Environmental Engineering

Collaborations with NASA help advance research in human health and tech

Oregon State Engineering’s collaborations with NASA are advancing vital research for human health and technology. Learn about the engineering research conducted by NASA's oldest active-duty astronaut, Donald Pettit, and Oregon State University faculty in space. Explore how engineering research in microgravity is enabling new breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, and technology, benefiting life on Earth and advancing space exploration.

Expert in applied ocean sciences to helm Gaulke Center

The Gaulke Center for Marine Innovation and Technology, established in November 2023 with a $20 million gift from Oregon State University alumni Judy and Mike Gaulke, has appointed Andone C. Lavery as its inaugural executive director. Lavery will lead the center in advancing ocean technology, ocean sciences, and marine technology research to better understand, protect, and utilize the ocean environment.

Researchers are using deep learning and advanced imaging to visualize biofilm growth

Environmental engineering researchers at Oregon State University are using cutting-edge technology to better understand biofilms – communities of microorganisms that play a vital role in the environment. This research, led by Dorthe Wildenschild, professor and DeVaan Chair and Executive Director for Clean Water Technology, is funded by a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioimaging Research Program.

Yuanzhe Liang

Dr. Yuanzhe Liang is an assistant professor in the School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University, with a joint appointment as a guest researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Prof. Liang holds a B.S. degree in Polymer Science and Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, an M.S. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Material Science and Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Upon completing his Ph.D., Prof.

Stacey Harper

Stacey Harper’s laboratory investigates the environmental health and safety impacts of nanoscale materials, including engineered nanomaterials and nanoscale plastic debris in order to support risk decisions that protect our environment and human health. Our lab group develops and applies rapid testing strategies to determine toxic potential of nanomaterials and nanoplastics and develops investigative tools to identify the specific features of nanoscale materials that result in toxicity.