Catherine A. Peters

Catherine A. Peters is the George J. Magee Professor of Geological Engineering and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University. She directs the Program in Geological Engineering and holds affiliated positions in the Department of Geosciences, High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton Institute for Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM), and Andlinger Center for Energy and Environment. She also serves on the Executive Committee for the Program in Sustainable Energy.

Education

• Ph.D., Civil Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 1992
• M.S., Civil Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 1987
• B.S.E., Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1985

Research Focus

Dr. Peters' work centers on environmental engineering for decarbonization, addressing subsurface energy challenges like geologic carbon sequestration, geothermal energy, shale gas extraction, and subsurface energy storage. Her lab employs multiscale approaches—from nanoscale chemical imaging to basin-scale modeling—using experimental techniques (e.g., X-ray spectroscopy), reactive transport simulations, and collaborative work at national laboratories.

Her research emphasizes negative emissions technologies and sustainable subsurface resource management, funded by NSF, DOE, and EPA. She advocates for transformative subsurface engineering to mitigate climate change.

Awards and Honors

• Fellow, Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP)
• Editor-in-Chief, Environmental Engineering Science
• EPA P3 Award for Sustainable Design (Power-in-a-Box^TM)
• President, AEESP (2002-2003)
• Princeton Commendation for Outstanding Teaching

Teaching and Collaboration

She teaches courses in environmental engineering, statistical methods, and geochemistry. Her team collaborates extensively with universities and DOE facilities, leveraging synchrotron beamlines for advanced materials characterization.