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Loring (Larry) Nies

Professor of Civil Engineering and Environmental and Ecological Engineering
nies@purdue.edu
(765) 494-8327

Personal Web Site

http://engineering.purdue.edu/~nies/

Education

  • Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Michigan, 1993
  • M.S.E, Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Michigan, 1989
  • B.S., Civil Engineering, Michigan State University, 1987
  • B.A., Chemistry, Michigan State University, 1982

Research Summary

Dr. Nies' research interests include optimizing the future capacities of interdependent urban infrastructure systems and the molecular genetic characterization of the structure and function of microbial communities. Dr. Nies' research group also develops molecular genetic tools to assess the effects of anthropogenic chemicals on microbial communities. These tools can be used to evaluate and monitor the progress of bioremediation projects by quantifying catabolic genes, or to investigate the potential toxic impacts of new chemicals.

Selected Publications

  • Turco R.F., M. Bischoff, Tong, Z., and L.F. Nies. 2011. Environmental implications of nanomaterials: are we studying the right thing? Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 22:527-532.
  • Grant, G.B., T. Seager, G. Massard. L. Nies. 2010. Information and Communication Technology for Industrial Symbiosis. J. Industrial Ecology, 14:740-753.
  • Baldwin, B. R., C.H. Nakatsu, J. Nebe, G.S. Wickham, C. Parks, and L. Nies. 2009. 163:524-530. Enumeration of Aromatic Oxygenase Genes to Evaluate Biodegradation during Multi-Phase Extraction at a Gasoline-Contaminated Site. J. Hazardous Materials.

Awards and Honors

  • Outstanding Engineering Teacher, 2021 - 2022
  • College of Engineering Faculty Excellence Award for Online Education, 2018 - 2019
  • One Brick Higher, 2017 - 2018
  • Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award in Memory of Charles B. Murphy, 2016
  • SEEE Instructional Excellence Award, 2016 - 2017
  • Purdue University Teaching Academy, 2016
  • Excellence in Environmental Engineering Education Award, 2014 - 2015
  • Inducted, Book of Great Teachers, 2013 - 2014
  • SEEE Instructional Excellence Award, 2012 - 2013
  • Dean Marion B. Scott Outstanding Professor Award, 2012 - 2013