Education
- Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University
- M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida State University
Biography
Dr. Vu joined Marian University in Fall 2024 as an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He has over 10-year experience in environmental engineering, nanotechnology, wastewater treatment, and water quality. His research interests involve the application of nanotechnology to solve environmental challenges. His current work focuses on the development and use of innovative, effective, and sustainable nanobioremediation technologies for removing emerging contaminants.
In addition, he has taught a board range of civil and environmental engineering courses. His teaching approach combines flexible pedagogical techniques with collaborative engagement, fostering an environment where students can quickly learn new concepts and develop a deeper interest in the subject matter. He is dedicated to bridging theory and practice by encouraging students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world environmental problems, promoting active learning and critical thinking skills essential for their academic and professional growth.
Courses Taught
- Introduction to Engineering (EGR 101)
- Programming for Engineers (EGR 151)
- Surveying (CVE 301)
- Environmental Engineering (CVE 311)
- Engineering Economics (EGR 317)
- Engineering Statistics (EGR 326)
- Hydraulics Engineering (CVE 332)
- Environmental Nanotechnology (CVE 405)
- Environmental Microbiology (CVE 406)
Research and Scholarship
Research Interests: Environmental nanotechnology, microbiology, wastewater treatment, water treatment, water quality, emerging contaminants removal, advanced oxidation processes, membrane, bioinformatics, environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Selected Publications:
- Vu, K.A., “Microplastics in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants: Practical Monitoring Standards and Full-Scale Removal Performance.” Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste. 2026 (in press).
- Vu, K.A., “Biosurfactant–Nanomaterial Hybrid Systems as Green Engineering Solutions for Environmental Remediation.” Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 2026 Conferences and Exhibition, Toronto, Canada, 2026.
- Vu, K.A., “Urban water systems as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes: sources, microbiological mechanisms, and implications for environmental monitoring.” Total Environment Microbiology. 2026. 2 (2), 100090.
- Vu, K.A., “Plastics as Vectors for Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Aquatic Systems.” Water Science and Technology. 2026, 93(4), 552-568.
- Johnson, B.O, Shaffer M., North D., Vu, K.A., Bibby, K.J., “Assessing the Concentration Efficiency and Geographic and Temporal Distribution of Plasmid pBI143 in Wastewater.” Environmental Science and Technology Letters. 2024, 11(8), 812-817. (For a complete list of recent publications, please view Dr. Vu's Google Scholar Profile).
Professional Service and Affiliations
Editorial Roles:
- MDPI publisher (Guest Editor)
- Springer publisher (Assistant Editor)
- Frontiers publisher (Review Editor)
Professional Memberships:
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- American Water Works Association
- American Society for Engineering Education
- Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) Unleashed Faculty Development
Community & Public Engagement
- Faculty Board of Appeals
- Senate Committee
- Institutional Assessment Committee
- Community Outreach ESW SOE
- St. Patrick Scholar Award Committee
Personal Info
Environmental Consultant/Engineer with over 10-year experience in environmental engineering, nanotechnology, microbiology, water/wastewater treatment, water quality, soil remediation, air pollution control, environmental management (ISO 14001), hazardous waste management, risk assessment, environmental impact assessment (EIA), life cycle assessment (LCA), and environmental law & policy.
Website: Google Scholar Profile
