David L. Freedman

David L. Freedman is a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at Clemson University. His expertise lies in hazardous waste management, water and wastewater treatment, and biodegradation of recalcitrant organic compounds. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University (1990), an M.S. from the University of Cincinnati (1985), and a B.S. in Science and Environmental Change from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay (1978).

Dr. Freedman's research focuses on applying environmental microbiology to enhance biodegradation of hazardous contaminants, particularly chlorinated ethenes and 1,4-dioxane. His work includes developing bioaugmentation strategies, evaluating bioremediation effectiveness, and understanding anaerobic degradation pathways. He has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications and holds several awards, including the Board Certified Environmental Engineering Member (BCEEM) designation and the 2008 Outstanding Publication Award.

His teaching spans courses like EES 2010 (Introduction to Environmental Engineering I), EES 8040 (Biochemical Operations in Wastewater Treatment), and EES 8060 (Wastewater Treatment Plant Design). He has advised numerous graduate students and collaborated on projects addressing contaminated site remediation, wastewater epidemiology, and sustainable environmental technologies.

Dr. Freedman has served on national committees, including the National Research Council’s review of bioremediation technologies for water recovery systems. His grants and collaborations include studies on chlorinated solvent degradation in fractured rock, isotopic analysis for contaminant fate, and wastewater-based epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2 tracking.