Institute for a Sustainable Environment Newsletter: July 2023
Message From the Director
Clarkson researchers are on the forefront of finding new ways to clean up our environment. From getting rid of toxic “forever chemicals” like PFAS to reducing microplastics in our marine environments, our faculty are making a difference. Another “SMART” Clarkson student is making waves with his water research. And other ISE faculty and staff continue to gain recognition in the wider community, thanks to their ingenuity and scholarship. We are highlighting some of their accomplishments below.
— Susan Powers ’83, ’85, Director of the Institute for a Sustainable Environment / Associate Director of Sustainability / Jean ’79 and Robert ’79 Spence Professorship in Sustainable Environmental Systems
PFAS Sensors Developed
Clarkson researchers have developed easy-to-use low-cost sensors for testing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Their work was recently highlighted in C&EN Chemical Engineering News, a chemical science and technology magazine covering high-profile research, government, industry, professional and technical news from around the world for the chemical, chemical engineering and related fields.
“SMART” Student Wins Award
Clarkson students are smart, we know that. But the Department of Defense is honoring another Clarkson student with their Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. The double major in Civil and Environmental Engineering, focusing on Water Resources Engineering also was offered a summer internship.
Award-Winning Students
Every year we look forward to celebrating our students at graduation, and this year was no exception. ISE Intern Miranda Wolf recently received an award at commencement. But we’re even more excited to report she’ll be back in the fall to begin her graduate studies.
Nature Research
Microplastics (MPs) as an emerging contaminant have become a threat to ecosystems due to their persistence in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine environments. Due to their ubiquitous presence, microplastics are currently becoming a major interest to researchers. Learn more about what one Clarkson professor is doing about it.