James M. Gossett

James M. Gossett is a Professor in the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, where he has served since joining the faculty in 1976. He previously directed the School from 2003 to 2008. His research focuses on applied microbiology, particularly bioremediation of chlorinated solvents and biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. Gossett has held roles as a NATO fellow (1987–92), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Affiliate Scientist (1996–99), and visiting professor at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.

Education: B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Chemical and Civil Engineering from Stanford University (1973–1977). His teaching includes graduate courses on biological and physical/chemical environmental engineering processes.

Research emphasizes anaerobic bioremediation of chlorinated solvents, microbial community dynamics, and lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment for biofuel production. Notable projects include bark-mulch barrier walls for contaminated plumes and predictive modeling of dechlorination processes.

Key awards include the 2010 SERDP Environmental Restoration Project of the Year, 2008 AEESP Outstanding Publication Award, and the 2008 Barger Teaching Award. His work has been featured in Science, Environmental Science & Technology, and media such as CNN and BBC.

Service includes advisory roles for PNNL, DoE, DoD, and NATO. Collaborative efforts span bioaugmentation strategies, microbial kinetics, and anaerobic process optimization.