Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University

He is co-creator of Archaeology and Materials Science, a 500-level course that combines the examination of artifacts with exploration of social theory surrounding their manufacture and use. On Thursday (April 10), he will participate in a panel discussion about interdisciplinary teaching and research in the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue. The panel is part of a daylong discussion, called "At the Intersection of Liberal Arts and STEM," about how the disciplines are enriched when they intersect.

As members of the Purdue family, collectively we work hard every day to move our great University forward. Just as our daily efforts make a difference, so can our monetary support on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 — our first ever Purdue Day of Giving!

On that day, from 12:01 a.m. EDT until midnight EDT, the entire Purdue community — faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and friends — will come together as a digital village to grant opportunity, launch dreams and achieve greatness for our University. Click the title to learn more!

The Society of Environmental and Ecological Engineering is partnering with Students Growing Sustainable Communities (SGSC) to help install a green space at a local school in Flora, Indiana. This space will provide students with an opportunity to get outdoors, learn about conservation, and see the outcome of transdisciplinary knowledge. Additionally, SEEE is working on a sensor system for the showers at the school in order to aid in water conservation.

Congratulations to the following newly elected SEEE student officers who will serve the society during the 2014-2015 school year:

Luke Millen - President

Sarah Gillespie - Vice President

Curt Farner - Treasurer

Daniel Budreau - Secretary

Brooke Poppe - Public Relations

A new study shows how uric acid in urine generates potentially hazardous "volatile disinfection byproducts" in swimming pools by interacting with chlorine, and researchers are advising swimmers to observe "improved hygiene habits. The findings are detailed in a research paper that appeared in February in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. The paper was authored by Blatchley and China Agricultural University researchers Lushi Lian, Yue E and Li.

Agronomy professor Ron Turco, an affiliate faculty member of EEE, will receive the university's 2013 Spirit of the Land-Grant Mission Award for his work to assess and improve the environmental health of water and soil.

The award is presented yearly to a Purdue faculty member in the colleges of Agriculture, Health and Human Sciences, or Veterinary Medicine whose work exemplifies the university's land-grant mission of discovery, engagement and learning.

EEE and CE professor, Dr. Ernest (Chip) Blatchley III, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineering. ASCE fellows are legally registered professional engineers or land surveyors who have made significant technical or professional contributions and have demonstrated notable achievement in responsible charge of engineering activity for at least 10 years following election to the ASCE grade of member. Professor Blatchley has made significant contributions to disinfection processes, with applications to drinking water, wastewater treatment, and swimming pool chemistry.

Larry Nies was been selected to be inducted into The Book of Great Teachers. The Book of Great Teachers, a permanent wall display in the west foyer of the Purdue Memorial Union, was first unveiled in 1999. The book bears the names of past and present faculty members who have devoted their lives to excellence in teaching and scholarship. Honorees include past recipients of universitywide teaching excellence awards and those nominated by students, alumni and colleagues.

John W. Sutherland, the Fehsenfeld Family Head of EEE, is the recipient of the 2013 ASME William T. Ennor Manufacturing Technology Award. The ASME Ennor Manufacturing Technology Award is one of the most prestigious awards in manufacturing, and was established in 1990 by ASME and the Alcoa Company. The award recognizes an individual or team for developing or contributing significantly to an innovative manufacturing technology, the implementation of which has resulted in substantial economic or societal benefits.

Growing up along the banks of Indiana's Wildcat Creek fostered an early appreciation for conservation in Lindsey Payne and a lifelong attraction to water that she still doesn't quite understand. As a PhD student, her research focuses on urban water projects and training engineering students in the collaborative design process. In the community, she is a champion for the environment — from leading efforts to clean up the Wabash River to helping local businesses go green.

EEE professor Ernest Blatchley in partnership with Bruce Applegate, associate professor of food science and biological sciences at Purdue University, have developed prototypes of a water disinfection system to take advantage of UV radiation from the sun, which is plentiful in many areas where clean water is lacking. Solar UV systems have been developed by other groups. The Purdue system, however, uses different materials than others.

"We are using the range of solar UV wavelengths that are most effective for damaging microorganisms' DNA. Using material that is transparent to these wavelengths of radiation allows us to disinfect water a lot faster," Blatchley said.

A EEE Urban Water Project Class class partnering with the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation (WREC) is promoting water sustainability through small community projects that will help clean up the Wabash River. Projects include native plantings, rain garden installations, and rain barrel installations.