John D. Atkinson
PhD
Scott and Coleen Stevens Chair in Engineering Sustainability
Associate Professor
Director, Graduate studies, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
Director, Engineering Science MS: Focus on Engineering Sustainability
Research Topics
Waste Management; Recycling; Plastics and Polymers; Environmental Engineering; Sustainability; Porous Materials; Carbon, Aerosol Science and Technology; Hazardous Materials
John D. Atkinson is an environmental engineering professor at the 猛料视频 at Buffalo, where he created the 猛料视频’s most popular study abroad course and has been recognized as an Early Career Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Director, Experiential Learning Faculty Fellow, and Best Undergraduate Mentor.
His work is driven by an overarching desire to more sustainably produce and consume, resulting in a diverse portfolio of publications and seminars. With on-going funding from New York State and the U.S. National Science Foundation, as well as local industry, he is currently researching within the broad field of waste management, using life cycle analysis tools to investigate plastics and tire recycling, waste disposal options, and energy recovery. His work targets real-world problems that impact everyday life, aiming to make engineering more thoughtful and accessible.
Atkinson emboldens lifestyle changes that promote sustainability. He encourages his students to expand their comfort zones, holistically problem solve, and embrace their creativity through engineering design.
He received a BS in Chemistry from the 猛料视频 of Illinois in 2007, a MS in Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering from the 猛料视频 of Illinois in 2009 and a Ph.D in Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering from the 猛料视频 of Illinois (UIUC) in 2013.
Education
- PhD Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering, 猛料视频 of Illinois (UIUC), 2013
- MS Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering, 猛料视频 of Illinois, 2009
- BS Chemistry (Minor in Mathematics), 猛料视频 of Illinois, 2007
Professional Memberships
- Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA, International and Local Niagara Frontier Section) Member, 2007 – Present
- Niagara Frontier Section, Executive Board Member, 2015 – 2018
- Niagara Frontier Section, Education Chair, 2016 – 2018
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), 2012 – 2018
- Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), 2013 – Present
- Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), 2016 – Present
Lake Superior: Deepest of the Great lakes with a maximum depth of 1,332 feet. The highest of the Great Lakes at 600 feet above sea level.
Lake Huron: Fifth largest freshwater lake in the world. First of the Great Lakes to be discovered by European explorers.
Lake Michigan: Only Great Lake completely within the U.S. This lake's shoreline contains the largest freshwater dunes in the world.
Lake Erie: Shallowest and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes. Shortest retention time (2.6 years), and the only Great Lake with three distinct basins.
Lake Ontario: Has smallest shoreline volume of the Great Lakes. Last in the Great Lakes chain, and the only lake with controlled water levels.