A World of Problems, A Department of Solutions
Problems addressed by the EEE curriculum cover an impressive range of scientific disciplines and socio-economic concerns. Specific problems include:
- Developing unconventional alternative energy sources
- Managing atmospheric carbon emitted by fossil fuels, to alleviate climate change
- Optimizing water distribution systems considering available sources, societal needs, and climate variations
- Water quality assessment in natural systems for human health and ecological protection
- Integrated waste management, including waste reduction, materials recovery by recycling, and energy recovery by means of waste-to-energy technologies
- Reconfiguring industrial activities to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources
- Mining related to hazardous waste remediation and harbor dredging
Innovative solutions to our world of environmental problems are being researched and developed by our faculty. These include:
- Using seasonal climate forecasts to manage risk for water systems and natural hazards
- Sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide using readily available mineral rock
- Designing zero-emission, coal-fed power plants
- Designing waste-to-energy facilities as an alternative to landfill disposal
- Developing environmentally benign chemical surfactants for use in industrial processes