My holistic research approach is to consider “waste” as a resource to be returned to beneficial function within the watershed. Included are nutrients, compost, bioenergy, and water. Such an approach needs to be comprehensive. It involves science, engineering, economics, and policy. Partnerships between Universities, stakeholders, and government agencies are critical. General research topics that I am exploring center around innovative animal waste management strategies for large and small producers, biological, chemical and physical treatment technologies for nitrogen and phosphorus control, passive nutrient, low-tech treatment systems for storm drains, the use of compost originating from agricultural waste in storm water best management practices, innovative physical and chemical processes for on-site wastewater treatment technologies, and industrial assessments to minimize water use and wastewater production.
I enjoy instructing classes that introduce engineering design to first year students and that emphasize pollution prevention to both engineering and non-engineering majors. It’s always a pleasure and a challenge to teach senior and graduate level classes and I look forward to developing modules on the interaction of ecosystem components and the management, protection, and reclamation of those that relate to environmental quality.