ACE Fresh Ideas Poster Competition

Hatice Yildirim is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in the research group of Professor Tanju Karanfil at Clemson University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Middle East Technical University, located in Turkey.

Her research primarily revolves around elucidating the interactions between microplastics (MP) and organic contaminants, including antibiotics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), within various environmental matrices. Currently, she is involved in two research projects funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These projects are aimed at examining the adsorption and desorption behaviors of both naturally aged and virgin microplastics on antibiotics and PFAS.

Kalani De Silva is a PhD candidate in the Water Science Technology and Policy (WaterSTP) research group at University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Monica Emelko. Kalani received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Environmental Engineering at Northern Arizona University in 2018 and 2021, respectively, and joined the UW team shortly thereafter, also in 2021. Her doctoral research focuses on the filter performance optimization for protozoan pathogen and particulate contaminant removal during drinking water treatment.

Presently, Kalani is conducting research at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment pilot plant in Toronto. Her current research investigates direct in-line filtration of high-quality source water to inform opportunities for increased control of particle destabilization by coagulation to ensure optimal filtration performance in removing particles and Cryptosporidium oocysts. Her research uniquely contributes by systematically assessing the removal efficiency of filtration processes employed in the treatment of high-quality source water, an area that has been inadequately explored. By evaluating and potentially refining coagulation practices, her research seeks to ensure that these systems not only meet but exceed filtration performance expectations for Cryptosporidium and particulate removal, thereby enhancing overall water quality and safety. She plans to conduct further pilot-scale studies to evaluate filter performance as part of her ongoing research.

Deandrah develops and advances state policies that affect health, water infrastructure, and redevelopment, with a primary focus on lead in drinking water, and serves as the backbone staff to the Jersey Water Works Lead in Drinking Water Task Force. Before joining New Jersey Future, Deandrah worked as a Monmouth County Health Department case investigator. Deandrah holds a BS in Public Health from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and a Master of Public Health focused on Health Systems and Policy with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Nutrition from the Rutgers School of Public Health.