Niveen Ismail

Niveen Ismail is an Associate Professor of Engineering at Smith University, specializing in environmental engineering with a focus on natural systems for water quality improvement. Her work integrates ecological rehabilitation into engineering solutions to address contaminants like trace organics and microbial pollutants.

• Education: Ph.D. from Stanford University, M.S. from Temple University, B.S. from New Jersey Institute of Technology

Her research emphasizes modeling and optimizing natural treatment systems such as wetlands and bioretention basins, while investigating pollutant fate and impacts on organisms. She has explored the use of bivalves for filtering urban water bodies and the role of zooplankton in pathogen dynamics.

Recent trends in her publications include: application of biodynamic models for pollutant uptake, interactions between environmental factors and contaminant removal efficiency, and the role of filter-feeding organisms in wastewater treatment.

• Scientific Awards: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, EPA STAR Graduate Fellowship, McNair Research Scholar

She has collaborated with organizations like the Philadelphia Zoo, Wetlands Institute, Presidio Trust, and National Park Service. Her lab focuses on sustainable water treatment strategies that align with ecological principles.