Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering applies science and technology to solve pressing environmental challenges. From clean air and safe drinking water to healthy ecosystems, this research area focuses on protecting people and the planet.

Overview

Environmental engineering researchers explore how human activities and natural processes impact air, water and soils, and develop solutions to safeguard both ecosystems and communities. Faculty and students study the movement of contaminants, design new treatment methods and investigate how environmental systems respond to changing conditions.

This work advances technologies for cleaner air and water while addressing broader challenges such as adapting to a changing climate, reducing risks from pollution and ensuring that solutions are equitable and sustainable.

Areas of focus

• Air resources: Studying sources of air pollution, developing strategies to reduce emissions and improving monitoring and modeling of air quality.
• Water quality and treatment: Investigating how contaminants move through surface water, groundwater and soils and creating processes to protect people and the environment.
• Environmental systems: Examining the interactions of pollutants in natural and built environments to guide restoration, protection and long-term resource management.

Research topics and associated faculty

Labs and centers

CEE faculty lead research labs as well as larger centers housed in the department. Labs focus on advancing faculty-led research with student participation, while centers are generally funded by industry and government to coordinate research on specific themes and connect faculty, students and partners through education and outreach.

Degree programs

• Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Program
• Environmental Engineering Master’s Program
• Environmental Engineering Ph.D. Program

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