Manisha Patel
B.S. Lamar University, 2017
My research focuses on disinfection processes for controlling antibiotic resistance in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). WWTPs serve as hotspots for wastewater collected from various sources including homes, industries, and hospitals. WWTPs are also stated as prime locations for detecting antibiotic resistance bacteria, which ultimately lead to negative human health impacts. It is important to find a sustainable solution to this world-wide health problem. My current research aims to understand the impact of different disinfection methods on antibiotic resistant genes, particularly the multidrug resistant gene New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase-1 (NDM-1), which is responsible for numerous global health issues including bloodstream infections and pneumonia. Clean drinking water is essential for life; risks posed by antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes in the aquatic environments can have dire consequences in public health. Therefore, I am excited and passionate about learning and working in such a significant field.
Seth Pedersen
B.S. University of Houston, 2015
M.S. Rice University, 2019
I was born in Wyoming and grew up in Houston, Texas, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Houston. During my time there, I became interested in water treatment issues, especially in the developing world and in water-stressed desert regions. I did undergraduate research with Prof. Shankar Chellam on pretreatments for nanofiltration, and then went on to pursue my MS with Prof. Qilin Li at Rice. Since coming to Rice, I’ve worked on a solar-based membrane distillation technology, and am now focusing on surface modifications for controlling inorganic scaling in membrane applications. I am a NASA research fellow, and one specific application I am investigating is water recovery from urine on long-term space exploration missions.
Ze He
Yutong Xu