معرفی
José Cerrato is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He leads the E-H2O Research Group, focusing on biogeochemical processes at the water-energy nexus affecting metal and radionuclide cycles in the environment. His work integrates spectroscopy, microscopy, aqueous chemistry, and molecular biology tools.
- Education:
- PhD in Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech (2010)
- MS in Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech (2005)
- BS in Civil Engineering, National Autonomous University of Honduras (2001)
Research interests include:
- Mine Waste Legacy: Collaborative work with Native American communities studying uranium mine waste biogeochemistry for risk assessment
- Sustainable Water Treatment: Energy-efficient technologies using nano-particulate metal-oxides
- Wildfire Impact: Post-storm water quality effects from wildfire ash transport
- Hydraulic Fracturing: Wellbore integrity studies
- Uranium Mining: Aquifer restoration strategies post-mining
Publication trends show expertise in uranium biogeochemistry, metal transport mechanisms, and water treatment technologies. Over 15 recent articles demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining environmental engineering, geochemistry, and materials science.
Scientific awards include:
- NSF CAREER Award (2017)
- UNM School of Engineering Junior Faculty Research Award (2017)
- New Mexico EPSCoR Mentoring Award (2017)
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities Ralph E. Powe Award (2015)
- UNM Faculty of Color Research Award (2016)
Advising and grants highlight mentorship of 10+ graduate students and major funding from:
- National Science Foundation
- New Mexico EPSCoR
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities
- UNM internal grants
Laboratory facilities at UNM include:
- Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (0.19 nm resolution)
- State-of-the-art X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy for surface analysis
- High-precision X-ray Diffraction for mineral identification
- Inductively Coupled Plasma spectrometry for trace element analysis
- Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy for uncoated sample analysis
