Dr. Leanne Gilbertson

Associate Professor

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Biography

Leanne Gilbertson is an Associate Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University. Her research focuses on sustainable design and the development of emerging materials. Gilbertson integrates molecular design and systems-level analysis to advance minimally impactful, high-performing solutions to address pressing challenges at the intersection of environmental and public health. Prior to joining Duke in 2023, she was an Associate Professor and Fulton C. Noss Faculty Fellow in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her postdoctoral research at the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University. Gilbertson holds a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Education from Hamilton College, and both an M.S. and Ph.D. from Yale University's Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Her interdisciplinary research program focuses on designing materials to advance sustainable development solutions for drinking water treatment, food production, and antimicrobial resistance challenges. Gilbertson's work has been recognized with various awards, including the National Science Foundation CAREER award, the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award, and the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

Duke University • Durham, NC

Focused on sustainable design and development of emerging materials to address environmental challenges.

Associate Professor

— Present

University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

Led interdisciplinary research in civil and environmental engineering.

Awards

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National Science Foundation CAREER Award

#

Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award

#

3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award

#

Moore Inventor Fellow - Finalist

Courses

ENVIRON 542L: Environmental Aquatic Chemistry CEE 690: Advanced Topics Civil Environmental Engineering CEE 561L: Environmental Aquatic Chemistry CEE 515: Material Design Circular Economy CEE 461L: Environmental Aquatic Chemistry

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
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)