Julian Fairey

Julian Fairey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Arkansas, College of Engineering. With a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and postdoctoral training at Carnegie Mellon University, his work bridges fundamental chemistry and practical environmental engineering solutions.

• B.S., University of Alberta (2000)
• M.S., University of Texas at Austin (2002)
• Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin (2006)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Carnegie Mellon University (2006-2008)

His research focuses on drinking water disinfectant chemistry, particularly chloramine decomposition pathways and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) formation. He develops passive samplers for PFAS and novel analytical methods for micropollutants, addressing natural organic matter (NOM) interference in water treatment systems. Recent projects include identifying the chloronitramide anion as a stable end-product in chloramine systems and optimizing diffusion models for thin-film passive samplers.

Research trends show consistent emphasis on disinfection byproduct characterization, environmental risk mitigation, and water treatment optimization, with increasing focus on PFAS monitoring and chemometric modeling for water quality analysis.

• Scientific Awards:
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award (2013-2018)
• Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology Emerging Investigator Award (2017)
• Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts Emerging Investigator Award (2014)

At the University of Arkansas, Fairey teaches Environmental Engineering (CVEG 3243), Water Chemistry (CVEG 5234), and Physical-Chemical Treatment Processes for Water and Wastewater (CVEG 563V). His research aims to develop cost-effective strategies for reducing environmental risks while advancing fundamental understanding of contaminant behavior in water systems.