معرفی
Dr. Patrick J. McNamara is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at Marquette University's College of Engineering. He directs the McNamara Research Group, which focuses on understanding how chemicals from consumer products impact public health and the environment once they pass through water treatment systems. His research bridges environmental engineering and microbiology to address critical water quality challenges facing modern infrastructure.
Dr. McNamara's educational background includes:
- Ph.D., 2012, Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- M.S., 2008, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
- B.S., 2006, Civil Engineering (Minor - Spanish for the Business Professions), Marquette University
His research program investigates how consumer product chemicals impact engineering treatment processes that rely on healthy bacteria to treat water. The McNamara Research Group develops non-traditional treatment processes to remove these chemicals from water and mitigate their environmental effects. His work spans antibiotic resistance in water systems, micropollutant removal technologies, pyrolysis of biosolids, PFAS contamination, and electrochemical treatment processes. Specific areas include the impact of corrosion inhibitors on antibiotic resistance, removal of chemicals via drinking water treatment, environmental antibiotic resistant bacteria, beneficial biosolids reuse, and pyrolysis applications.
Dr. McNamara's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on emerging water quality challenges, particularly the intersection of chemical contaminants and antibiotic resistance. His recent work examines corrosion inhibitors' impact on antibiotic resistance in drinking water, PFAS mitigation through advanced treatment processes, and environmental drivers of antibiotic resistance in stormwater systems. His research combines fundamental microbiology with practical engineering solutions to address complex water quality issues.
Dr. McNamara has received numerous honors and awards:
- 2022 OCOE Outstanding Researcher Award from Marquette University
- Marquette University's Campus 2020 KEEN Rising Star
- Faculty Scholar Award from Provost Office (2019)
- Central States Water Environment Association Bill Boyle Outstanding Educator Award (2018)
- Way Klingler Young Scholar Award (Marquette University, 2018)
- Excellence in Review Award – Environmental Science & Technology (2017)
Dr. McNamara has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator on multiple projects, including NSF grants focused on mitigating antibiotic resistance in drinking water and studying the environmental impacts of quaternary ammonium compounds. His current research portfolio includes projects on PFAS removal through novel electrocoagulation-peroxidation processes, designing green stormwater infrastructure to combat antibiotic resistance, and removing contaminants from greywater using electrocoagulation technology in collaboration with industry partners like Kohler Company.
The McNamara Research Group at Marquette University maintains strong collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions and works closely with water utilities and industry partners to translate research findings into practical solutions for water treatment challenges. Their work addresses critical infrastructure needs while protecting environmental and public health through innovative engineering approaches.
