Traces of pharmaceuticals increasingly contaminate water through human use and improper disposal. This research studies advanced oxidation processes—using UV light, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide—to break down these persistent pollutants. Optimizing these treatments helps protect ecosystems and public health by ensuring clean, safe, pharmaceutical-free drinking water.

Antibiotic resistance is fueled by antibiotics released into the environment through animal manure. This research shows that aerobic biofilm carrier reactors can degrade up to 92% of antibiotics in manure. Improved manure treatment can reduce environmental reservoirs of resistance and help preserve antibiotics as effective treatments for bacterial infections.

Millions of U.S. homes still rely on lead pipes, prompting a shift toward bimodal polyethylene replacements. This research examines how molecular branching affects pipe durability under chlorinated conditions. Using accelerated aging tests, it links polymer structure to long-term performance, guiding the design of safer, longer-lasting water pipes for future infrastructure.

Lead contamination in drinking water threatens millions. This research combines physics-based pipe models with machine learning to identify lead pipes using vibration data. Generating thousands of simulated signals enabled a classifier with 99% accuracy, offering a noninvasive, cost-effective method to locate hidden lead pipes and support safer water infrastructure worldwide.

This research shows that genetic risk scores alone are insufficient for predicting chronic disease. By incorporating social and environmental factors using machine learning, disease prediction improves substantially, especially for disadvantaged populations. Integrating genetic and social risk is essential for equitable, effective personalized medicine.

This research explores how mast cells—immune cells responsible for allergy symptoms—can be repurposed to strengthen vaccines. By targeting mast cells with nasal vaccines, stronger and longer-lasting immune responses may be generated, particularly benefiting high-risk populations and improving protection against infectious diseases.

This research examines whether reducing food insecurity increases physical activity among adults with high blood pressure. Using clinical trial data and interviews, it finds that coaching, physical function, and food access shape activity levels. Addressing food insecurity and physical activity together is essential for promoting equitable, heart-healthy lifestyles.

This research investigates how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, a growing global health threat. By identifying resistant bacteria and analysing how they chemically modify antibiotics, the work aims to uncover resistance mechanisms. These insights are essential for preserving antibiotic effectiveness and safeguarding treatments against life-threatening infections.

Using longitudinal data from 30,000 South Korean children, this study shows that child abuse significantly increases suicidal thoughts, especially with prolonged exposure. Crucially, strong social connections—such as team sports, supportive teachers, and caring neighbors—dramatically reduce this risk, highlighting social interaction as a key source of resilience.

Community health workers help marginalized communities navigate complex health systems but face burnout, low pay, and limited recognition. Through interviews across Colorado, this research reveals how systemic inequities affect CHWs and offers worker-driven recommendations to strengthen programs, policies, and workforce sustainability.