Nicole C Rockey

Nicole C Rockey serves as Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University, joining the faculty in August 2023. Her research program focuses on reducing infectious disease burden through environmental engineering solutions targeting viral pathogen persistence in built environments.

Her educational background includes:

• B.S. in Civil Engineering from University of Texas at Austin (2013)
• M.S. in Environmental Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2016)
• Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2021)

Dr. Rockey's research integrates virology and engineering to investigate pathogen persistence mechanisms, with particular emphasis on virus inactivation dynamics in air, water, and surfaces. She employs advanced techniques including organoid culture systems, flow virometry, and predictive modeling to establish transmission risks and develop engineering controls for microbial threats. Her work addresses critical challenges posed by urbanization, climate change, and population growth on infectious disease landscapes.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a concentrated research trajectory in influenza virus transmission dynamics, disinfection efficacy (UV, chlorine, heat), and environmental factors affecting viral stability. Key thematic clusters include humidity-dependent virus decay, mucus-virus interactions, engineered water treatment systems, and zoonotic spillover risks - demonstrating significant contributions to environmental virology and public health engineering.

No scientific awards specific to Dr. Rockey were documented in the provided materials.

She currently advises three Ph.D. students (Karin Brett, Gavin Duffy, Sterling Knight) and supervises postdoctoral associate Margot Olive (recipient of SNF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship) and research technician Zachariah Broemmel. Her courses include Environmental Molecular Biotechnology and Environmental Microbiology, training next-generation environmental engineers in pathogen detection and control methodologies.

The Rockey Research Group maintains active investigations into spatiotemporal dynamics of microbes in indoor environments, with ongoing projects examining ventilation impacts, disinfection efficacy, and phage-host interactions in engineered systems. Their work directly informs engineering interventions for sustainable pandemic preparedness and response.