Novel material engineering for bio-remediation

Environment persistent chemicals such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can be degraded by certain fungus (i.e. White rot fungus). We utilize systems biology platforms to identify the optimal bio-remediation conditions and elucidate mechanism to guide more efficient bio-remediation.

Integration of electrochemical process and synthetic biology

Plastics waste imposes a major environmental challenge due to the low recyclability and significant production volume. We develop processes to remediate environmental plastics and develop degradable plastics.
We integrate electrocatalysis and synthetic biology for environmental chemical degradation and high value product synthesis.

Environmental surveillance and health

Environmental contaminants present health risks to human populations depending on the exposure routes. We are conducting bio-monitoring surveillance to understand population exposure to chemicals and toxic elements such as pesticides (neonicotinoids), environmental phenols ( BPA, BPF, BPS etc.), and heavy metals.


Outreach
Currently, we are working on an Arsenic Awareness Campaign in South Texas Counties.