Current Group Members
David Hanigan, PhD, PE
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno
Phone: 775-682-7517
Ibrahim Abusallout
Post-Doc

​I was born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Gaza Strip, Palestine. I received my BSc in Civil Engineering at The Islamic University – Gaza and graduated from South Dakota State University with masters and doctorate in Civil Engineering in 2019. My research interests including formation and degradation of disinfection byproducts, emerging contaminants, surface water protection and water reuse practices.  I am currently working on analysis and identification of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in water
Kevin Stewart
Ph.D. Student

I’m originally from Dallas, Texas and attended the University of North Texas where I received bachelor’s degrees in ecology and chemistry. I am interested in environmental chemistry and my research at UNR focuses on disinfection byproduct formation during aquifer storage and recovery. I love hiking, trail running, biking, and getting out in the mountains and desert whenever I can!
Mingrui Song
Ph.D. Student

I come from China. I received my master's degree of environmental engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology, China and bachelors' from University of South China. My research interests are drinking water or wastewater treatment. I love mountain climbing and hiking.
Junli Wang
Ph.D. Student

I am from China and I received my master's degree of environmental engineering from the Harbin Institute of Technology, China and bachelors' from Wuhan University, China in 2014. My research interest is identification & quantification of emerging contaminants by novel pretreatment methods. I enjoy cycling and swimming.
Aron Chan
Undergraduate Researcher

​I was born and raised in Reno and I am currently working on my Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. My research interests include wastewater treatment processes and environmental implications. I enjoy various physical activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and training calisthenics strength skills.

Graduates
Priyamvada Sharma
Ph.D. (2021)

I'm native to India and have been in the United States since 2012. I've started my PhD in environmental engineering (spring, 2018). I have lived in Alaska for 5.5 years, where I finished my masters and worked for an environmental consulting firm. I love kayaking and discussing geeky ideas on any random topic.
Utsav Thapa
Ph.D. (2021)

I am ​originally from Dharan, Nepal. I received my Bachelors of Agricultural Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal and Master’s from South Dakota State University, SD, USA.  My research interest is in water quality and environmental conservation. I enjoy travelling and trekking around Himalayans. 
Libby McKenna
M.S. (2020)
Now with Corona Environmental Consulting

I was born in Nepal and raised in New Mexico. After living in DC the past few years, I've decided to use my chemistry degree (Carleton College '15) to learn more about water and wastewater. I enjoy learning about social issues, contact sports, and developing side hustles.
Saeed Arabi
M.S. ChemE (2020, Co-advised with Dr. Sage Hiibel)

I am originally from Kermanshah, Iran. I received both my bachelors and master’s degree of Chemical Engineering from University of Tehran. My research interests are in separation by barriers, membrane fabrication and characterization and electrospinning processes. I am a soccer player and I enjoy playing tennis as well.
Andrew Poustie
M.S. (2018)
Now with Stantec Engineering

​Andrew is a native of Melbourne, Australia but now resides in the United States. Former Division I NCAA Tennis player. Studying Civil Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Prior Undergraduate Researchers

Jackson Alicata (2018-2019, BS ChemE)
Chelsea Cluff (2016-2017, BS CEE)

The University

The University of Nevada, Reno is an urban campus located in Reno, NV (pop. 450,000 Elev. 4,700 ft.) and is Carnegie classified as having very high research activity (R1).  Reno is in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains which provides the city with >300 days of sunshine per year.  Lake Tahoe and world class skiing are approximately 35 miles from campus. San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma are 3.5 hours away. Annual enrollment is 22,000 students.  Both Civil and Environmental Engineering are nationally ranked in the top 100 by US News and World Report (#55, #59, respectively).

For information on Reno, the campus, and graduate life here, visit:
http://www.unr.edu/gsa/living-in-reno