This research develops biodegradable “living” water filters grown from kombucha cellulose membranes. Unlike conventional plastic filters, these biofilters can self-defend against harmful microbes and self-repair when damaged. The work aims to create affordable, sustainable, and effective water filtration systems that reduce plastic waste while improving access to clean drinking water.

This research addresses overheating in 5G base stations, where vertically mounted electronics create dangerous hotspots. By using passive vapor chamber cooling, heat is efficiently redistributed without added energy use. Experimental and modeling work shows vapor chambers improve reliability and sustainability, supporting faster, more stable 5G and future network infrastructure.

Bacteria can cause major industrial failures through metal corrosion, but most bacteria are harmless or beneficial. This research engineers protective bacterial strains to prevent corrosion by sealing cracks, forming biofilms, and outcompeting harmful microbes—transforming bacteria into a sustainable defense for metal infrastructure like pipelines, bridges, and buildings.

This research reinvents wastewater treatment by adapting circulating fluidized bed reactors—normally used in petrochemicals—to grow bacteria on small surfaces and efficiently remove waste. Mobile, trailer-mounted reactors provide high-performance treatment without large facilities, making them ideal for dense cities, remote communities, and overburdened systems.