Kathryn L Farrell-Poe

Kathryn L Farrell-Poe is a Professor in the Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department within the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, where she has served continuously since 1998. Her academic journey spans multiple institutions including Utah State University (1989-1998) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She holds a Ph.D. in Civil/Environmental Engineering from Purdue University specializing in heavy metal-phosphate complexing, an M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue focusing on concrete encapsulation of pesticide sludge, and a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

• Ph.D. Civil/Environmental Engineering, Purdue University
• M.S. Agricultural Engineering, Purdue University
• B.S. Agricultural Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Her research centers on environmental engineering challenges in arid regions, particularly wastewater treatment systems, septic system management, water well protection, and agricultural water quality. Farrell-Poe has developed critical resources for rural communities including the Arizona Master Gardener Manual irrigation chapter and numerous Cooperative Extension publications addressing onsite wastewater, water testing, and contaminant management. Her work bridges academic research with practical field applications through the University of Arizona's CALS Cooperative Extension service.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on decentralized wastewater systems (35%), water quality protection (27%), and practical extension resources for rural stakeholders (20%). Her research demonstrates strong emphasis on translating complex environmental engineering concepts into actionable guidance for homeowners, realtors, and regulatory agencies.

• Alumni Hall of Fame, Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2023)
• Maria Teresa Velez Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award nominee, University of Arizona (2023)
• Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department Alumni of the Year, Purdue University (2019)
• Teaching Excellence recognition, Onsite Installer magazine (2013)
• Extension Faculty of the Year, CALS Cooperative Extension Service (2011)

As a dedicated mentor, Farrell-Poe has guided numerous students through internship programs (BE 493/593/693) and capstone design courses, while developing career preparation curriculum for biosystems engineering students. Her extension work connects university research to practical water management challenges across Arizona through the UA Water Working Group and Region 9 Water Quality Coordination initiatives. She maintains active engagement with industry through the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment and National Association of Wastewater Technicians.

Farrell-Poe's laboratory and field work focuses on real-world water infrastructure through the Controlled Environment Agricultural Center (CEAC) and Arizona Experiment Station facilities, with particular emphasis on onsite wastewater treatment validation and rural water system sustainability.