On April 12, 2024, a bus load of EEE’s finest grad students stepped out onto the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, ready to learn, present, and network.

In recognition of his contributions to the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), Dr. John W. Sutherland, Professor and Fehsenfeld Family Head of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, has been awarded the 2024 AEESP Distinguished Service Award.

Venkat Roy and EEE/ME Professor Fu Zhao were recently cited in an article from Oak Ridge National Lab on a new method of lithium extraction. A team of chemist invented a way to extract lithium from more sources with better results. These researchers asked Venkat and Dr. Zhao to complete various analyses including a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on the material and processes involved. They found that the innovative technology uses one-third the material and one-third the energy compared to standard processes.

George Zhou isn’t a typical civil engineer, environmental engineer, or microbiologist; he’s all three. Since joining Purdue EEE and CE in 2014, Zhou has been recognized for his outstanding teaching, cutting-edge research, and impactful inventions. Zhou’s research currently focuses on applying biotechnologies in engineering systems for contexts such as wastewater systems, antibiotic resistance, and biofuel production.

An exceptional education extends beyond mere lectures. A crucial aspect of the Purdue experience involves connecting with peers. Purdue EEE’s Student Organizations are designed to propel students academically, socially, and professionally.

"Having known Charlie O'Melia, it is really special to receive the Distinguished Educator Award named in his honor. As I am sure with previous winners of the award, we became good teachers, mentors, and researchers through examples set by him and our other heroes in the profession." - Dr. Chad Jafvert

Purdue EEE students, faculty, staff, corporate partners, and members of the External Advisory Council (EAC) came together April 25, 2024, to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of EEE this year. Seniors in EEE 480 displayed their semester long projects, undergraduates and graduates received scholarships and honors, faculty were recognized, and supporters of EEE were graciously thanked.

This year's awardees: Hailey Benfield - The Rachel Carson award, Delaney Partridge - The Wangari Maathai award, Nikki Zavodny - The Gaylord Nelson award. Though the three individuals for whom these awards were named were not Boilermakers, they had deep character and took giant leaps to protect the environment. The hope is that the recipients of these awards will embody some of the characteristics and passion of those for whom they are named.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to teach, inspire, and collaborate with our talented EEE students every day. EEE 472, Community-Engaged Engineering Design, holds my proudest moments as an educator. I'm not only proud of the curriculum and community-engaged experience I created for my students, but the growth I get to see in them. This is often their first opportunity to "own" a real-world engineering problem and thoughtfully collaborate with communities to address it. They continue to impress me more and more every year with their growth in this space." - Lindsey Payne

Whether you graduated last year, were part of the inaugural EEE class, contribute as staff or faculty, or simply have a deep appreciation for EEE's vision, community, and students, you are an integral part of our history, legacy, and family. Check out this video for a brief recap of past (and current) EEE highlights.