News & EventsDepartment Events
Events
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Jan20
EVENT DETAILS
lessSuspension of classes for observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
TIME Monday, January 20, 2020
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Jan22
EVENT DETAILS
lessRelation between blood pressure and pulse wave velocity for human arteries
Abstract: Continuous monitoring of blood pressure, an essential measure of health status, typically requires complex, costly, and invasive techniques that can expose patients to risks of complications. Continuous, cuffless, and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring methods that correlate measured pulse wave velocity (PWV) to the blood pressure via the Moens−Korteweg (MK) and Hughes Equations, offer promising alternatives. The MK Equation, however, involves two assumptions that do not hold for human arteries, and the Hughes Equation is empirical, without any theoretical basis. The results presented here establish a relation between the blood pressure P and PWV that does not rely on the Hughes Equation nor on the assumptions used in the MK Equation. This relation degenerates to the MK Equation under extremely low blood pressures, and it accurately captures the results of in vitro experiments using artificial blood vessels at comparatively high pressures. For human arteries, which are well characterized by the Fung hyperelastic model, a simple formula between P and PWV is established within the range of human blood pressures. This formula is validated by literature data as well as by experiments on human subjects, with applicability in the determination of blood pressure from PWV in continuous, cuffless, and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring systems.
TIME Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney-acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Jan24
EVENT DETAILS
lessMetal Bioavailability and Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms
Abstract:
In the aquatic environment, heavy metals interact with inorganic and organic components and form different metal species. Among the metal species, free metal has been believed to be the most bioavailable species and cause toxic effects to living organisms. This seminar presents the results of over 15 years of research on the influence of water quality on metal bioavailability and toxicity to standard and nonstandard aquatic organisms. The seminar will cover research with both individual and mixture of multiple metals. Results of the research have been published and used for setting relevantly environmental quality criteria for aquatic life in the US and Europe.
Biography:
Dr. Tham Hoang is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Environmental Sustainability of Loyola University Chicago. He received his Ph.D in Environmental Toxicology with a Minor in Environmental Statistics from Clemson University in 2006 and joined Loyola University Chicago in 2011. Since graduation, he has conducted research in the field of environmental toxicology. His research has a strong focus on the influence of chemical and physical characteristics of water and sediment on the bioavailability and toxicity of metals in the aquatic environment. He used both traditional exposure method, such as constant exposure and fluctuating exposure method, which is more environmental relevant for his research. Results of his research are to 1) determine the bioavailability, bioconcentration and bioaccumulation of metal and organic contaminants, including microplastics, 2) evaluate potential toxicity of individual and mixture chemicals in water, sediment, soil, and diets, 3) understand mechanisms of toxicity, 4) evaluate toxicity of effluent wastewaters and determine causative agent(s) through toxicity identification evaluations, 5) prepare ecological hazard and risk assessments for aquatic and terrestrial environments, and 6) provide guidance to optimize efficiency of site cleanups and assist in development of environmental quality guidelines.
In addition to conducting research in the US, Dr. Hoang is also interested in bringing his research field to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. He has collaborated with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry to initiate and organize a series of International Conference on Environmental Pollution, Restoration, and Management and Training Workshops on Ecological Risk Assessment in Vietnam since 2010. Thus far, three conferences and 4 workshops have been organized with an attendance of scientists from over 30 countries around the world. The conferences and workshops have helped enhancing collaborations on research and education between scientists in developed and developing countries, typically Southeast Asian countries. A collaborative project with colleagues in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and China on Cu bioavailability and toxicity to aquatic organisms in support of developing Cu water quality criteria for the Mekong River ecosystem was also conducted after the conferences. Through the workshops, local environmental regulators were educated with knowledge and risk assessment methods that can be used for management.
TIME Friday, January 24, 2020 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney-acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Jan29
EVENT DETAILS
lessComplex Bridge Replacement on an Accelerated Schedule
Abstract:
The Edens Spur is a three miles expressway corridor connecting I-294 to I-94 in Northbrook, Illinois part of the Illinois Tollway System. Ciorba Group led a team of engineering and environmental consultants to complete the design for the reconstruction and widening of the Edens Spur, which included the replacement of eleven mainline bridges and one crossover bridge. Many of these bridges have complex geometry and required design considerations to fit site constraints including high skews, superelevated bridges on curved alignments and deep foundations. The project goal was to modernize this vital part of the Tollway system that was original built in the 50’s.
In this presentation Mr. Di Bernardo will discuss the overall approach to the design of this $100 Million expressway improvement and will highlight the main challenges related to the design of the bridges part of this improvement. The design was completed under an accelerated design schedule of nine months and was broken down in two separate construction contracts. The project is currently under construction. The presentation will be focused on the structural aspects of the project and will also provide the designer insight on Project Management aspects, constructability issues and will stress the importance of coordination of different disciplines that are involved in an infrastructure improvement of this magnitude.
Biography
Salvatore Di Bernardo has over 27 years of experience in concept study, design and construction management for bridges and other transportation related structures including several award winning and signature bridge projects. His structural design experience includes cable-stayed structures, truss bridges, arch bridges, pre-stressed and post-tensioned concrete and steel bridges, long span plate girder, curved steel plate girder, complex retaining walls, and complex erection plans. During his career in the United States and in Europe he has presented research related to his work on signature bridges, bridge asset management and advanced structural analysis of complex bridges at various national and international conferences. Salvatore’s experience with bridges include Program Management for bridge inspection and asset management for governmental agencies. Mr. Di Bernardo is actively involved in national and international professional organizations, a Past President and Board of Director member of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois and a member of the State of Illinois Structural Engineering Licensing Board. He has been involved with the Design- Build Committee of the Illinois Road and Transportation Builder Association and other technical commissions. He is a fellow member of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineers. He is licensed in various US States, the UK and Italy.
TIME Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney-acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Jan31
EVENT DETAILS
lessEfficient PFAS Removal by Amine-functionalized Sorbents: Promises & Challenges
Abstract: You cannot taste or smell them in your tap water, but most municipalities in the United States now have drinking water supplies that are contaminated with trace levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of persistent and mobile fluoro-organic chemicals that have been detected in many water supplies, and their recommended safe concentrations in drinking water are as low as 6 ng/L. Animal studies have found that animals exposed to PFAS at high levels resulted in changes in the function of the liver, thyroid, pancreas and hormone levels. Current technological advances suggest that amine-containing sorbents can provide alternative solutions to PFAS control in the treatment of municipal water and wastewater at relatively low PFAS concentrations. In this talk, I will answer and discuss: Why are amine-containing sorbents efficient for PFAS removal? What do we need to develop more efficient sorbents? I will also provide an outlook on the innovative research needed to develop more efficient sorbents that will enable compliance with the increasingly stringent regulations of PFAS.
Bio: Mohamed Ateia, Ph.D. is a Research Associate at the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University. His research focuses on the development of new materials and techniques to adsorb and/or degrade emerging water pollutants (e.g. PFAS, DBPs, PPCPs, illicit drugs) as well as the mobility of new classes of contaminants in the environment (e.g. microplastics). Prior to joining Northwestern University, Dr. Ateia studied in Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, then he completed a postdoctoral training at Clemson University. Dr. Ateia has won awards including 2019 Clemson University Distinguished Postdoctoral Award, Kikkawa-Yamaguchi Best Ph.D. Dissertation Award, and The First Place Prize – Honda Young-Engineers-Scientists (Y-E-S).
TIME Friday, January 31, 2020 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney-acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Feb5
EVENT DETAILS
lessEffects of thermal perturbations associated with geoenergy exploitations on the mechanics of geomaterials, geostructures and geosystems
Abstract: Geomaterials, geostructures and geosystems are subjected to a variety of multiphysical perturbations. In the context of geoenergy exploitations that involve the harvesting of thermal energy from the subsurface, these perturbations often include thermal, hydraulic and mechanical loads. Complex and coupled phenomena are generated by the previous perturbations, such as heat transfers, mass transfers and deformations. These phenomena critically influence the mechanics of geomaterials, geostructures and geosystems. For this reason, their understanding and analysis are paramount in science and engineering for ensuring the stability and resilience of built as well as natural environments. This lecture presents a fundamental investigation of key effects caused by thermal loads on the mechanics of geomaterials, geostructures and geosystems, with a focus on geoenergy exploitations that involve the harvesting of geothermal and waste thermal energy from the subsurface. Changes in the fabric and properties of coarse-grained soils that can be associated with geothermal exploitations are analyzed. Variations in the equilibrium of geostructures that derive from a novel geothermal heat exchanger role are expanded. Influences in the response of the subsurface of cities that are linked with fluxes of geothermal and waste thermal energy are investigated. Based on the results of this work, discoveries that can enhance the performance of geoenergy exploitations as well as the resilience of built and natural environments are proposed.
Bio: Dr. Alessandro Rotta Loria is an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, USA, where he directs the Mechanics and Energy Laboratory within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Building Engineering from the Politecnico di Torino, Italy, while his Ph.D. degree in Mechanics from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, EPFL, Switzerland. The main research interests of Dr. Rotta Loria are at the interface of Geomechanics, Structural Mechanics and Energy, and are centered on the understanding of the multiphysical behavior of materials and structural systems. Dr. Rotta Loria is the co-author of the book entitled “Analysis and Design of Energy Geostructures” as well as of 30 articles that are published or to be published in international scientific journals. Dr. Rotta Loria is an Editorial Associate of the international journal Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, and is actively involved in international scientific events as a keynote and invited lecturer. Dr. Rotta Loria is the recipient of the 2019 Zeno Karl Schindler Foundation Award for his scientific activities in field of environmental sustainability as well as of other prizes and honors for excellence in scientific research.
TIME Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney-acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Feb7
EVENT DETAILS
lessHydrobiogeochemical Transformations of Fe and U Within Riparian Wetlands
Abstract
Within wetlands, movement of water and biogeochemically catalyzed transformations of its constituents determine the mobility of nutrients and contaminants, the emission of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, carbon (C) cycling, and the quality of water itself. The long-term objective of a research program at Argonne entitled Wetland Hydrobiogeochemistry is the development of a mechanistic understanding and ability to model the coupled hydrological, geochemical, and biological processes controlling water quality in wetlands and the implications of these processes for watersheds commonly found in humid regions of the United States. To accomplish this, work within the Argonne Wetland Hydrobiogeochemistry program includes the study of wetland hydrobiogeochemistry with a focus on a riparian wetland field site within Tims Branch at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. This site is representative of many riparian wetlands found in humid regions of the Southeast that have C‑rich soils and high Fe content. However, it is unique in that it received large amounts of contaminant metals and uranium as a result of previous industrial-scale manufacturing of nuclear fuel and target assemblies. Understanding the function of the wetlands in relation to control of water quality, including the concentration of metals and uranium within the soluble and particulate components of groundwater and surface waters of Tims Branch addresses the goal of the Department of Energy to advance a robust, predictive understanding of watershed function.
The overarching hypothesis of our work is that hydrologically driven biogeochemical processes that create redox dynamic conditions from the nanometer to meter scales are a major driver of groundwater and surface water quality within riparian wetland environments.
A focus on major (e.g., C and Fe) biogeochemical cycles and their controls on U hydrobiogeochemistry and water quality from the nanometer to meter length scales within the Tims Branch wetlands builds on decades of synchrotron-based biogeochemistry and omics-based microbial community research expertise previously developed within our group. During my presentation, I will describe the Tims Branch watershed, the three critical zones we have identified to describe controls on the water quality within the wetland, and recent synchrotron- and omics-based studies of some of these critical zones to enable future coupled microbial and reactive transport models to predict watershed function.
Bio
Dr. Ken Kemner obtained his PhD in Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Notre Dame in 1993. From 1993 to 1996 he was a National Research Council Fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. where he focused on magnetic materials and environmental research. In 1996 he joined Argonne National Laboratory where he began to develop the Molecular Environmental Science and Biogeochemical Process Research Group, an integrated multidisciplinary research group that makes novel uses of the Advanced Photon Source, lab-based biogeochemical approaches, and omic approaches to understand the role of microorganisms in the environmental fate and transport of nutrient and contaminant elements and their subsequent uptake into the food chain. In 1998 he received the United States Department of Energy-Office of Science Early Career Scientist Award. In 1999 he received the Presidential Early Career Scientist Award and in 2000 he received the International Union of Crystallography Young Scientist Award. From 2003 to 2018 he was an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Since 2013 he has been a member of the Northwestern Argonne Institute of Science and Engineering (NAISE). He has over 160 publications and has delivered more than 450 presentions, more than 150 of which were invited presentations.TIME Friday, February 7, 2020 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney-acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Feb14
EVENT DETAILS
lessUsing Conserved Gene Synteny Analysis to Identify Mobile Triclosan Tolerance Genes
Antimicrobial chemicals are added to many consumer care and cleaning products to control microbes, but they may impact communities in complex and sometimes unpredictable ways. One such antimicrobial, triclosan, has been found to increase the abundance of Pseudomonas in mixed bacterial communities. But do all Pseudomonas species increase in abundance? Even highly similar species may have unique mechanisms to resist triclosan. My research examines the broad molecular mechanisms that different species of Pseudomonas employ to resist triclosan by combining traditional molecular biology with next-generation DNA sequencing and high-throughput bioinformatics. A more detailed understanding of how closely related species respond differently to triclosan will further our general understanding of antimicrobials and how they may impact microbial communities during everyday use.
TIME Friday, February 14, 2020 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney-acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Feb28
EVENT DETAILS
lessTrouble Ahead, Trouble Behind: Acid Mine Drainage and Climate Change in the Rocky Mountains
Abstract
In the Rocky Mountain watersheds, weathering of disseminated pyrite in the country rock and in mining workings generates acidic, metal-enriched water that drains into streams and rivers. This overall process is referred to as acid rock drainage (ARD). ARD is a long-term and pervasive environmental problem in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierras, which provide water supply for communities and agriculture throughout the south western US. Contamination has not abated since the mining boom ended about 70 years ago, largely because these contaminants are continuously generated from the exposure to oxygen of pyrite in the mine workings and tailings. Typically these streams have high dissolved concentrations of toxic metals, such as Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb, and their streambeds are covered with iron and aluminum oxides. These streams and rivers support species-poor aquatic ecosystems, and fish are typically absent. A study in an ARD stream system that drains into Dillon Reservoir, a water supply for Denver, Colorado, has found that acidity and concentrations of metals and rare earth elements have been steadily increasing in the summer and fall over the past several decades. Another trend is that mountain resorts have been pursuing a “four seasons resort” approach to adapt to changing climate, and less reliable winter snowpack for skiing. ARD thwarts these plans by constraining the use of stream water for snowmaking and impacting summer recreation, such as fishing and rafting. In addition to general environmental concerns, this situation has focused attention on remediation of abandoned mines which is inherently challenging, as illustrated by the difficulties in remediating the Gold King Mine near Durango, CO. One issue for state and federal agencies and watershed stakeholders’ groups is determining which of the many abandoned mines in a catchment are the main ARD sources, and which of these are suitable for remediation. Addressing the ARD problem in mountain catchments will require a convergent research approach that integrates understanding of hydrology, water quality and aquatic ecosystem processes within a regulatory and water resources framework.Bio
Diane M. McKnight is a Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, a member of the Environmental Engineering program faculty and a Fellow of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research at the University of Colorado. Her research focuses on the coupling of hydrology and water quality in streams and lakes, and the consequences for aquatic ecosystems and water supplies. She began her career as a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, studying the biogeochemistry of lakes in the blast zone of Mt. St. Helens and acid mine drainage streams and pristine alpine lakes in the Rocky Mountains. She participated in designing ecological aspects of the National Water Quality Assessment Program of the USGS. Since 1992, she has conducted research on stream ecosystems as part of the McMurdo Dry Valleys Long-Term Ecological Research (MCM-LTER) project in Antarctica. She has been President of the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and editor of Journal of Geophysical Research-Biogeosciences. She served as the Chair of the Editorial Committee for the LTER Schoolyard Children’s Book Series and authored the second book in the series. She is a fellow of the American Geophysical Union, a member of the National Academy of Engineering and received the John Dalton Award from the European Geophysical Union in 2015.TIME Friday, February 28, 2020 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney-acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering