Our research group's mission is to make impactful intellectual contributions that link fundamental chemistry to environmental engineering and science by developing the next generation of researchers.
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Bahngmi (Angela) Jung - Assistant Research Scientist
Angela obtained her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 2005. Since then, she has been affiliated with several institutions, including Wright State University, the University of Toronto, and TAMU Qatar. She joined the Aquatic Chemistry lab in June 2023. Her research primarily focuses on the development and enhancement of treatment technologies for water, wastewater, groundwater, hazardous wastes, and contaminated soils. Her work has encompassed the synthesis and application of surface-modified nanoiron particles (s-NZVI) in remediating contaminated groundwater. Additionally, she specializes in water and wastewater treatment using advanced reduction processes (ARPs). Her extensive knowledge and experience have extended to the development of treatment processes that utilize chemical redox reactions to address hazardous compounds, including chlorinated organics, arsenic, selenium, bromate, chlorate, and more. Currently, she studies the degradation and defluorination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in ultraviolet advanced reduction processes (UV-ARP). Outside work, she enjoys leisurely walks, traveling, and playing music.
[email protected] - CV
Angela obtained her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 2005. Since then, she has been affiliated with several institutions, including Wright State University, the University of Toronto, and TAMU Qatar. She joined the Aquatic Chemistry lab in June 2023. Her research primarily focuses on the development and enhancement of treatment technologies for water, wastewater, groundwater, hazardous wastes, and contaminated soils. Her work has encompassed the synthesis and application of surface-modified nanoiron particles (s-NZVI) in remediating contaminated groundwater. Additionally, she specializes in water and wastewater treatment using advanced reduction processes (ARPs). Her extensive knowledge and experience have extended to the development of treatment processes that utilize chemical redox reactions to address hazardous compounds, including chlorinated organics, arsenic, selenium, bromate, chlorate, and more. Currently, she studies the degradation and defluorination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in ultraviolet advanced reduction processes (UV-ARP). Outside work, she enjoys leisurely walks, traveling, and playing music.
[email protected] - CV
Burke Leonce - Postdoctoral Researcher
Burke is interested in better understanding how fine-scale biogeochemical interactions within the critical zone influence ecosystem processes on a large scale. His research investigates the behavior of organic matter at the soil-water interface and its photochemical fate in aquatic systems. He is particularly interested in disturbance events such as wildfire and its impact on carbon cycling across soil, water, and atmospheric systems. Burke received a PhD in Geology from Baylor University in 2023, prior to which he obtained a MS and BS in Environmental Science from Texas Christian University and Troy University. Beyond research, he enjoys cycling, weight training, and sight-seeing with his wife Shermaye and their two children, Hailee and Hendrixe.
Burke is interested in better understanding how fine-scale biogeochemical interactions within the critical zone influence ecosystem processes on a large scale. His research investigates the behavior of organic matter at the soil-water interface and its photochemical fate in aquatic systems. He is particularly interested in disturbance events such as wildfire and its impact on carbon cycling across soil, water, and atmospheric systems. Burke received a PhD in Geology from Baylor University in 2023, prior to which he obtained a MS and BS in Environmental Science from Texas Christian University and Troy University. Beyond research, he enjoys cycling, weight training, and sight-seeing with his wife Shermaye and their two children, Hailee and Hendrixe.
Graduate students
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Ahmad Beyhaqi
PhD student, Environmental Engineering
My research focuses on understanding the impact of forest fires on water quality and ecological processes, with a particular emphasis on pyrogenic dissolved organic matter (pyDOM). By utilizing Spectro-electrochemical titration, I analyze the redox properties of pyDOM and its effects on the optical properties and radical generation potential of dissolved organic matter. As climate change drives more frequent and intense wildfires, my work aims to offer insights into carbon cycling, post-fire watershed recovery, and strategies for improving water quality. Outside of my research, I enjoy going to the gym, boxing, watching movies, riding motorcycle and spending time in nature, which helps me stay balanced and inspired.
PhD student, Environmental Engineering
My research focuses on understanding the impact of forest fires on water quality and ecological processes, with a particular emphasis on pyrogenic dissolved organic matter (pyDOM). By utilizing Spectro-electrochemical titration, I analyze the redox properties of pyDOM and its effects on the optical properties and radical generation potential of dissolved organic matter. As climate change drives more frequent and intense wildfires, my work aims to offer insights into carbon cycling, post-fire watershed recovery, and strategies for improving water quality. Outside of my research, I enjoy going to the gym, boxing, watching movies, riding motorcycle and spending time in nature, which helps me stay balanced and inspired.
Shunyu Yao
MS student, Environmental Engineering
Shunyu Yao graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.S in Chemistry and is currently a second year M.S student in Environmental Engineering. His current research focuses on photochemical properties of brown carbon. In his spare time Shunyu likes to watch classic anime, read historical archives, cook, camp, and work on cars.
MS student, Environmental Engineering
Shunyu Yao graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.S in Chemistry and is currently a second year M.S student in Environmental Engineering. His current research focuses on photochemical properties of brown carbon. In his spare time Shunyu likes to watch classic anime, read historical archives, cook, camp, and work on cars.
Ruiya Zhou
PhD student, Environmental Engineering
PhD student, Environmental Engineering
Undergraduate students
Dia Arakkal
BS Environmental Engineering
Dia is currently a junior undergraduate student studying Environmental Engineering. She hopes to pursue a career in Water/Wastewater Engineering and Environmental Policy/Law. In the Aquatic Chemistry Lab, she is studying PFAS treatment using UV-advanced reduction processes. Dia also serves as the Event Coordinator of the Association of Environmental Engineering Students (AEES) and is an EVEN Ambassador. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction, playing team sports, trying new recipes, and volunteering.
BS Environmental Engineering
Dia is currently a junior undergraduate student studying Environmental Engineering. She hopes to pursue a career in Water/Wastewater Engineering and Environmental Policy/Law. In the Aquatic Chemistry Lab, she is studying PFAS treatment using UV-advanced reduction processes. Dia also serves as the Event Coordinator of the Association of Environmental Engineering Students (AEES) and is an EVEN Ambassador. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction, playing team sports, trying new recipes, and volunteering.
Karson Mann
BS Environmental Engineering
BS Environmental Engineering
Group alumni
PhD and MS students
Shawnee Chavez BS Bioenvironmental Sciences/MS Environmental Engineering (2025), Current position: Environmental Engineer with Kennedy Jenks
Anya Allen BS Biochemistry/MS Environmental Engineering (2025), Current position: Plummer Associates
Kai Cheng PhD 2024
Benjamin Fennell PhD 2023, Current position: Lecturer, University of Tennessee Knoxville
Undergraduate students
Josue Benamu BS Environmental Engineering
Madison Zyetz BS Environmental Engineering, Current position: MS Student, Colorado School of Mines
Allen Troung BS Environmental Engineering student
Abby Chapman BS Environmental Engineering, Current position: MS Student, UT Austin **NSF GRFP Fellow**
Emilee Chrisman BS Civil Engineering (Cal Poly Pomona). Emilee participated in Texas A&M's LAUNCH Undergraduate Summer Research Program, a NSF-style REU program open to all undergraduate students (even those outside of Texas!). Emilee worked with Kai to build a series of LED photo reactors. Current position: Project Engineer, Laulea, Honolulu, HI
Adam Odorisio Adam graduated with his BS in Environmental Engineering from Texas A&M in spring 2022 (Whoop!). He is now working at Garver's Water Design Center in College Station, TX. Current position: MS Student, University of Colorado Boulder
Madison Zyetz BS Environmental Engineering, Current position: MS Student, Colorado School of Mines
Allen Troung BS Environmental Engineering student
Abby Chapman BS Environmental Engineering, Current position: MS Student, UT Austin **NSF GRFP Fellow**
Emilee Chrisman BS Civil Engineering (Cal Poly Pomona). Emilee participated in Texas A&M's LAUNCH Undergraduate Summer Research Program, a NSF-style REU program open to all undergraduate students (even those outside of Texas!). Emilee worked with Kai to build a series of LED photo reactors. Current position: Project Engineer, Laulea, Honolulu, HI
Adam Odorisio Adam graduated with his BS in Environmental Engineering from Texas A&M in spring 2022 (Whoop!). He is now working at Garver's Water Design Center in College Station, TX. Current position: MS Student, University of Colorado Boulder