Research

We develop water remediation techniques that deploy microorganisms to biodegrade organic pollutants of emerging global concern, such as 1,4-dioxane, PFAS, antibiotics, and pesticides.

We further research interdisciplinary methods for improving urban water and wastewater treatment technologies, including the application of nanotechnology to disinfect supplies contaminated with pathogens and the use of biomass-derived charcoal to remove trace toxins.

To examine the microbial processes in natural and engineered systems, we integrate conventional culture-dependent approaches with state-of-the-art high-throughput molecular technologies, such as cloning, microarray, omics, and single cell analysis. We also design innovative and inexpensive genetic forensic tools for rapid quantification of the essential microbial populations or functions in the environment.

Other projects include mitigation of biofouling in membrane treatment facilities, controlling of microbial induced corrosion, and identification of microbial enzymes for biofuel production.

We sincerely appreciate our funding support from: