Research Team

Dr. Arjun K. Venkatesan - Principal Investigator

I am an environmental chemist and engineer, conducting research in developing new interventions and technologies that will improve our water quality. I am currently an Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology. I received my Ph.D. from Arizona State University (2013) and my Masters of Science from University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2009), both in environmental engineering.

Dr. Siwei Gu - Post-Doc

I am an environmental engineer interested in developing novel materials and treatment technologies to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in water. I previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Notre Dame for two years (2025). I completed my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Ottawa (2023) and my Bachelor degree at Beijing University of Chemical Technology (2019).

Bishnu Pandey - Ph.D. Student

As a dedicated PhD student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NJIT, I focus on advancing environmental sustainability through my research on the removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from various environmental media. My work contributes to addressing critical challenges associated with PFAS contamination in soil, drinking water, and wastewater by employing innovative treatment techniques. I received my master’s from the University of Idaho in Water Resources Engineering and Science (2021). I am passionate about the environment and am committed to exploring and implementing effective solutions to address emerging environmental challenges.

Farhaneh Maghsoudi - Ph.D. Student

I am a Ph.D. student in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, specializing in water and wastewater treatment. My research is centered on improving water quality by removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via the adsorption process utilizing Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). I hold a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tehran and a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology.

Santhoshi Chitthaluri - Ph.D. Student

I am currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NJIT, with a research focus on the quantification of contamination and the remediation of PFAS from various environmental media, including water, wastewater, and soil matrices. I have had work and research experiences at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad. I hold a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Warangal and a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur.

Ligaya Manalastas - Undergraduate Researcher

My skills in chemistry and passion for environmental stewardship have led me to pursue a B.S. in Environmental Science at NJIT. In the ECRL, I assist graduate researchers in measuring the successful deterioration and removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in organic solvents and water. My current coursework builds upon my background in environmental remediation, allowing me to exercise laboratory and field research methods. Additionally, I am an appointed Ernest F. Hollings Scholar for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and will begin my research internship in the summer of 2025.

Hillary King - Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate Biology student at NJIT currently enrolled in NJIT's 7-year BS/DMD program with Rutgers. As a part of the ECRL, I assist with research focused on the deterioration and removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In addition to my academic and research pursuits, I am a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), which reflects my broader commitment to health and public service.

Sara Manjaly - Undergraduate Researcher

I am currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology at NJIT. My interests in environmental and human health led me to the ECRL, where I assist with research focused on the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. Apart from my academic and research endeavors, I am a part of the Human Experience team at University Hospital, where I contribute to improving access to patient care services and the enhancement of the overall care experience.

Former Researchers

Graduate Students

Dr. Kaushik Londhe (PhD Advisee) - Engineer at Geosyntec Consultants

Dr. Patricia Clyde - (PhD Co-Advisee) - Environmental chemist at Gradient

Dr. Yuyin Tang - (PhD Co-Advisee) - Postdoc at NYS Center for Clean Water Technology

Dr. Duning Li - (PhD Co-Advisee) - Module Development Engineer, Intel

Justice Woke - (MS Advisee) - Research technician at PFAS Solutions

Postdocs/Technicians

Dr. Sudheera Yapratne (Post-doc) - Chemist II (E & L), SGS

Dr. Cheng-Shiuan Lee (Post-doc) - Assistant Research Fellow, Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica

Dr. Xiayan Ye (Post-doc) - Analytical Chemist

Dr. Amith Maroli (Post-doc) - Senior Scientist, Mount Sinai

Dr. Yi Zhang (Post-doc) - Research Scientist, Stony Brook University

Barbara Morrow (Technician) - M.D. student at West Virginia University

Undergraduate Researchers

Sophie Calish - B.S. at NJIT

Amanda Thomas - Ph.D. student at Northeastern University

Guangmei Liu - Ph.D. student in Biology at Boston University

Jie Tang

Jonathan Lubiantoro - Ph.D. Stony Brook University

Kellianne Ticcony

High School Interns

Isabella Sha (Simons Summer Research Intern)

Abhinav Avvaru (Simons Summer Research Intern)

Tanakamon Yimsiri (Simons Summer Research Intern)

Google Sites

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