Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Fate and Transport
PFAS are emerging contaminants with many unknowns regarding their behavior in the environment. Understanding their fate and transport is essential for accurate risk assessments and the development of effective management strategies to safeguard public and private water resources. In our research lab, we investigate the interactions between PFAS and soil components to elucidate the physicochemical processes that influence contaminant mobility, persistence, and bioavailability in natural systems. Our work advances reactive transport modeling by integrating molecular-scale insights, thereby improving the accuracy of simulations under dynamic subsurface conditions. Utilizing a combination of experimental approaches including advanced wet-chemistry techniques and state-of-the-art surface complexation, we characterize the fundamental contaminant-sorbent interactions that govern PFAS behavior. Together with our team of collaborators, we integrate these findings into groundwater modeling applications to simulate and predict the subsurface transport and fate of PFAS.
Brownfields Revitalization Anti-Displacement Strategies (BRADS) Program
The BRADs program is a national resource and technical assistance hub that provides guidance and training in developing and applying equity-centered and economically inclusive anti-displacement strategies. Through research, technical assistance and outreach, the BRADS team focuses on understanding displacement risks in brownfield neighborhoods and beyond, while identifying and promoting effective anti-displacement strategies. Through the program we provide actionable solutions, resources, and guidance to mitigate displacement caused by brownfields redevelopment to communities nationwide. Our team committed to ensuring that brownfields revitalization leads to equitable development, with a focus on preserving affordable housing, fostering community-led planning, and protecting vulnerable populations from displacement. View the BRADS Progam Trifold and Factsheet to learn more about our goals and initiatives. The program is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency through a Cooperative Agreement titled “Minimizing Displacement Resulting from Brownfields Assessment, Cleanup and Reuse” (2023-2027). Read more about the project on the BRADS Website.
EPA PREPARED Building evidence-based tools to integrate community experiences
The PREPARED program was created to promote readiness and enhance proficiency to advance reporting and data for EPA and State Revolving Funds (SRF) for clean and drinking water programs applicants and grantees. The program was oriented towards building community capacity on evidence-based approaches to advance data dissemination, reporting, and integration of lived community experiences. Technical assistance, program outreach, and community engagement support was offered through the PREPARED program to communities in New England. View some of the program’s resources for collecting and analyzing narratives on the Community Narratives Guide. The program was funded by Environmental Protection Agency through a Cooperate Agreement titled “PREPARED: Building evidence-based tools to integrate community experiences” (2024-2025 terminated). Read more about the project on the EPA PREPARED Website.
Blue Economy Initiatives and Community Resilience Technical Assistance Projects
As part of UMassD’s Blue Economy Initiative, the Community Resilience Technical Assistance Program supports Massachusetts coastal municipalities in assessing climate vulnerability and developing effective adaptation strategies. The program focuses on identifying vulnerable populations and infrastructure, analyzing climate hazards such as sea level rise and extreme weather, and guiding the implementation of nature-based, policy, and infrastructure solutions to enhance community resilience.