Faculty and students in EEES form a vibrant research community that is tackling a wide array of multidisciplinary problems spanning basic research to unravel the complex processes in our environment to applied science and engineering to find solutions to real-world problems.

Many of our faculty are investigating interactions and feedbacks between physical, biologic, and chemical processes in natural and human-influenced environmental systems. Examples of active research areas include watershed dynamics, biogeochemistry, and environmental toxicology.

Pollution prevention is another major area of research in our department. Faculty active in this area are finding ways to minimize the release of pollutants to our environment. Understanding the characteristics of emerging contaminants, site assessment, physical and biologic treatment system design, life cycle assessment, the development of best management practices, and policy-based engineering are some of the many topics being pursued in this area.

The chemistry, characterization, and remediation of environmental contaminants is another major area of research in our department. Our faculty are leading the way across the range of contaminant sciences, from developing novel environmental sensors and characterization techniques, to understanding fate and transport in natural media, and defining the cutting-edge of in-situ remediation technologies.

We are also active in the characterization and management of earth resources, including water, energy, minerals, and ecosystems. In addition to traditional mineral and petroleum geology, the unique cross-disciplinary background of our faculty is providing exciting opportunities for enhancing environmental sustainability, including work in the areas of biofuels, carbon sequestration, and water resources.

Our faculty are also highly dedicated to advancing earth and environmental education. We are continuously involved in efforts to improve our academic programs, engage undergraduate students in research, provide outreach opportunities to K-12 teachers and students, and enhance the stewardship of the Earth by the public.

Want to learn more about what we are doing right now? Investigate this list of sample projects currently funded in our department.