ESE student awarded fellowship to study membrane technology related to water
Oct. 6, 2014
Ariel Atkinson, doctoral student in environmental sciences and engineering at the Gillings School, has received a fellowship from the National Water Research Institute and American Membrane Technology Association to support her research.
The competitive fellowship is given annually to two outstanding graduate students in the U.S. who are conducting original and promising research to advance membrane technology in the areas of water, wastewater or water reuse.
Atkinson works with the Coronell Research Group at the Gillings School, led by environmental sciences and engineering assistant professor Orlando Coronell, PhD, to develop membranes that protect against biological fouling, also called biofouling. That process – the accumulation of microbiotic, plant or animal life on wet surfaces – may manifest in a variety of ways, from biofilm to barnacles.
“Ariel’s winning this very competitive award is a testament to her capability as a researcher and the importance of her research,” Coronell said. “Her work on this project contributes to solving one of the most important operational problems for water purification in the membrane industry.”