Why UNLV?

UNLV is at the forefront of addressing the Southwest water crisis through active research in environmental engineering, water quality, and water resources. Multi-institutional partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations are tackling the critical climate challenges facing the desert Southwest while spurring economic development in the region. UNLV is also emerging as a leader in carbon capture, water security, and renewable energy solutions.

Located in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas faces significant challenges related to the availability and quality of water, making UNLV an ideal hub for innovative water research. UNLV Engineering collaborates with public and private partners, including international institutions, to develop cutting-edge solutions. Through interdisciplinary research and graduate programs spanning Sciences, Liberal Arts, Urban Affairs, and Public Health, UNLV Engineering tackles water security from multiple perspectives.

Research Highlights

Removing Contaminants with Novel Carbon-Based Adsorbents

UNLV Engineering researchers are working multiple angles to remove unwanted or harmful chemicals from water supplies. Erica Marti (environmental engineering) and Jaeyun Moon (materials engineering) have teamed up to develop and test chemically modified adsorbents for the removal of carcinogenic contaminants from groundwater. By optimizing the chemical properties of a biochar (produced through pyrolysis of discarded walnut shells), they are helping to clean up groundwater affected by chlorinated industrial solvents. These same adsorbents are also being used to remove harmful disinfection byproducts from drinking water. Similarly, Eakalak Khan (environmental engineering) and Marti have been working to create novel biochars coated with ionic liquids to remove contaminants in the water system of the International Space Station. The contaminants are inhibiting hydrogen production, which is vital as an energy source. These research projects are advancing more sustainable options for treating water on Earth and in space.

For more information, email Erica Marti at erica.marti@unlv.edu or Eakalak Khan at eakalak.khan@unlv.edu.

Regional Innovation Engine Drives Climate Innovation

A multi-institutional consortium involving UNLV Engineering researchers is confronting the climate challenges facing the desert Southwest and spurring economic development in the region. Led by Arizona State University, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE) is combining research with industry and governmental policy to bring critical technologies to market that mitigate regional sustainability and climate concerns. UNLV is a core academic partner on the project, contributing to project management and water innovation, workforce development, and community development teams.

For more information, email Jacimaria Batista at jaci.batista@unlv.edu.

Advancing Wildfire Resilience Through Data and Technology

A statewide, multi-institutional, and interdisciplinary project—Harnessing the Data Revolution for Fire Science—aims to strengthen Nevada’s workforce and research infrastructure for wildfire monitoring, management, and preparedness. The project also seeks to improve understanding of how wildfires impact the local sagebrush ecosystem. UNLV Engineering researchers are using multi-frequency and multimodal remote sensing, along with machine learning algorithms, to analyze pre-fire and post-fire ground conditions and mitigate future wildfire effects.

For more information, email Haroon Sahotra at haroon.stephen@unlv.edu.