John D. Atkinson

John D. Atkinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at the University at Buffalo. He holds the Scott and Coleen Stevens Chair in Engineering Sustainability and serves as Director of Graduate Studies for Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, as well as Director of the Engineering Science MS program focused on Sustainability. His research centers on waste management, recycling, and sustainable engineering solutions, with a focus on plastics, tire recycling, and energy recovery. He has received multiple teaching awards including Early Career Teacher of the Year and Best Undergraduate Mentor.

Education: PhD (2013), MS (2009), and BS (2007) in Environmental Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Illinois (UIUC).

Research Interests: Waste Management strategies, sustainable materials science, porous materials for environmental applications, and the intersection of engineering with societal sustainability. He emphasizes real-world problem solving, such as optimizing recycling systems and reducing environmental impacts through life cycle analysis.

Publications reflect a focus on advancing sustainable technologies through material innovation, policy analysis, and lifecycle assessment. Key themes include plastic film packaging impacts, mercury pollution control, and bioenergy production from waste.

Awards include recognition for teaching excellence, experiential learning leadership, and mentorship. Professional memberships span organizations like the Air & Waste Management Association and American Society for Engineering Education.

He leads initiatives promoting sustainability through education and research, including creating the University’s most popular study abroad course. His work integrates technical innovation with community engagement to drive systemic environmental change.