Applications are considered in both first world and third world settings. The Bioengineering Program Bioengineering is a graduate specialty focusing on biological treatment of industrial wastewater and hazardous materials in contaminated leachates and soils. Basic research in mixed biological cultures and applied genetics is ongoing. The Geological Sciences Program is the newest addition to the Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences Groups. The program focuses on analytical and experimental studies in such fields as igneous and metamorphic petrology, environmental mineralogy and mineral structures, high temperature geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and vertebrate paleontology.
Emphasis is placed on lab analysis of materials collected in the field.
The Center serves as a focal point for the promotion and encouragement of research activities related to environmental pollution problems. Natural and Man-Made Hazards brings together faculty and students from diverse backgrounds to address complex problems dealing with infrastructure systems. The research focus is to identify, quantify and reduce the risk caused by natural and man-made hazards to structures, environmental systems, water supply, transportation systems, communication systems, etc. A significant portion of the effort of the Center will be focused on international development, including research on hazard reduction and water supply in rural third-world settings.