environmental engineering

Apr 30, 2019

Field Study Finds Pellet-Fed Stoves Cut Pollutant Emissions 90%, Nearing Gas-Stove Performance

A field study in Rwanda finds that a new cookstove design, which makes use of compressed wood pellets, reduces air pollution by about 90% for a range of contaminants associated with health problems and climate change. 

Dec 5, 2018

Experts Lay Out Options For Future of Energy Storage in North Carolina

A report by NC State experts details energy storage options to inform energy policy. 

Oct 8, 2018

Assessing How Florence Affected the Very Ground We Stand On

After Florence, experts moved in to assess the damage. NC State's Brina Montoya was one of them. 

Apr 16, 2018

Finding GenX

While searching for sources of bromide in the Cape Fear River watershed nearly five years ago, NC State environmental engineer Detlef Knappe and his team found more than they were looking for: high concentrations of a number of unexpected industrial chemicals in drinking water, including one — GenX — that has entered the popular vernacular in North Carolina. 

Jan 30, 2018

Energizing African Development

Lack of access to reliable power is termed “energy poverty,” and we are studying efforts to address it. 

Aug 7, 2017

Benefits of Advanced Wood-Burning Stoves Greater Than Thought

Research finds that advanced wood-burning stoves designed for use in the developing world can reduce air pollution more than anticipated. 

Mar 22, 2017

Hands-On Model Helps Students Understand Genetic Engineering

A team of faculty and undergraduate researchers have created an interactive, physical model to teach students about genetics and biological processes at the cellular level. 

Sep 26, 2016

The Next Generation of Greenhouses May Be Power Plants

Researchers from NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill are launching a project to develop next generation greenhouses with built-in solar cells that make use of the entire spectrum of solar light. 

Nov 12, 2015

Toilets, Pit Latrines and Adventures in Human Waste

According to Francis de los Reyes III, the problem with World Toilet Day is that it focuses almost entirely on toilets. And he's working on that. 

Sep 29, 2015

Modeling Tool IDs Genes That Control Stress Response in Plants

An interdisciplinary team of researchers has developed a modeling algorithm that is able to identify genes associated with specific biological functions in plants. The modeling tool will help plant biologists target individual genes that control how plants respond to drought, high temperatures or other environmental stressors. 

Sep 24, 2015

Automobile Emissions Expert Can Discuss Volkswagen Scandal, Emissions Testing

Reporters interested in understanding how VW cheated, what emissions tests are and how they work, and how these deceptions can be detected can contact vehicle emissions expert Chris Frey. 

Jun 3, 2015

How Do Scientists Predict the Size of a ‘Dead Zone’?

What causes the enormous 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico? And how do researchers predict how big it will be? 

Apr 2, 2015

A Safer Way to Deal With Raw Sewage in the Developing World

In 2011, an engineering student came up with an idea to save lives by help people in the developing world deal with raw sewage. Four years and several countries later, the technology is beginning to come into focus. 

Oct 11, 2012

Noble Work: Improving Global Sanitation

An enterprising environmental engineering student finds ways to improve sanitation in developing countries. 

Apr 28, 2011

Engineers Without Borders

Engineering students Ross Varin and Megan Smithmyer went to Sierra Leone to find ways to help supply clean drinking water. They returned with new plans for their careers.