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My research interests lie in the area of microbial interactions with
chemical contaminants and nanoparticles for applications ranging from
ecotoxicology to biodegradation to disinfection. Bacteria and fungi
serve as useful indicators of potential toxicity to higher organisms and
ecosystem health, but they can also detoxify a variety of environmental
pollutants. Conversely, antimicrobial materials can be used for
disinfection applications.
My laboratory pursues research projects employing microbiological,
molecular biological, and isotopic tools to (a) characterize microbial
communities in engineered and natural environments, (b) optimize
biological processes to improve the performance of wastewater treatment
or bioremediation systems, (c) explore production of biofuels from
industrial wastewater, and (d) investigate mechanisms of transformation,
toxicity, and trophic transfer of nanoparticles. Thus, a comprehensive
study of the implications and applications of the biotechnology and
nanotechnology revolutions will enable us to use their benefits without
environmental and public health liabilities. |
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Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
(2007)
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M.S., Syracuse University (2001)
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B. Tech., Indian Institute of Technology,
Delhi (1997) |
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National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award (2013-2018).
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US Environmental Protection Agency Science to Achieve Results (EPA STAR) Fellowship to Nancy Tseng (2011-2014).
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Best Paper Prize (with Peerapong Pornwongthong) at the Eighth International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds, Monterey, CA (2012).
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Student Paper Competition Winner (with Nancy Tseng) at Groundwater Resources Association Symposium on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (2012).
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Student Paper Competition Honorable Mention (with Peerapong Pornwongthong). Groundwater Resources Association Symposium on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (2012).
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Certificate of Merit (with Melissa Spitzmiller). American Chemical Society 243rd National Meeting & Exposition, San Diego, CA (2012).
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PopTech Science and Public Leadership Fellowship (2011- 2012).
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University of California Hellman Fellowship (2011- 2012).
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Excellence in Review Award, Environmental Science & Technology (2011).
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Chi Epsilon National Civil Engineering Honor Society (2011-).
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10 Trendsetters of 2010: Nanotechnology Researchers. Public Works Magazine (2010).
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CH2M-Hill/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral
Dissertation Award. Association of Environmental Engineering and
Science Professors (2008).
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Best Technical Presentation Award.
Groundwater Resources Association of California Symposium on Emerging
Contaminants, Concord, CA (2006).
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Corporate Activities Program Travel Grant.
American Society for Microbiology 106th General Meeting, Orlando, FL
(2006).
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Best Presentation Award. 16th Association
for Environmental Health and Sciences Meeting & West Coast
Conference on Soils, Sediments & Water, San Diego, CA (2006). |
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