Gary L. Emmert

Dr. Gary L. Emmert is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Memphis. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences (2022-2023) and Chair of the Chemistry Department (2015-2019). He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Miami University (1999) and earlier degrees from Tennessee Tech.

Research Interests: Dr. Emmert's work focuses on analytical and environmental chemistry, particularly real-time monitoring of drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs), microfabrication, and automation in chemical analysis. His lab pioneered methods like capillary membrane sampling-GC and post-column reaction ion chromatography for THMs/HAAs analysis. Recent projects include low-cost analytical systems using 3D-printing and LED-based spectrophotometry for global water quality.

Awards: He has received the Dunavant Professorship (2010-2013), CAS Distinguished Research Award (2013), and the Gilbert & Joyce Gordon Alumni Lecturer honor (2022). His work has led to patents for automated water analysis instruments.

Grants: Over $3M in funding from NSF, NIH, USDA, and industry partners. Notable projects include developing the TotalTHM-NOW system for real-time DBP monitoring and collaborations with Foundation Instruments Inc. for commercializing analytical tools.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Mobile Analytical Monitoring & Miniaturization Lab (MAMML), a center for innovative water quality research. Active in mentoring over 20 graduate students, many now in academia and industry.

Future Work: Expanding low-cost analytical tools for global use, advancing microfluidic technologies, and optimizing water disinfection processes to reduce carcinogenic by-products.