I investigate wastewater as a source of information for public health and a resource for environmental sustainability. I aim to build on these connections through future research informed by a One Health perspective.
Wastewater Surveillance
My research focuses on advancing wastewater-based epidemiology through the development and optimization of detection methods for emerging pathogens. I conduct in silico assay development and wet-lab validation for droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and sequencing-based approaches. My work has directly contributed to improving the current wastewater surveillance system, including the development and validation of a wild-type measles assay applied by multiple health departments in response to recent outbreaks, and continues to expand through bioinformatics and metagenomic applications.
From wastewater samples to community health information: assay development, sample processing, and sequencing analysis support pathogen surveillance.
Sustainable Nutrient Management
My research explores using bioextractive macroalgae aquaculture as a sustainable alternative to advanced wastewater treatment technologies in coastal areas. I developed an integrated framework that combines process modeling, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis to evaluate system feasibility, environmental impacts, and economic performance. This work provides guidance and support for future efforts in sustainable nutrient management and climate resilience.
An integrated framework evaluates macroalgae bioextraction and wastewater treatment as parallel approaches to coastal nutrient management, combining the assessments to inform decisions. MGD = million gallons per day; WRRF = water resource recovery facility.
