Dr. Saerom Park | Remediation Technology | Best Researcher Award 

Korea Institute of Civil engineering building Technology, South Korea

👨‍🎓 Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Saerom Park earned her B.S. in Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering from Korea University, Seoul, in 2009, achieving an impressive GPA of 3.96/4.5. She continued her studies at Purdue University, where she completed both her M.S. (2013) and Ph.D. (2017) in Environmental Science, specializing in Environmental Chemistry within the Interdisciplinary Ecological Science and Engineering Program, both with a GPA of 3.89/4.0. Her early academic endeavors laid a strong foundation for her expertise in environmental issues and analytical chemistry.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Park currently serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Science and Technology in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department since March 2023. She is also a Senior Researcher at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, where she has been contributing to environmental research since December 2019. Her previous roles include postdoctoral positions at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and The University of Georgia, as well as research and teaching positions at Purdue University.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Park’s research primarily revolves around micropollutants, focusing on developing analytical technologies for contaminants such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and microplastics (MPs). Her current projects include: Investigating the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in various water systems, Developing advanced treatment technologies for micropollutant destruction in groundwater and wastewater, Implementing AI-based technologies for optimization and automation in micropollutant management.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Park’s research addresses critical environmental challenges posed by micropollutants, particularly PFAAs, which are known for their persistence and potential health risks. Her work contributes significantly to understanding and mitigating the impact of these contaminants on ecosystems and human health, particularly in groundwater resources. Her interdisciplinary approach positions her as a key figure in environmental science and engineering.

📚 Academic Cites

Dr. Park has a commendable record of scholarly contributions and presentations, which has garnered recognition within the scientific community. Her work has led to several awards, including the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (2018-2020) and the Purdue Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship (2017). These accolades underscore her contributions to the field and the impact of her research.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Park possesses a diverse set of technical skills essential for her research, including: Analytical Techniques: FT-IR microscopy, Pyr-GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, qTOF/MS/MS, GC/ECD/TCD/FID/MS, ICP/MS, and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Laboratory Proficiency: Ion Chromatography, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Total Organic Analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis, Specialized Equipment: Anaerobic Chamber, Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode, and Zetasizer nano ZSA.

📖 Teaching Experience

As an educator, Dr. Park has imparted her knowledge through various teaching roles. She is currently teaching Water Quality Management of Rivers and Lakes as an Associate Professor and has served as a lab instructor for Environmental Soil Chemistry at Purdue University. Her teaching approach emphasizes hands-on experience and real-world applications of environmental science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Saerom Park’s commitment to environmental science and engineering continues to drive her research and teaching. Her efforts in developing innovative analytical technologies and treatment methods for micropollutants have the potential to significantly improve water quality management practices. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her research on AI applications in environmental monitoring and remediation, further solidifying her legacy in the field.

📖  Notable Publications

Denitrification dynamics in unsaturated soils with different porous structures and water saturation degrees: A focus on the shift in microbial community structures
  • Authors: Oh, S., Cho, K., Park, S., Chung, J., Lee, S.
  • Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
  • Year: 2023
Long-Term Examination of Water Chemistry Changes Following Treatment of Cyanobacterial Bloom with Coagulants and Minerals
  • Authors: Lee, B., Kang, H., Oh, H.-C., Yun, S.-L., Kim, S.
  • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
  • Year: 2022
Concentration of Microplastics in Road Dust as a Function of the Drying Period—A Case Study in G City, Korea
  • Authors: Kang, H., Park, S., Lee, B., Kim, I., Kim, S.
  • Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
  • Year: 2022
Role of borate buffer in organic degradation by peroxymonosulfate in the presence of metal oxides
  • Authors: Park, S., Oh, S., Kim, I.
  • Journal: Water (Switzerland)
  • Year: 2021
Impact of chitosan pretreatment to reduce microfibers released from synthetic garments during laundering
  • Authors: Kang, H., Park, S., Lee, B., Ahn, J., Kim, S.
  • Journal: Water (Switzerland)
  • Year: 2021
Identification of iron and sulfate release processes during riverbank filtration using chemical mass balance modeling
  • Authors: An, S., Kang, P.K., Stuyfzand, P.J., Yun, S.-T., Lee, S.
  • Journal: Environmental Geochemistry and Health
  • Year: 2021
Estimating the reducing power of carbon nanotubes and granular activated carbon using various compounds
  • Authors: Woo, H., Kim, I., Park, S.
  • Journal: Water (Switzerland)
  • Year: 2021

 

Saerom Park Remediation Technology Best Researcher Award