For his significant research and scientific contributions at the interface of microbial ecology/biotechnology and environmental bioengineering, leading to deeper understanding of microbial communities in biological reactors and other environmental systems. His pioneering research relating microbial ecology to bioreactor function has elucidated fundamental mechanisms in, and led to improvements in design and operation of: aerobic processes for transforming water pollutants and nutrients, anaerobic and phototrophic processes for converting wastes and biomass to energy, sustainable sanitation systems, and wastewater treatment and collection systems. He has advocated for sustainable sanitation, particularly in underserved communities.
He has served as adjunct professor, research collaborator, mentor to graduate students, and speaker and resource person for several universities in the Philippines. He has been Board Member, Board Chair, and President of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering.
Educational Background:
- B.S Agricultural Engineering - University of the Philippines Los Baños 1990
- M.S Civil Engineering - Iowa State University 1994
- Ph.D. Environmental Engineering- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2000
Research Interest:
- Molecular Microbial Ecology
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Waste and Wastewater Treatment and Conversion to Resources and Energy, Bioreactor Design
- Environmental Microbiology
- Sanitation in Developing Regions
Honors and Awards Received:
- 2021 - Board Certified Environmental Engineering Member by Eminence, AAEES (American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists)
- 2021 - Fellow, Water Environment Federation
- 2020 - Patents for Humanity Award, US Patent Office (for Flexcrevator patent)
- 2019 - NC State Academy of Excellence in global Engagement
- 2018 - RELX Group Environmental Challenge Award (for Flexcrevator Project)
- 2018 - NC State Outstanding Teacher Award
- 2017 - Steven K. Dentel AEESP Award for Global Outreach
- 2017 - Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Honor Award - American Academy of Environmental Engineers
- 2015 - Water Environment Federation Gordon M. Fair Distinguished Engineering Educator Award
- 2015 - Alumni Association in America Distinguished Alumnus - University of the Philippines
- 2015 - Alumni Outstanding Extension Award - NC State
- 2015 - NC State Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement
- 2015 - Outstanding Alumnus Award - University of the Philippines Los Baños
- 2015 - Outstanding Alumnus Award - Marist School
- 2014 - Outstanding Global Engagement Award
- 2013 - Service Award - Assoc. of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors
- 2013 - Koh Lectureship Award in Engineering - Philippine-American Academy of Scientists and Engineers
- 2012 - Jackson Rigney International Service Award
- 2011 - Gawad Lagablab Award (Outstanding Alumnus of Philippine Science HS for Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology - Philippine Science High School
- 2010 - Outstanding Young Alumnus Award - Iowa State University
- 2008 - Balik Scientist Award - Department of Science and Technology
- 1990 - Outstanding Student Award - University of the Philippines
- 1990 - Science Award - Bank of the Philippine Islands
- 1990 - Honor Society for Over all Academic Excellence - Phi Kappa Phi Award
- 1990 - Academic Excellence Award - Gamma Sigma Delta