microbial Ecology from the Austrian Institute of Technology & The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna; an MSc in Bioinformatics from the University of Abertay Dundee; an MSc in Biotechnology from Osmania University, India; and a BSc in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry from Osmania University. Dr. Aleti's research program investigates critical interactions between diet, the gut microbiome, and host health, with three core pillars: Understanding diet-microbiome-gut health interactions Characterizing bioactive small molecules produced by gut microbiota Elucidating gut microbiome-nervous system communication (Gut-Brain Axis) Analysis of his 15 recent publications (2016-2022) reveals a strong translational focus spanning human health contexts (salivary/gut microbiomes in depression, obesity, OCD, and oral cancer) and agricultural applications (rhizosphere microbiomes, bioremediation). His work predominantly employs mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and genomic data mining within large collaborative frameworks, demonstrating methodological innovation in multi-omics integration. While no specific scientific awards are documented in the provided materials, his publication record in journals like Nature Communications , Nature Methods , and BMC Microbiology reflects significant scholarly impact. His research is supported by active grants enabling investigations into microbiome-host dynamics across diverse physiological systems. Dr. Aleti actively mentors graduate researchers within TSU's Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, contributing to the university's research infrastructure through laboratory-based investigations of microbial community dynamics and molecular mechanisms in health and disease contexts.

• Microbiome
• Gut Health
• Gut-Brain Axis
• +4 more

Tyler Radniecki is a Professor in the Department of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University's College of Engineering. His work bridges environmental engineering and public health through innovative wastewater and stormwater treatment research. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Yale University (2005) M.S. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Yale University (2001) B.S. in Environmental Science from Bemidji State University (1999) Research Focus: Dr. Radniecki pioneers microbiome engineering for sustainable wastewater treatment and wastewater-based epidemiology , with groundbreaking work on SARS-CoV-2 and Avian Influenza surveillance. His research integrates environmental engineering principles with microbiological insights to optimize anaerobic digestion, develop advanced bioswales for contaminant removal, and predict community disease burdens through sewage analysis. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal 65% focus on pathogen surveillance (SARS-CoV-2, Avian Influenza), 25% on environmental impacts of biosolids/stormwater treatment, and 10% on analytical methods. His work increasingly bridges engineering with public health policy, featuring longitudinal wastewater monitoring across Oregon communities and innovative approaches to pandemic resilience. Awards and Recognition: Featured in major news outlets for "Tracing the virus through the sewers" research and recipient of an NSF CAREER award for advancing anaerobic co-digestion through theoretical ecology principles. Research Leadership: Dr. Radniecki directs the Oregon Wastewater Surveillance project and leads three research groups: Water and Environment, Sustainable Energy, and Health and Biotechnology. His current NSF-funded projects include shaping anaerobic digester microbiomes for methane production, developing PFAS-removing bioswales, and expanding wastewater epidemiology to new pathogens through academic-practice partnerships with public health agencies.

• Wastewater Treatment
• Stormwater Treatment
• Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
• +5 more

Catherine Brewer is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at New Mexico State University, leading the interdisciplinary Brewer research group focused on sustainable biomass conversion technologies and environmental solutions. Her research expertise spans: Biomass utilization for fuels, food products, adsorbents, and bio-derived chemicals Physical, chemical, thermal, and biological conversion methods for agricultural/forestry wastes Integrated projects in biofuels, wastewater treatment, soil quality enhancement, and phytoremediation Engineering education initiatives and brewing science applications She maintains extensive cross-campus collaborations through NMSU's MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) Program, advancing research in environmental remediation and alternative crop systems while mentoring underrepresented students in biomedical research careers. Scientific Awards: No specific awards documented in available sources. Advising and Grants: Serves as faculty mentor for the NIH-funded MARC Program (contact: mruthven@nmsu.edu), though specific student advisees and grant details aren't enumerated in current documentation. Her work connects with campus-wide initiatives in sustainable engineering and environmental health. Labs and Teams: Directs the Brewer research group conducting hands-on experimental work on biomass conversion systems, with active partnerships across NMSU's agricultural, environmental, and engineering disciplines for real-world implementation of waste-to-resource technologies.

• Biomass Utilization
• Biofuels
• Environmental Engineering
• +7 more

Rupali Datta is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University (MTU), affiliated with the Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC). Her research focuses on applying plant biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology to address environmental contamination through phytoremediation and plant-microbe interactions. She holds a PhD from the University of Hyderabad, India. Dr. Datta collaborates with experts in environmental geochemistry, soil science, and analytical chemistry to study contaminant bioavailability in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Her work emphasizes remediation of heavy metals (arsenic, lead), explosives (TNT/RDX), antibiotics, and petroleum hydrocarbons using green technologies. She leads projects funded by agencies like the Department of Defense, EPA, and HUD. Key research areas include: Phytoremediation of contaminated soils and water using vetiver grass and hyperaccumulator plants Bioavailability of contaminants in human and environmental systems Development of sustainable remediation technologies like biochar and water treatment residuals Health effects of metal exposure in cell and animal models Recent grants include a $2.5M DoD project on PFAS remediation (2023–2025) and a HUD initiative to reduce lead bioavailability in residential soils (2021–2024). Dr. Datta’s lab also partners with SIROM Scientific Solutions, LLC, advancing environmental R&D. Her work bridges fundamental science and applied solutions, addressing global challenges in pollution and sustainability.

• Environmental Remediation
• Plant Biochemistry
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +6 more

Yiming Su is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Engineering at Utah State University, affiliated with the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL). His research focuses on environmental nanotechnology, water treatment processes, and sustainable agricultural solutions, with a strong emphasis on nanoparticle behavior, contaminant remediation, and green synthesis of biocontrol agents. Research Interests: Dr. Su's work spans multiple interdisciplinary domains including environmental engineering, materials science, and agricultural sustainability. His research investigates the fate and transport of nanomaterials in environmental systems, development of advanced catalysts for wastewater treatment, and application of plant-derived compounds for biocontrol and phytoremediation. He applies both experimental and analytical techniques to assess environmental risks and optimize remediation strategies. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on nanoparticle-plant interactions , advanced oxidation processes , heavy metal immobilization , and natural product-based antimicrobials . These studies often involve international collaborations and appear in high-impact journals such as Nature Food and Journal of Hazardous Materials . Scientific Recognition: Advising and Teaching: Dr. Su mentors graduate students in Civil & Environmental Engineering and teaches key courses including CEE 3640 - Drinking Water Engineering and CEE 6640 - Physical and Chemical Environmental Process Engineering . His advising portfolio includes students working on nano-enabled environmental solutions and water quality engineering. Laboratory and Research Environment: Based at the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL), Dr. Su conducts cutting-edge research in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to water and environmental systems. His team integrates chemical, biological, and engineering approaches to address pressing environmental challenges.

• Environmental Nanotechnology
• Water Treatment
• Soil-Plant Interactions
• +7 more

Dr. Candice M. Duncan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science & Technology at the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her office is located at 0206 H. J. Patterson Hall in College Park, MD. She specializes in environmental science, environmental chemistry, and contaminant transport, with a research focus on phytoremediation strategies for organic/inorganic pollutants and interdisciplinary soil chemistry-anthropology studies. Education: Ph.D. in Soil, Water, and Environmental Science (2014, University of Arizona) M.S. in Earth Science, Environmental Chemistry Minor (2008, North Carolina Central University) B.S. in Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry Minor (2005, North Carolina Central University) B.S. in Biology, Chemistry Minor (2003, University of North Carolina at Greensboro) Research Interests: Dr. Duncan's work explores gas/liquid-phase transport of contaminants (e.g., TCE, PFAS, mercury), phytoremediation mechanisms, and anthropogenic trace metal analysis in historical contexts. She integrates geoscience, chemistry, and anthropology to address environmental justice and pollution mitigation. Publications: Her recent articles emphasize PFAS prioritization, phytoscreening efficacy, atmospheric pollution analysis, and STEM diversity initiatives. Trends show a strong focus on developing analytical methods for environmental contaminants and promoting inclusivity in geoscience education. Teaching: Courses taught include Introduction to Geoscience (AGNR 320), Soil Chemistry (ENST 421), and Senior Integrative Experience (ENST 472), where students investigate mercury phytoremediation in aquaponic systems.

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Remediation
• +4 more

Jennifer Field is a Professor in the Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department at Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Her research focuses on the development and application of quantitative analytical methods for organic micropollutants and their transformation products in natural/engineered systems, with pioneering work on PFAS occurrence and behavior. She has served as Executive and Associate Editor for Environmental Science & Technology (2008–2023). Her work addresses PFAS in groundwater, wastewater, landfills, and specialized materials. Notable contributions include PFAS fingerprinting, landfill gas characterization, and biomimetic chromatography for bioaccumulation assessment. Education: Ph.D. in Geochemistry from Colorado School of Mines. Current projects involve forensic source allocation of PFAS, PFAS behavior in engineered systems, and thermal degradation studies. Awards include the 2023 Agilent Thought Leader Award for PFAS research. Collaborations with Drs. Patrick Reardon and Gerrad Jones leverage advanced statistical and analytical methods. Research interests span PFAS toxicity, environmental fate, and remediation. Her lab employs LC/GC-HRMS and NMR for PFAS analysis. Key grants include multiple SERDP projects (e.g., ER-4250, ER-1375) addressing PFAS behavior, forensics, and mitigation strategies. Publications emphasize PFAS in environmental matrices, ecotoxicity, and analytical method development. The lab’s recent work highlights PFAS enrichment in surface microlayers, vapor-phase emissions from materials, and developmental toxicity in zebrafish.

• Environmental Chemistry
• Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• +4 more