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Minnesota Water Research Fund
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A new water research fund is allowing University of Minnesota scientists to study crops that could be grown successfully in the state while minimizing groundwater irrigation.
Timothy LaPara: Tracing the Fate of SARS-CoV-2
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On June 24, 2020, Timothy LaPara was in Pope County collecting water samples from homes with private wells. He was looking for evidence of coronavirus, officially SARS-CoV-2, in a groundwater source.
Raphael Stern: Viral spread and containment via transportation networks
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An expert, by definition, excels in one area. Real-life problems, however, rarely fall into just one area. For this reason, Raphael Stern values collaboration.
Improving Environmental Compatibility of Plastics
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In a paper published in Nature, Boya Xiong teamed up with the Johnson Group in Chemistry at MIT to show that ultra strong thermoset plastics could be degraded under both natural seawater and sunlight conditions and industrial recycling schemes, allowing for reuse and improved environmental compatibility without compromising strength.
COVID-19-related research in CEGE
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Five ongoing COVID-19-related research projects show the commitment of CEGE faculty to search out responses to current issues.
Alireza Khani and Pramesh Kumar: Quantifying and Mitigating Risk of Transmission in Transit
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Alireza Khani’s research focus is on modeling the impacts of emerging technologies on public transit systems and on optimizing transit systems for efficient and reliable service.
Anndee Huff Recognized for Research and Leadership
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Anndee Huff, a Ph.D. student advised by Paige Novak, has received a Women in Leadership Scholarship and a Moos Graduate Research Fellowship. Huff and Novak are working on removing nitrogen from wastewater. They are targeting a microorganism that can remove nutrients more efficiently than traditional treatment processes can.
William Arnold: Collateral Consequences
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In the face of a viral pandemic, there is a need to disinfect our surroundings to stay healthy. Thus, the amount of disinfectants used and released into the environment will rise. William Arnold’s expertise is investigating what happens to chemicals when they reach the environment.
Raymond Hozalski: Return to Safe Buildings
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Raymond Hozalski and Timothy LaPara are investigating pathogens that can flourish in the water systems of unused buildings. Leaving buildings vacant and unused can lead to stagnation within the plumbing. Stagnation can lead to serious concerns.
Eugene Skok: Leader in Paving
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Eugene L. Skok "Gene" (PE, Ph.D. 1968) passed away peacefully on June 29, 2020. Gene Skok was a civil engineer and former faculty member at the University of Minnesota. He was a leader in the pavement engineering profession. Skok completed his bachelor, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering at UMN. His pioneering research, under the supervision of Professor Miles Kersten, led to the development of an asphalt pavement design procedure for the State of Minnesota, parts of which are still in use today.