Charbonnet Research Group

We research how to remove the chemical obstacles that hinder the adoption of new and innovative water- and wastewater-derived resources. Be they organic contaminants like PFAS or inorganic contaminants like metals and nutrients, our group finds ways to treat them in water, wastewater, and stormwater in order to protect human and ecosystem health.

Current Group Members

 

Juhe Liu

Professional headshot of a young woman.

Juhe hails from China. Both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in Environmental Engineering, where she focused on nitrogen removal via biotechnologies. She is interested in environmental chemistry and biochemistry, and her present research investigates the fate and transport of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Iowa wastewater treatment facilities. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, Chinese traditional watercolor painting, and listening to music.

Degree Sought: PhD (June 2022 - Present)

Project: Evaluation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Iowa wastewater treatment facilities, treated effluent, and biosolids.

Lisa Yeboah

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Lisa graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (majoring in Environmental Engineering) in Ghana and master’s degree in Environmental Management in the UK. She is an environmental enthusiast interested in the areas of water, water treatment and the overall sustainability of the environment. Her study focuses on evaluating some fit-for-purpose technologies for water reuse in small systems with the aim of bridging the gap between innovative technologies and health-based risk assessment. Outside of studies, Lisa loves to watch football, listen to music, watch movies, create content, and try out new restaurants.

Degree Sought: PhD (January 2023 - Present)

Project: Evaluation of water reuse technologies and acceleration of their adoption in small systems.

Abdullahi Adeola

Abdullahi received his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management and Toxicology and Master's in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management from the University of Lagos. He is evaluating patterns of PFAS in surface water bodies around Iowa. He is co-advised by Dr. William Crumpton. At his leisure, he enjoys listening to the radio and watching animal documentaries; via social media platforms, he socializes with friends and family and keeps updated on events as they unfold from his home country.

Degree Sought: PhD in Environmental Science (August 2022 - Present)

Project: Evaluation of occurrence, distribution, and potential sources of PFAS in Iowa Lakes and Rivers.

Sam Good

With a focus on clean drinking water, sustainability, and human health, Sam Good’s (she/her) journey has been fueled by a commitment to make a positive impact on the world. She completed her undergrad at UC Berkeley, and her master’s at UCLA, both in Environmental Engineering. Sam’s academic pursuits have been complemented by practical experience, including drinking water and wastewater utilities as well as consulting work. Backpacking alongside water is her favorite way to connect with the environment. Sam also loves to hang out with nice people and share snacks!

Degree Sought: PhD (August 2023 - Present)

Project: PFAS Exposure, Uptake, and Biological Endpoints

Russ Brummer

Russell, a native Iowan, completed his undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is an environmentalist with interests in water pollution control from both point and non-point sources. His research involves evaluating and optimizing woodchip bioreactor performance to maximize nitrate removal from agricultural tile drainage. Outside the lab, Russ likes swimming, attempting to cook new recipes, and hanging out with close friends.

Degree Sought: PhD (August 2024 - Present)

Project: Machine Learning-Enhanced Woodchip Bioreactors

Dr. Yan He

Yan is an associate professor at the College of Geology and Environment, Xi’an University of Science and Technology and a visiting scientist at ISU. She received a PhD in Environmental Science from Beijing Normal University. Her primary research interests are environmental behavior, ecological effects, and control technologies of emerging pollutants in aquatic environments. She focuses on the performance and mechanisms of PFAS adsorption by biochars. She enjoys doing yoga, listening to music, and traveling leisurely.

Visiting Scientist (October 2024 - present)

Project: Adsorption of PFAS by Functionalized Biochar

Alex Boateng

Alex earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Laboratory Technology from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He has a deep passion for addressing environmental challenges, especially those related to water pollution, and he is committed to finding sustainable solutions. His research focuses on assessing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the end product of biosolids that have undergone autothermal pyrolysis. Outside the lab and classroom, he loves watching soccer, diving into new movies, playing video games, and exploring new places through travel.

Degree Sought: MS (January 2025 - Present)

Project: PFAS in Autothermal Pyrolysis of Wastewater Residuals

Group Alumni

Daria Dilparic

Degree: MS 2023
Creative Component title: PFAS Forensics in Drinking Water Sources
Post-Graduation Employment: City of Ames, IA

Lois Arku

Degree: MS 2024
Thesis title: Impacts of Treatment Extent on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Discharge in Wet-Weather Flows
Post-Graduation Employment: Carollo Engineers

  • We generally welcome one new graduate student (MS or PhD) each year. Group size is dependent upon the availability of funding, which varies year-to-year and may not be clear until 3-6 months before the semester start date. We also welcome undergraduate researchers from ISU or through the summer programs in which ISU participates.

    Graduate student applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field and demonstrate interest in water quality and aquatic chemistry.

    Our research group is committed to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and demographics, including (and by no means limited to) first-generation students, women, persons of color, LGBTQ+, those with disabilities, immigrants, and low-income students.

  • If you have an engineering background, submit an application for graduate admission to the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering. If you do not have an engineering background, submit an application to the Environmental Science Interdepartmental Program. This application will allow me to see your cover letter, CV, transcripts, and other important information for evaluating your fit for this group. It also demonstrates that you have genuine interest in attending graduate school at ISU.

    Due to the large amount of inquiries I receive, I cannot evaluate prospective students for admission to the group who have not submitted an application.

    Top applicants for admission in the fall semester will typically have an interview in the mid-spring.

  • You may certainly list me a a faculty member you are interested in working with on your application! However, I am unable to commit to supervising any prospective students before reviewing all of their submitted application materials.

  • I look for students who 1) demonstrate a genuine interest in environmental engineering and water chemistry, 2) are strong communicators, critical thinkers, hard workers, and committed to developing technology that solves environmental problems, 3) have some degree of laboratory experience.

    Your background need not be perfect to apply; graduate school is the place to strengthen your skills, and we all have more to learn. However, I will largely evaluate these three criteria to determine your fit for our group.