Dr. Heileen Kim

Professor

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Biography

Heileen Hsu-Kim is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University, specializing in environmental engineering, particularly in aquatic chemistry and geochemistry. Her research addresses critical issues related to pollutant metals and the biogeochemical processes that alter their distribution in water, soil, and air. Dr. Hsu-Kim's work has significant applications in environmental remediation technologies, the impacts of energy production on water resources, global environmental health, and the implications of nanotechnology applications. Currently, her research focuses on mercury biogeochemistry, the impacts of coal ash disposal on water quality, recovering valuable materials from geological wastes, and the health impacts of trace metal and metalloid exposures. A central theme in her work is the utilization of chemical speciation to understand and predict the persistence, mobility, and bioavailability of metals and minerals in aquatic environments. Her group employs laboratory techniques for quantifying trace element speciation and assessing the reactivity and bioavailability of contaminant metals, as well as methods to probe interactions at mineral, water, and microbial interfaces.

Research Interests

Awards

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Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers

Courses

ENVIRON 899: Master's Project ENVIRON 666: Aquatic Geochemistry ENVIRON 542L: Environmental Aquatic Chemistry ENERGY 796T: Bass Connections Energy & Environment Research Team ENERGY 795T: Bass Connections Energy & Environment Research Team ENERGY 396T: Bass Connections Energy & Environment Research Team ENERGY 395T: Bass Connections Energy & Environment Research Team CEE 890: Advanced Topics Civil & Environmental Engineering CEE 692: Independent Study: Advanced Topics Civil Environmental Engineering CEE 691: Independent Study: Advanced Topics Civil Environmental Engineering CEE 666: Aquatic Geochemistry CEE 561L: Environmental Aquatic Chemistry CEE 493: Research Independent Study in Civil Environmental Engineering CEE 461L: Environmental Aquatic Chemistry CEE 394: Research Independent Study in Civil Environmental Engineering CEE 393: Research Independent Study in Civil Environmental Engineering

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
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  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)