Originally From: Albany, New York
Fellowship Start Date: Fall 2021
Research Subdiscipline: Environmental Engineering
Research Advisor Dr. Pagilla

What inspired you to pursue a PhD?

In the past year, I have had the opportunity to work on Dr. Pagilla’s research team where we are sampling wastewater effluent for SARS CoV-2. This experience has allowed me to feel the impact of the value of research and academic expertise to problem solve. As an engineer I want to be on the forefront of ensuring we have good solutions for the challenges that lay ahead.

I’m interested in providing communities with predictive tools for virus monitoring to prevent and aid in future pandemics. Additionally, I’m interested in understanding the fate of viruses across the treatment train and the use of data to inform virus inactivation efficiency for potable water reuse.

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

Some interests for graduate studies include potable water reuse, wastewater treatment, nanomaterials, the role of digesters, and optimizing microorganisms for efficient water treatment. I want to learn what is needed in the future to ensure that we are capable of continuing to manage the wastewater, as we move into new renewable energy sources and different technologies such as nanomaterials.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My hobbies include playing the clarinet, baking, swimming, and riding horses.  I once developed an exhibition on the Cuban missile crisis, which was displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.