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Professor Dr. Lee Ferguson

Professor

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Biography

Lee Ferguson is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University, focusing on the development and application of analytical methods to measure organic pollutants in the environment. His research emphasizes high-resolution mass spectrometry to detect and quantify emerging contaminants in wastewater and drinking water. Since joining Duke in 2009, Ferguson has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and serves on advisory councils addressing environmental health concerns, particularly those linked to nanotechnology and perfluorinated substances. He played a pivotal role in establishing the North Carolina PFAS Testing Network to evaluate statewide drinking water contamination. His efforts contribute significantly to understanding how pollutants, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics, affect aquatic ecosystems and public health. Ferguson's extensive background includes positions at the University of South Carolina and completion of his PhD at Stony Brook University in 2002.

Research Interests

Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Analytical Chemistry High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Trace Organic Contaminant Analysis Environmental Fate of PFAS Microplastics Endocrine Disruption

Experience

Associate Professor

2003-01-01 — 2009-01-01

University of South Carolina • Columbia, SC

Teaching and research in the field of environmental health and analytical chemistry.

Awards

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Applied Research Fellowship

2022-01-01
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Kavli Frontiers of Science Fellow

2011-01-01
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Outstanding Performance Award

2003-01-01
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President's Award for Distinguished Doctoral Students

2002-01-01
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Honorable Mention

1998-01-01
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U.S. EPA STAR Graduate Fellowship

1998-01-01
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Belle W. Baruch Outstanding Undergraduate Marine Science Award

1997-01-01
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Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Fellow

1996-01-01
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Senior Scholars Scholarship

1996-01-01
#

Undergraduate Research Fellow, South Carolina EPSCoR

1995-01-01

Courses

MARSCI 573A: Coastal Marine Pollution MARSCI 393A: Research Independent Study ENVIRON 899: Master's Project ENVIRON 898: Program Area Seminar ENVIRON 667: Chemical Transformation of Environmental Contaminants ENVIRON 573A: Coastal Marine Pollution ENVIRON 566: Environmental Analytical Chemistry CEE 667: Chemical Transformation of Environmental Contaminants CEE 565: Environmental Analytical 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)