PhD Positions in Environmental Engineering at CU Boulder

The Environmental Engineering Program at CU Boulder is seeking 2-3 highly motivated PhD students to join exciting research projects related to 1) the photochemistry of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural aquatic systems, or 2) the characterization of effluent organic matter for water reuse applications. 

Project Overviews

Photochemistry of DOM (Lead – Fernando Rosario-Ortiz & Frank Leresche)

Dissolved organic matter plays a central role in aquatic ecosystems, affecting light absorption, contaminant fate, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity. Yet, the mechanisms controlling DOM photochemistry remain incompletely understood. This project will combine advanced spectroscopic techniques, controlled irradiation experiments, and molecular-level characterization tools to unravel how DOM composition, source, and environmental conditions shape its photochemical behavior.

The successful candidate will explore:
• Light-driven formation of reactive intermediates from DOM
• Links between DOM photoreactivity and pollutant fate in surface waters
• Implications for water treatment such as open water treatment wetlands

Treatability of Effluent Organic Matter (Lead – Julie Korak)

As water reuse and advanced nutrient removal become increasingly important, utilities need better tools to understand and optimize carbon-based advanced treatment (CBAT) processes. This project will combine advanced spectroscopic techniques, effluent organic matter (EfOM) fractionation and characterization, and bench- and pilot-scale treatment studies to develop new frameworks for interpreting optical measurements and predicting treatment performance in advanced wastewater treatment systems. 

The successful candidate will explore:
• Relationships between EfOM composition and optical surrogate measurements 
• How EfOM chemistry impacts treatability
• New treatment methods and monitoring strategies for process-control strategies for potable water reuse and advanced nutrient removal applications
The position offers opportunities to collaborate with leading utilities, industry partners, and researchers working at the forefront of sustainable water treatment and direct potable reuse.

Please submit resume and brief statement of interest to Fernando Rosario-Ortiz at Fernando.rosario@colorado.edu.