News
Research could lead to cheaper, better testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in US drinking water
A new investigation from the University of Kansas improves detection of PFAS, a family of so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water supplies. The method, which can measure such trace pollution levels of PFAS in water more quickly and inexpensively than current techniques, recently was published in the open-source journal PLOS Water.
Engineering professor charts unexpected career path from thermodynamics to whiskey barrels
Chris Depcik, University of Kansas professor of mechanical engineering, has created a solution to help distillers better predict how spirits mature inside a barrel.
WISE Hosts Spring 2026 Wonderful Undergraduate Research Symposium
WISE proudly hosted its Spring 2026 Wonderful Undergraduate Research Symposium. Students presented projects related to refrigerant separation technologies and PFAS removal from water, as well as studies examining greener chemical processing methods and the effects of compressed CO2 on plastic hydrocracking. Other presentations highlighted the development of hands-on laboratory experiments using hydrogels and emulsions to support undergraduate education.
School of Engineering faculty member earns NSF CAREER Award for advancing sustainable plastics solutions
Ana Morais, assistant professor of chemical & petroleum engineering, received the prestigious award for research focused on improving how difficult-to-recycle plastics can be converted into useful products while advancing broader sustainability efforts through education and outreach.