Leonard W. Lion

Leonard W. Lion is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, where he has been a faculty member since 1981. His research focuses on sustainable water treatment processes, particularly through the AguaClara initiative, which aims to provide safe drinking water to developing communities. Key areas include colloid stability, particle aggregation, and pollutant fate in natural/engineered systems. Lion holds a B.S. from Loyola Marymount, and M.S./Ph.D. from Stanford University.

Education

• B.S., Civil Engineering, Loyola Marymount University (1969)
• M.S., Environmental Engineering, Stanford University (1971)
• Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, Stanford University (1980)

Research Interests

Lion investigates colloid behavior in water treatment systems, including flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration processes. His work bridges fundamental science (e.g., biogenic Mn oxide adsorption of metals) with applied solutions like hydraulic flocculation design. Recent efforts emphasize sustainable technologies for global water access.

Publications

Recent work includes hydraulic flocculation modeling, arsenic removal in sand filters, and novel fluidic control systems for water treatment. Over 150 peer-reviewed articles span environmental engineering, biogeochemistry, and microbial processes.

Awards

• 2014 ASCE Rudolph Hering Medal (Co-recipient)
• 2013 Atkinson Center Faculty Fellow
• 2011 College of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award

Teaching & Advising

Lion teaches CEE 3510 (Environmental Quality Engineering) and CEE 6530 (Water Chemistry). He developed lab modules for CEE 4530, integrating research into pedagogy. His teaching emphasizes active learning through partially completed course notes and student presentations.

Labs & Initiatives

Central to his work is the AguaClara project, a Cornell-based effort designing low-cost water treatment plants for developing regions. Collaborations include the U.S. Air Force Engineering Services Center and the Atkinson Center for Sustainability.