Eric Slessarev is an Assistant Professor at Yale University , affiliated with the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. His research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, particularly how soil properties influence carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, with applications to climate change mitigation strategies like enhanced rock weathering and perennial grass cultivation. Teaches Ecology of Landforms and General Ecology Labs located at KGL 318 (research) and KGL 417 (office) His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding mineral-organic matter interactions, microbial controls on carbon cycling, and policy implications for soil-based carbon removal strategies. Key methodologies include global data synthesis, isotope tracing, and experimental manipulation of soil-plant systems across depth profiles. Notably, his 2025 work demonstrates drought impacts on carbon persistence, microbial harnessing for CO2 removal, and economic modeling of reversible carbon storage. 2024 studies explore deep-rooted plant effects on carbon fractions, calcium's role in mollisol formation, and policy optimization for carbon sequestration.
Professor Sabine Dittmann is a leading expert in coastal ecosystem ecology and marine sciences at Flinders University, Australia. As a Professor of Marine Biology in the College of Science and Engineering, her work bridges research and environmental management, focusing on hypersaline estuaries, blue carbon restoration, and invasive species control. She holds a Habilitation in Ecology from the University of Bremen (2001), PhD from the University of Göttingen (1987), and MSc from the same institution (1984). Her research interests include coastal ecosystem health, mangrove and saltmarsh restoration, and decision support frameworks for marine conservation. She has advised government agencies on marine parks, Commonwealth Marine Reserves, and the Coorong ecosystem. Key roles include national president of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (2012–2014), current president of the Royal Society of South Australia, and member of the Australian Antarctic Science Council since 2019. Her recent work emphasizes the global challenges of hypersaline wetland restoration, invasive species impact, and blue carbon methodologies. Over 112 publications span estuarine dynamics, benthic macrofauna, and policy-relevant ecosystem assessments. Projects like the Coorong benthic surveys highlight her commitment to translating science into conservation action.
Prof. Roland A. Fischer is a Full Professor at the Chair of Inorganic and Metal-Organic Chemistry at Technical University of Munich (TUM). Previously, he held a Full Professorship at Ruhr University Bochum (1997–2015). His research focuses on multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), clusters, and composites for energy conversion, catalysis, gas storage, and environmental applications. He leads the Catalysis Research Center and has pioneered advancements in MOF-based catalytic systems and stimuli-responsive materials. Education: 1981–1986: Diplom in Chemistry (TUM) 1989: PhD, Dr. rer. nat. (TUM) 1995: Habilitation (TUM) Research Interests: His work integrates molecular and extended catalytic systems, including: - Design of MOFs for photocatalytic fuel production - Nanoparticle encapsulation in robust frameworks - Redox-switchable materials and photochromic systems - Cluster chemistry and superatom complexes - Applications in energy storage, environmental remediation, and biomedical technologies. Major Achievements: Over 680+ publications, h-index 101 (Scopus 2025) Coordinator of EU projects (SURMOF, ENHANCE, DEFNET) Recipient of Heinz-Maier-Leibnitz Award (1993) and Alfried Krupp Award (1996) Editorial roles: Angewandte Chemie , Chemical Vapour Deposition Grants & Teams: He has secured major grants including DFG Priority Programs (CVD-Materials, COORNETs) and led interdisciplinary teams in EU initiatives. His lab collaborates globally, including visiting professorships at Kyoto University and IIT Bombay. Labs & Facilities: His research uses advanced facilities like the Catalysis Research Center and contributes to platforms such as the Munich Catalysis Alliance. Key tools include atomic layer deposition, in situ characterization, and MOF-based device fabrication.
Professor Bing-Jie (Bruce) Ni is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a full Professor at UNSW Sydney. He is an internationally recognised leader in environmental engineering, wastewater treatment, greenhouse-gas mitigation, microplastics fate, electrocatalysis and sustainable energy systems. Education PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei (2005–2009) Research Interests Professor Ni’s research integrates process engineering, microbial biotechnology, materials science and mathematical modelling to develop sustainable technologies for high-efficiency pollutant removal, minimal carbon footprint and maximal energy recovery from wastewater. He is a global pioneer in: Modelling and control of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) emissions from wastewater systems, Micro- and nano-plastics ecotoxicity and mitigation in anaerobic digestion, Transforming sewage sludge into high-value liquid bio-energy (medium-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols), Designing cost-effective electrocatalysts from natural minerals for green hydrogen production and wastewater electrolysis. Research Output & Impact Over the last decade he has published 2 research books, 30 book chapters and >400 refereed journal papers , including 35 in Environmental Science & Technology and 85 in Water Research . His work has influenced global policy: the IPCC adopted his nitrous-oxide-emission model in 2019 to revise national greenhouse-gas inventories for the first time in 13 years. Awards & Recognition ARC Future Fellowship & ARC DECRA Fellowship Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science) Royal Society of Chemistry Highly Cited Researcher (2020–present) Mendeley Data Top 2 % Cited Researchers worldwide Listed among “Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers” (Engineers Australia, 2018) 50+ additional awards including Scopus Young Researcher Award, South Australian Water Awards, UQ Research Excellence Awards, and Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Awards. Research Funding & Leadership He has secured ≈ AUD $10 million in competitive funding (six major ARC grants plus >20 government, university and industry projects). He serves as: Lead Guest Editor, Water Research Editorial Advisory Board, Environmental Science & Technology Associate Editor for Journal of Cleaner Production , Environmental Chemistry Letters , Environmental Research , Journal of Environmental Management Editorial Board member for five additional high-impact journals. Teaching & Supervision At UTS he teaches Renewable Energy Technologies , Environmental and Sanitation Engineering , Process Dynamics and Control , and Water and Wastewater Treatment . He is available to supervise Masters and PhD students in environmental biotechnology, process modelling and sustainable energy systems. Laboratory & Commercial Translation He heads active research teams at both UNSW and UTS and is the inventor of >10 granted patents , some of which are currently being commercialised to deliver real-world impacts in greenhouse-gas-neutral wastewater treatment and renewable energy production.
Akram N. Alshawabkeh is the George A. Snell Professor of Engineering and University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University's College of Engineering, where he also serves as Senior Vice Provost and Director of the PROTECT Superfund Research Center. He holds a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Louisiana State University (1994), an MS from Jordan University of Science & Technology (1990), and a BE from Yarmouk University (1988). His research focuses on geoenvironmental engineering, soil and groundwater remediation, and electrochemical processes. Alshawabkeh has led major research initiatives, including the PROTECT Superfund Research Center (since 2010) and the CRECE Children's Environmental Health Center (since 2015). He has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and has advised numerous PhD, MS, and undergraduate students. His honors include the ASCE Thomas A. Middlebrooks Award (2014), Fulbright Scholar (2005-2006), and National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2001). His service roles include Chair of the Superfund Research Program Conference (2015), Technical Program Co-Chair for GeoCongress 2008, and editorial board memberships in journals like Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering . He has also held leadership positions in professional societies, including Fellow status in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Alshawabkeh's work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing environmental health challenges in Puerto Rico and beyond. His research integrates engineering, toxicology, epidemiology, and social science to tackle issues like preterm birth linked to environmental contaminants and karst aquifer remediation.
Justin Pidot is a Professor of Law and holds the Ashby Lohse Chair in Water & Natural Resources at the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law. He co-directs the Environmental Law, Science and Policy Program. His expertise spans environmental law, natural resources law, administrative law, and water policy. Prior to academia, he served in key government roles, including General Counsel at the White House Council on Environmental Quality (2021–2024) and Deputy Solicitor for Land Resources at the U.S. Department of the Interior (2016–2017). Education includes a J.D. with Distinction from Stanford Law School (2006) and a B.A. with High Honors from Wesleyan University (1999). His scholarship focuses on environmental governance, regulatory frameworks, and legal remedies. He co-authored Practicing Environmental Law , a pioneering casebook using a problems-based approach. Research interests emphasize environmental policy, land management, and the intersection of law and science. His work has appeared in leading journals like the Stanford Law Review and Harvard Environmental Law Journal. Professional service includes teaching at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law (2011–2019), a clerkship with Judge Judith W. Rogers of the D.C. Circuit Court, and a fellowship at the Georgetown Environmental Law & Policy Institute. His contributions bridge academic research and practical governance, informed by extensive federal legal experience. Current projects likely involve climate policy, water resource management, and administrative law reform.
Dr. Zaheer Nasar is a Reader in Atmospheric Aerosols at Cranfield University's School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing. His work focuses on real-time bioaerosol characterization, indoor/outdoor air quality dynamics, and environmental health impacts of particulate matter. He leads the NERC-funded Light-Induced Fluorescence sensor project and contributes to the BioAirNet network (NE/V002171/1) as Co-I. Research Interests Physico-chemical and biological characterization of aerosols Spatio-temporal dynamics of particulate matter (PM) and bioaerosols Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) methodologies Low-cost air quality sensor networks and machine learning calibration Urban green infrastructure effects on air pollution Policy development in Hindu Kush Himalayan air quality Recent publications emphasize machine learning-enhanced sensor calibration (2024 IEEE paper), wastewater plant bioaerosol risks (2024 Water Research), and urban air quality interventions across the UK and Lahore. He has secured over £1.6M in grants from NERC, STFC, and UKRI GCRF, with significant work on BTEX exposure in Nigeria and SARS-CoV-2 risks in wastewater facilities. Scientific Recognition Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Co-investigator in multiple NERC/UKRI projects Active participant in BSI bioaerosol standards committee As an advisor, he mentors five postgraduate researchers including Reece Dillon and Hathaikarn Tathong, with a strong publication record in journals like Environmental Science: Atmospheres , Risk Analysis , and BJPsych Open . His work bridges environmental science, public health, and policy implementation through interdisciplinary research.
Olli Dahl is a Professor at Aalto University's Department of Forest Products Technology, specializing in Clean Technologies and Environmental Management. His work focuses on waste valorization, biorefinery processes, and sustainable resource utilization. Key areas include microplastic dynamics in composting systems, biochar applications for heavy metal decontamination, and optimization of mineral processing with recycled water. Research highlights include an international award for biorefinery innovation and groundbreaking studies on nickel recovery in flotation processes. He leads interdisciplinary projects addressing water quality impacts on ore processing and thermochemical conversion of agricultural residues into bioenergy. Dahl's recent work emphasizes closing material loops through circular bioeconomy strategies and advancing sustainable industrial practices. Awards: 2015 International Biorefinery Competition 2nd Place (Ministry of Employment & Economy, Finland) Key Themes: Waste-to-resource systems, industrial water management, bio-based materials, and metallurgical sustainability
Zackary Johnson , the Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography and Marine Biotechnology at Duke University, leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of marine microbiology and biogeochemical innovation. Affiliated with the Nicholas School of the Environment and based at the Duke Marine Laboratory , his work spans microbial ecology, algal biotechnology, and climate mitigation strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Science (Duke University, 2004), B.S. in Biology (MIT, 1994) Research Interests focus on marine microbial communities, particularly the model phytoplankton Prochlorococcus , algal cultivation for sustainable bioproducts, and the ecological impacts of ocean acidification. His lab investigates microbial interactions across diverse environments—from coastal estuaries to open-ocean gyres—and develops technologies for carbon-negative aquaculture systems. Publications highlight expertise in microbial biogeography, algal biofuels, and climate-resilient marine food webs. Recent work explores drone-based ocean color sensing, Gulf Stream eddy microbiomes, and the role of Labyrinthulomycetes protists in carbon export. Scientific Awards: Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professorship DOE and NSF-funded projects Grants include high-profile initiatives like the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) and REU Site program for coastal research training. His lab maintains a dedicated research site for studying microbial dynamics and sustainable algal cultivation.
Dr. Rachel Scholes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on protecting human and environmental health through the study of contaminants in urban water systems, with an emphasis on optimizing contaminant removal in engineered and nature-based treatment systems. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research interests include environmental chemistry, trace contaminants, water reuse, nature-based treatment systems, and stormwater treatment. She teaches courses such as ENVE 301 (Environmental Engineering Intermediate Design Project) and CIVL 562 (Environmental Data Collection and Analysis). Her lab, Scholes Lab, actively investigates contaminant dynamics in constructed wetlands, bioretention systems, and subsurface treatment environments. Key research contributions include enhancing contaminant removal via Fe (III)-EDTA-amended wetlands, studying 6PPD-quinone dynamics in salmon streams, and optimizing pharmaceutical attenuation in benthic wetland biomats. Her work bridges fundamental environmental chemistry with applied engineering solutions for sustainable water management. Dr. Scholes' lab collaborates on projects funded by grants focused on urban water systems, green infrastructure, and contaminant fate. She advises students through the Scholes Lab (www.scholeslab.org), which emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges.
Richard G. Luthy is the Silas H. Palmer Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in Oceans. He directs the NSF Engineering Research Center ReNUWIt, focusing on sustainable urban water infrastructure. His research emphasizes water reuse, stormwater management, and contaminant mitigation in engineered systems. He holds a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, and has authored over 300 publications. Awards include the Rudolf Hering Medal and membership in the National Academy of Engineering. He teaches courses on water quality, treatment processes, and California water policy. Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering (UC Berkeley, 1967), M.S. Ocean Engineering (UH, 1969), M.S. and Ph.D. Civil Engineering (UC Berkeley, 1974/1976), Hon. Sci. D. (Clarkson U., 2005). Research Interests: Urban water challenges, persistent contaminants, stormwater treatment, and sustainable infrastructure. His work integrates systems-level analysis for water reuse and climate-resilient solutions. Awards: Rudolf Hering Medal (ASCE, 2022), Perry L. McCarty AEESP Award (2023), and leadership roles in the National Research Council and AEESP. Labs/Teams: Luthy Group (Stanford), ReNUWIt Consortium. Current advisees include Nora AlMaqsseed and Jessica MacDonald. He collaborates on projects like activated carbon sediment remediation and stormwater control measure design.
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.
Henrik Rasmus Andersen is a Professor at the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Water Technology & Processes at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on water treatment processes, particularly the occurrence, transformation, and removal of micropollutants like pharmaceuticals and hormones. Key Research Areas: Chemical analysis, bioassays, ozonation, biofilter optimization, by-product profiling, and advanced oxidation processes. Projects: Leads initiatives like BIZON (ozone technology for fish farms) and Sustainable Industrial Laundry Wastewater Treatment , emphasizing sustainable solutions. Collaborations: Works with institutions such as University of Copenhagen and industry partners on municipal and industrial wastewater challenges. Education: Master of Science in Environmental Chemistry from Copenhagen University (1998).
Professor Graham Sander is a Professor of Hydrology at Loughborough University, affiliated with the School of Civil and Building Engineering. His research focuses on mathematical modeling of soil erosion, unsaturated soil flow, contaminant transport dynamics, and nonlinear diffusion-convection equations. He leads the NERC-funded project on multi-dimensional soil erosion and chemical transport, collaborating with Lancaster University’s Department of Environmental Science. His academic qualifications include a BSc (Hons) and PhD. Recent research emphasizes integrating particle size-selective models to predict sediment and contaminant delivery to water bodies, supported by lab and field experiments. He has also pioneered pseudospectral methods for infiltration modeling and explored flood risk management through nature-based solutions like leaky barriers. Key contributions include advancing understanding of rainfall-driven erosion dynamics, including splash effects and rock fragment coverage impacts. His work spans experimental hydrology, numerical simulation, and interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges. He co-edits hydrology journals and advocates for rigorous scientific communication in the field. Grants: NERC-funded soil erosion project, Australian Research Council project on unsaturated soil flow. Labs/Teams: Collaborator with Lancaster University’s Environmental Science Department.
Miriam Diamond is a Professor at the Department of Earth Sciences and School of the Environment, University of Toronto. She holds cross-appointments in Chemical Engineering, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and Physical & Environmental Sciences. PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Toronto, 1990) MSc in Mining Engineering (Queen’s University, 1984) MSc in Zoology (University of Alberta, 1980) Her research focuses on chemical contaminant fate, transport, and exposure in indoor and urban environments, Arctic regions, and Great Lakes systems. She develops mathematical models , passive sampling methods , and policy frameworks to address pollution from flame retardants, phthalates, PFAS, and microplastics. Recent publications highlight microplastic extraction techniques , sleeping children’s exposure , and polymeric flame retardant risks . Key awards include the Royal Society of Canada Fellowship and 2025 President’s Impact Award . She supervises PhD candidates Anna Shalin , Lin Boynton , and others. Her policy contributions include serving on the Canadian Chemical Management Plan Science Committee and co-chairing the Earth Commissioner initiative.
