Sotira YiacoumiView profile
Professor
Dr. Sotira Yiacoumi serves as a Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she leads research at the intersection of colloidal science, environmental systems, and nuclear applications. Her work bridges fundamental interfacial phenomena with critical challenges in nuclear waste treatment and carbon capture, positioning her as a key contributor to sustainable environmental engineering solutions with global implications. Education Diploma of Engineering, Aristotle University, Greece (1985) M.S. in Engineering, Syracuse University (1987) Ph.D. in Engineering, Syracuse University (1992) Research Focus Professor Yiacoumi's research centers on colloidal and interfacial phenomena within environmental and energy systems, with dual emphasis on nuclear waste remediation and carbon capture technologies. She investigates sorption mechanisms of metal ions and organic compounds, particle interactions in aquatic environments, and bubble dynamics in reactive systems. Her experimental and modeling approaches reveal how sorption kinetics influence colloidal stability and flocculation behavior, providing foundational insights for developing novel environmental processes. Publication Trends Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strategic pivot toward climate mitigation and nuclear safety, with 60% focused on CO 2 capture (particularly direct air capture using amino acid solvents and phase-changing compounds) and 40% on nuclear applications (radioactive iodine capture and uranium recovery). This dual focus reveals an integrated approach where colloidal science principles are leveraged across energy and environmental domains, with recurring themes of solvent optimization, magnetic separation techniques, and atmospheric particle dynamics. Scientific Recognition National Science Foundation Career Award (1997) for research on sorption rates and particle flocculation kinetics Top Teacher Award at Georgia Tech (2021) recognizing excellence in engineering education Organizing Chair for the 77th American Chemical Society Colloid and Surface Science Symposium (2003) Academic Leadership Professor Yiacoumi has secured sustained research funding including her foundational NSF Career Award, directing projects that translate fundamental colloidal science into practical environmental solutions. Her teaching excellence is evidenced by the 2021 Top Teacher Award, while her leadership in organizing major scientific symposia demonstrates commitment to advancing her field. She actively mentors graduate students in experimental techniques spanning adsorption modeling, magnetic separation, and atmospheric particle analysis.







