Research in the Straub Group focuses on harnessing novel interfacial phenomena to create transformative water treatment technologies. By exploring fundamental interactions in liquid, vapor, and polymer systems and leveraging this knowledge in engineered processes, we aim to advance separations technologies for the betterment of human health and the environment. Much of our work focuses on membrane-based processes, which offer advantages in efficiency, size, and scalability. The nature of our research requires a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon principles in environmental engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering. Our goal is to not only address the pressing global challenge of water access, but also to pave the way for sustainable technical solutions that can be applied in diverse settings, from industrial manufacturing to life support systems in space. In doing so, we aim to secure a healthier and more sustainable future.
keywords
Water-Energy Nexus, Membrane Processes, Desalination and Advanced Water Treatment, Sustainable Energy Production
CVEN 3414 - Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024 / Spring 2025
Emphasizes chemical, ecological and hydrological fundamentals and importance of mass and energy balances in solving environmental engineering problems related to water quality, water and wastewater treatment, air pollution, solid and hazardous waste management, sustainability and risk assessment. Same as EVEN 3414.
CVEN 4464 - Environmental Engineering Processes
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Develops and utilizes analytic solutions for environmental process models that can be used in a) reactor design for processes used in the treatment of water, wastewater and hazardous waste and b) process analysis of natural systems, such as streams and groundwater flow. Models facilitate the tracking of contaminants in engineered and natural systems. Same as CVEN 5464 and EVEN 4464.
CVEN 5464 - Environmental Engineering Processes
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
Develops and utilizes analytic solutions for environmental process models that can be used in a) reactor design for processes used in the treatment of water, wastewater and hazardous waste and b) process analysis of natural systems, such as streams and groundwater flow. Models facilitate the tracking of contaminants in engineered and natural systems. Same as CVEN 4464 and EVEN 4464.
EVEN 3414 - Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024 / Spring 2025
Emphasizes chemical, ecological and hydrological fundamentals and importance of mass and energy balances in solving environmental engineering problems related to water quality, water and wastewater treatment, air pollution, solid and hazardous waste management, sustainability and risk assessment. Same as CVEN 3414.
EVEN 4464 - Environmental Engineering Processes
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Develops and utilizes analytic solutions for environmental process models that can be used in a) reactor design for processes used in the treatment of water, wastewater and hazardous waste and b) process analysis of natural systems, such as streams and groundwater flow. Models facilitate the tracking of contaminants in engineered and natural systems. Same as CVEN 5464 and CVEN 4464.
EVEN 6504 - Advanced Physical-Chemical Processes for Water and Water Reuse Treatment
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Teaches the process fundamentals of (1) granular activated carbon adsorption (2) UV, ozone and advanced oxidation processes (3) membrane filtration and reverse osmosis treatment and (4) ion exchange. These processes, as applied to impaired water sources, including brackish/saline/saltwater and wastewater reuse, will address water quality parameters including pathogenic microorganism, background organic matter, specific organic contaminants, metals and salts.
MCEN 6949 - Master's Candidate for Degree
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.
