Dr. Adam Smith

Biography

Adam L. Smith received his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2014, and an M.S.E. in Environmental Engineering from the same institution in 2011. He completed his B.S. in Civil Engineering at Marquette University in 2009. He is currently a Professor in the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on evaluating emerging environmental biotechnologies to enhance the sustainability of water systems, targeting water infrastructure's critical interface with the natural environment. Historically, environmental engineers have aimed at protecting local water quality by minimizing pollutant loading in wastewater treatment, but his work aspires to a broader perspective involving regional and global environmental protection. He is particularly interested in developing systems that minimize energy demand and input while recovering valuable resources, including energy, nutrients, and water from waste streams. His research is especially pertinent in regions like Southern California where water shortages are severe, and embraces process engineering, microbial ecology, and advanced molecular biology tools for sustainability assessment.

Research Interests