Jennifer G. Becker

Jennifer G. Becker is an Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering at Michigan Technological University's College of Engineering. She joined the faculty at Michigan Tech in January 2010 after serving as Associate Professor at the University of Maryland and Assistant Professor at Lehigh University.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
• M.S. in Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• B.S. in Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Dr. Becker's research focuses on critical environmental challenges including pathogen inactivation in wastewater systems, bioremediation of contaminated groundwater, and development of microbial fuel cells for energy recovery. Her work integrates microbiology with engineering principles to address global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) applications. She has made significant contributions to understanding microbial ecology in treatment systems and resource recovery from biosolids.

As a dedicated educator, Dr. Becker received the Deans' Teaching Showcase recognition in 2020 for her innovative teaching methods including active learning techniques, field trips to local wastewater treatment facilities, and accessible office hours in the CEE Student Success Center. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom through participation in enterprise projects and industry-relevant software training using tools like Biowin.

Awards and Professional Service:

• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
• Water Environment Federation's Robert A. Canham Award (1993)
• Young Engineer of the Year Award (2005)
• Junior Faculty Award (2007)
• Past President of Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP)
• Member of U.S. EPA Science Advisory Board, Environmental Engineering Committee

Dr. Becker maintains strong connections with professional organizations including the American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Engineering Education, and Water Environment Federation. Her research bridges academic inquiry with practical engineering applications, contributing to sustainable solutions for global water challenges.