The REU Site team has been very active in disseminating the site work through various publications. The proceedings from past NSF-REU sites are listed below:

NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2018 (under preparation)
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2017
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2016
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2015
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2014
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2013
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2012
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2011
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2009
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2008
NSF-REU Site Proceedings 2007

Conference/Journal Publications/Edited Book

  1. Milligan, E., Keenum, I., Pruden, A., and Lohani, V. (2019). NSF REU Site: Interdisciplinary Water Science and Engineering: Investigation of Microbial Contaminants in Rural Drinking Water Systems after Hurricane Maria, Poster presented at: 2019 NSF Engineering Education and Centers Grantees Conference, Oct 21-23, Washington, D.C.
  2. McEwen, A., and E.T. Hester. Abundance, Distribution, and Geometry of Naturally Occurring Streambank Soil Pipes. Freshwater Science: Accepted.
  3. Schulte, M.L., McLaughlin, D.L., Wurster, F.C., Varner, J.M., Stewart, R.D., Aust, W.M., Jones, C.N., and Gile, B. (2019). Short- and Long-Term Hydrologic Controls on Smouldering Fire in Wetland Soils, International Journal of Wildland Fire, 28, 3, 177-186.
  4. Krueger, K., Vavrus, C., Lofton, M., McClure, R., Gantzer, P., Carey C., Schreiber, M. Metal Fluxes across the Sediment Water Interface in a Drinking Water Reservoir, Planned submission to: Applied Geochemistry, September 1, 2019.
  5. Xia, K., FitzGerald, K., Chen, C.Q., Badgley, B. Storm water runoff-a source of emerging contaminants in urban streams. Environmental Science and Technology: in revision.
  6. Xia, K., VanFossen, C., and Waller L. Removal Efficiency of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products from Tap Water Using House-hold Water Filter Devices. Water Research. In preparation.
  7. Jalali, Y., Matheis, C., Lohani, V.K. (2019). Ethics instruction and the role of liberatory praxis and theory, ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Tampa, FL.
  8. Qin, M., White, C., Zou, S., He, Z. (2018). Passive Separation of Recovered Ammonia from Catholyte for Reduced Energy Consumption in Microbial Electrolysis Cells. Chemical Engineering Journal, 334, 2303–2307. DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2017.11.190
  9. Yu, P.; Zaleski, A.; Li, Q.; He, Y.; Mapili, K.; Pruden, A.; Alvarez, P.J.J.; Stadler, L.B. (2018). Elevated Levels of Pathogenic Indicator Bacteria and Antibiotic Resistance Genes after Hurricane Harvey’s Flooding in Houston. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.8b00329.
  10. Basu, D., Lohani, V.K., and Muffo, J. (2018). Analysis of undergraduate research experiences in an interdisciplinary water science and engineering program, International Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 155–170, 2018.
  11. Schulte, M.L., McLaughlin, D.L., Wurster, F.C., Varner, J.M., Stewart, R.D., Aust, W.M., Jones, C.N., Gile, B. (2019) Short- and long-term hydrologic controls on smoldering fire in wetlands soils. International Journal of Wildland Fire 28: 177-186, doi:10.1071/WF18086. [cover feature]
  12. Word, C., McLaughlin, D.L., Strahm, B., Amestoy, T. (in prep) Influences of wetland drainage on peat hydraulic properties. Wetlands.
  13. Cahill E, Xia K, Lohani V. Interdisciplinary Water Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech, Poster presented at: 2017 NSF Engineering Education and Centers Grantees Conference; 2017 Oct 29- 31; Washington, D.C.
  14. Basu, D., McDonald, W., Brogan, D. S., Maczka, D. K., & Lohani, V. K. (2016). Combined Contribution of 12 REU Scholars to the Development of the LEWAS Lab. Proc. 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana. 10.18260/p.26512.
  15. Clark, H. A., McDonald, W. M., Lohani, V.K., and Dymond, R. L.(2015) Investigating the Response of a Small Urbanized Watershed to Acute Toxicity Events via Analysis of High Frequency Environmental Data. American Journal of Undergraduate Research (AJUR). 12(3), pp. 5-17
  16. Basu D., Purviance, J., Maczka, D., Brogan, D. S., Lohani. V. K. (2015).Work-in-Progress: High-Frequency Environmental Monitoring Using a Raspberry Pi-Based System. 122nd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, WA, USA, June 14–17, 2015. (won Woody Everett Award from Computers in Education Division of ASEE)
  17. Fahrenfeld, N., Cozzarelli, I. M., Bailey, Z., & Pruden, A. (2014). Insights into biodegradation through depth-resolved microbial community functional and structural profiling of a crude-oil contaminant plume. Microbial Ecology, 68(3), 453-462. DOI: 10.1007/s00248-014-0421-6.
  18. Qin, M., Molitor, H., Brazil, B., Novak, J. T., & He, Z. (2016). Recovery of nitrogen and water from landfill leachate by a microbial electrolysis cell-forward osmosis system. Bioresource Technology, V 200, PP 485-492. DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2015.10.066
  19. Clark, B., St. Clair, J., and Edwards, M. (2015) Copper Deposition Corrosion Elevates Lead Release to Potable Water. JAWWA. 107 (11).
  20. Clark, B. N, Masters, S. V. and Edwards, M. (2015). Lead Release to Drinking Water from Galvanized Steel Pipe Coatings. Environmental Engineering Science DOI: 10.1089/ees.2015.0073
  21. Hester, E.T., C.R. Guth, D.T., Scott, and Jones, C.N. (2016). Vertical surface water-groundwater exchange processes within a short residence time floodplain induced by experimental floods along a headwater stream. Hydrological Processes. Published online.
  22. Johnson, K., Lee, H. and Xia, K. (2016). Distribution of Neonicotinoids in a Surface Stream and their Transformation in Sediment and Soil. Elements. Boston College, Spring 2016, 39-46.
  23. FitzGerald, K., Chen, C.Q., Xia, K. (2016). Occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in an urban-impacted stream, Blacksburg, VA. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting. September 25-28, 2016, Denver, CO.
  24. Xia, K., FitzGerald, K., Chen, C.Q., Badgley, B. (2016). Storm water runoff-a source of emerging contaminants in urban streams. American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting. December 12-16, 2016, San Francisco, CA.
  25. Jones, C.N., Scott, D.T., Guth, C.R., Hester, E.T. and Hession, W.C. (2015). Seasonal variation in floodplain biogeochemical processing in a restored headwater stream. Environmental Science & Technology 49:13190−13198.
  26. Menichino, G.T., Scott, D.T. and Hester, E.T. (2015). Abundance and dimensions of naturally occurring macropores along stream channels and the effects of artificially constructed large macropores on transient storage. Freshwater Science 34(1):125–138.
  27. Menichino, G.T., Ward, A.S. and Hester. E.T. (2014). Macropores as preferential flow paths in meander bends. Hydrological Processes 28(3): 482-495.
  28. Sain, A. E., Griffin, A., & Dietrich, A. M. (2014). Assessing taste and visual perception of Mn(II) and Mn(IV). Journal of the American Water Works Association, 106(1), E32-E32. DOI:10.5942/jawwa.2014.106.0003
  29. St. Clair, J., Clark, B. and Edwards, M. (2014). Issues Associated With Use Of Dielectrics In Drinking Water Systems. JAWWA. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5942/jawwa.2014.106.0065
  30. Clark, B., Masters, S., & Edwards, M. (2014). Profile Sampling to Characterize Particulate Lead Risks in Potable Water. Environmental Science & Technology. 48 (12), pp 6836–6843.
  31. Lohani, V., K., (2014). Experience in Implementing an NSF/REU site on Interdisciplinary Water Sciences and Engineering during 2007 – 13. ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Indianapolis, IN, USA, June 15-18, 2014.
  32. Clark, B.C. St.Cartier, J., Clair, S., Triantafyllidou, M. (2013). Prevost and M. Edwards. Effect of Connection Type on Galvanic Corrosion between lead and copper Pipes. JAWWA 105(10) E576-E586.
  33. Dymond, R., Lohani, V. K., Brogan, D. S., and Martinez, M. (2013). Integration of a Real-Time Water and Weather Monitoring System into a Hydrology Course, Proceedings 2013 Annual ASEE Conference, Atlanta, June 23-26.
  34. Fahrenfeld, N., Ma, Y., O'Brien, M., & Pruden, A. (2013). Reclaimed water as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes: Distribution system and irrigation implications.
  35. Odukale, O., Xia, K., and Ciparis, S. (2013). Examining the Biological Effects of 4-Nonylphenol on freshwater mussels (Medionidus Conradicus). Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, Nashville, TN.
  36. St. Clair, J., Stampoulous, C. and Edwards, M. (2012). Increased Distance Between Galvanic Pb:Cu Pipe Connections Decreases Lead Release. Corrosion Science. 68:779-783.
  37. Clark, B., and Edwards, M. Deposition Corrosion of Galvanized Steel in the Presence of Copper. Corrosion Science. 72(1), 119-131 (2016).
  38. Aulenbach, K.E., Menichino, G.T., and Hester. E.T. (2012). Macropores within the hyporheic zone: abundance, dimensions, and importance at baseflow. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting and Exposition, Charlotte, NC.
  39. Fahrenfeld, N., Bailey, Z., Pruden, A., McGuire, J.M., and Cozzarelli, I. M. (2012). Role of microbial community structure and function in BTEX biodegradation at the Bemidji Crude-Oil Spill Site. Oral Presentation at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting and Exposition, Charlotte, NC.
  40. Nguyen, C.K., Clark, B., Stone, K.R., and Edwards, M. (2011). Acceleration of galvanic lead solder corrosion due to phosphate. Corrosion Science. 53(4), 1515-1521.
  41. Sicking, V.G., Menichino, G.T., Ward, A.S., and Hester, E.T. (2011). Characterizing the effects of macropores on hyporheic zone hydraulics in meander bends. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting and Exposition, Minneapolis, MN.
  42. Ellenberg, R., Singh, G., Pruden, A., and Widdowson, M.A. (2011). Dissolution Characteristics of Weathered Petroleum Deposits from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Blowout: An Experimental Study, Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN.
  43. Prugue, R., Levitan, D., Schreiber, M. (2011). Apatite dissolution rates as a function of grain size, Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN.
  44. Diesel, E., Nadimpalli, M., Hull, M., Vikesland, P. and Schreiber, M. (2009). Assessing arsenic bioavailability through the use of bioassays. AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco CA.
  45. Lohani, V., K., Younos, T. (2008). Implementation and Assessment of an interdisciplinary NSF/Research Experiences for undergraduates (REU) Site on Watershed Sciences and engineering. ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, USA.
  46. Burrell, C. Dietrich, A., Falkinham, J., and Cerrato, J. (2007). Managing Manganese in Drinking Water: An Assessment for Microbes and Metals. Abstract in Proceedings of 2007 Virginia/West Virginia Water Research Symposium. November 26-30, 2007, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 300.
  47. Tucker, C., Omur-Ozbek, P., and Dietrich. A. (2007). Determination of the Taste Threshold of Iron in Water. Abstract in Proceedings of 2007 Virginia/West Virginia Water Research Symposium, November 26-30, 2007, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 301.
  48. Clark, B., Nguyen, C. and Edwards, M. (2007). Solubility as a Mechanism for CSMR Effects on Lead Leaching. Abstract in Proceedings of 2007 Virginia/West Virginia Water Research Symposium, November 26-30, 2007, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Page 290.
  49. Carolan, M., Rhoads, W., Pruden, A., and Edwards, M. (2016) Effects of Flow Rate on Turbidity and Microbial Growth in Premise Plumbing Systems. NSF/AAAS Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM, February 25-27 2016. (Awarded First place in the Technology and Engineering Category).
  50. Carolan, M. E., W.J. Rhoads, A. Pearce, A. Pruden, M.A. Edwards. “Drinking Water Quality of a Full-Scale Rainwater Harvesting System.” Poster presentation. Virginia Tech Civil and Environmental Engineering Research Day, Blacksburg, Virginia, April 2016.
  51. Basu, D., Purviance, J., Brogan, D.S., Lohani, V.K., (2015) High-Frequency Environmental Monitoring Using a Raspberry Pi-Based System. . Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM, February 19-21, 2015, Washington, D.C.
  52. McDonald, W.M., Scally, W., Lohani, V.K., and Dymond, R.L. (2015). Modifying the Index Velocity Method Applied to a Small Urban Stream: A 10 Week REU Study. Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM, February 19-21, 2015, Washington, D.C.
  53. Delgoshaei, P., Greer, D., Brogan, D., and Lohani, V. K. (2012). Design and Application of a Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring Lab in Sustainability Education, Poster presented at NSF EEC Awardee Conference, Arlington, VA, March 4-6.
  54. Lohani, V.K. and Welch, S. (2012). NSF/REU Site: Interdisciplinary Water Sciences and Engineering, Poster presented at NSF EEC Awardee Conference, Arlington, VA, March 4-6.
  55. Lohani, V. K. and Younos, T., (2011). NSF/REU Site: Interdisciplinary Water Sciences and Engineering (2007-2013), Poster presented at NSF/EEC Awardees Conference, March 13-15, 2011, Reston, VA.
  56. Younos, T., and Lohani, V. K. (2010). NSF REU Program in Interdisciplinary Watershed Sciences and Engineering: Accomplishments and Lessons Learned, Poster presented at NSF/EEC Awardees Conference, Jan. 31- Feb. 02, 2010, Reston, VA.
  57. Younos, T. and Lohani, V. K. (2009). Analysis of NSF REU Site’s Assessment Experiences. Poster presentation at the NSF Engineering Education Awardees Conference. February 1-3, 2009, Arlington, Virginia.
  58. Younos, T. (2009). Interdisciplinary undergraduate research experiences in watershed sciences and engineering. NSF sponsored session at the National SACNAS Conference, Dallas, TX. October 17, 2009.
  59. Younos, T. and Lohani, V. K. (2007). Research Opportunities in Interdisciplinary Watershed Sciences and Engineering. Poster presentation at the NSF Engineering Education Awardees Conference, September 26-28, 2007, Arlington, Virginia.

Significant Achievements of REU Participants

(*NSF REU Participants)

Best Paper Awards/Honors

  1. Katie Krueger*, Virginia Water Resources Research Center Student Competitive Grant ($4,940) CUAHSI Instrumentation Discovery Travel Grants ($998), Virginia Tech GSA Graduate Research and Development Fund Award ($745), Geological Society of America Graduate Student Research Grant ($1620), Virginia Tech Department of Geosciences Alumni and Faculty Research Award ($1130), Best Talk of the Session: Virginia Tech Geosciences student Research Symposium (2018).
  2. Erin Milligan*, NSF GRFP, PhD Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech.
  3. Haniyyah (Chapman) Majeed*, NSF GRFP, PhD student, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech
  4. Bridget Gile*, NSF GRFP, 2019 Knight-Hennessy Scholar, Stanford
  5. Maggie Carolan*, NSF GRFP, University of Iowa Maggie Carolen, 1st Place, Oral Presentation, NSF/AAAS ERN Conference in STEM, February 2016 Maggie Carolan received a Sustainable Water Undergraduate Research Fellowship from the College of Natural Resources: $4,650 (2015).She was also a co-recipient of the inaugural VT Ut Prosim Award as a member of the Flint Water Study team (2016).
  6. Carolan*, M., Rhoads, W., Pruden, A., and Edwards, M. NSF/AAAS Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM, February 25-27 2016. Effects of Flow Rate on Turbidity and Microbial Growth in Premise Plumbing Systems. Awarded first place in the Technology and Engineering Category.
  7. Christian Lytle*, Via Fellowship, PhD student, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech
  8. Robert Miles Ellenberg*, 1st Place Best Poster Presentation, “Resistance Genes as Contaminants and Potential Treatment Options,” 2nd Annual Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research Day, April 13 (2012).
  9. Brandi Clark*, University of Missouri-Rolla (2007 NSF REU participant) - First Place Award, 2008 Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Student Technical Paper Competition, World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008 (Honolulu, May 12-16, 2008).
  10. Christopher Burrell*, Hampton University (2007 NSF REU participant) - Undergraduate Researcher Best Paper Presentation Award, Virginia-West Virginia Water Research Symposium, November 28-29, 2007, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.
  11. AWWA Outstanding Conference Paper/Presentation Award: Brandi Clark* (2012 WQTC)
  12. AWWA Fellowships: Brandi Clark (2011 Holly Cornell Scholarship); Brandi Clark (2013 Wolman)

Media Attention

  1. Maggie Carolan, Hanniyah Chapman, and Mariana Martinez* participated as members of the Flint Water Study Team, traveling to Flint, Michigan to collect water samples and assist with analysis. Maggie co-led a team for a March 2016 sampling of hospitals and homes. Haniyyah and Mariana assisted with a study of water heaters in Flint to determine if flushing could wash out reservoirs of Legionella that built up in the system during the use of corrosive water.
  2. O’Brien’s* analysis of recycled water samples revealed that the pipe distribution system contributed to re-growth of bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes. This attracted significant media attention. This same water she tested was piped to the Snow Bowl ski resort starting November 2012 for snow-making. There is also concern in the local community about the safety of using the water for spray irrigation of recreational fields. Spurred in part by the results of this REU project, an expert advisory panel on contaminants of emerging concern has been established by the City of Flagstaff.
  3. Cyndy Cole and Joe Ferguson, Wastewater Tests in Flagstaff Find New Concern, Arizona Daily Sun (Sept. 17 2012).
  4. Beth Buczynski*, Making Snow with Recycled Sewage Could Breed Super Bacteria, New York Times (Oct. 17, 2012).
  5. Ashley P. Taylor*, Manmade Snow from Recycled Sewer Water May Contain Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, Discover Magazine (Oct. 16, 2012).
  6. Cyndy Cole*, Water Experts to Convene Again, Arizona Daily Sun (Jan. 22, 2013).