Dr. Mark E. Zappi, P.E., brings more than 25 years of experience in sustainability, resource recovery, and environmental engineering technologies, working across the full spectrum from early-stage research to real-world implementation. At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, he serves as Executive Director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana, Director of the Center for Environmental Protection, and leads the Zappi Center for Optimizing Recovery and Environmental Sustainability (Z-CORES), where he advances interdisciplinary solutions focused on environmental stewardship, circular economy technologies, and sustainable industrial systems.
A proud UL Lafayette graduate, Dr. Zappi earned his BS in Civil Engineering before completing his MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering at Mississippi State University. He holds the BORSF Chair in Bioprocesses and is a dedicated professor in the UL Lafayette Department of Chemical Engineering, where he continues to mentor the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Throughout his career, Dr. Zappi has authored more than 300 technical publications, delivered over 750 presentations, secured 10 patents, and served as a licensed professional engineer in Louisiana. His leadership has helped secure more than $120 million in research funding and guide numerous large-scale, multi-partner initiatives focused on sustainable technologies, environmental resilience, and resource optimization.
Through Z-CORES, Dr. Zappi leads research efforts spanning wastewater treatment, waste valorization, green materials, sustainable energy transition technologies, and environmental sustainability systems. His work emphasizes practical innovation and industry collaboration, helping bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and deployable solutions that benefit both industry and communities.
Beyond his academic and research achievements, Dr. Zappi remains deeply engaged in supporting Louisiana communities and industries. He frequently collaborates with municipal and state leaders to evaluate emerging technologies, strengthen economic resilience, and promote environmentally responsible development practices. His passion for sustainability, environmental protection, and resource recovery makes him an invaluable leader within the Z-CORES mission.
Key Areas of Expertise: Wastewater Treatment, Waste Valorization, Sustainable Energy Systems, Green Materials, Environmental Engineering, Bioprocessing, Process Commercialization, & Resource Recovery Technologies
