Originally From: Carson City, Nev. 
Fellowship Start Date: Fall 2020
Research Subdiscipline: Environmental Engineering

What inspired you to pursue a PhD?

More extreme weather events, growth in urban communities, and aging infrastructure are placing a high demand on finding alternative sources of potable water to sustain communities and a high standard of living. New technologies and techniques for water use and reuse can help us meet this demand; however, it will require innovation and creativity for implementation and widespread use in existing and future infrastructure. Pursuing a PhD will help me affect change by addressing these important environmental challenges.

What are you most interested in learning more about during your PhD study?

Water and wastewater treatment appeal to me because of the impact that our changing climate and built environment pose to water supply. Existing wastewater reclamation facilities are energy intensive, and more contaminants of concern are emerging than were known about when the facilities were originally constructed. I want to look into how to make infrastructure more energy efficient, cost effective, and capable of recharging clean water for the environment and downstream use.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to rock climb, open up way too many Wikipedia tabs on my phone, and relax with my fiance.