Craig Klevan

I'm a PhD Candidate in Environmental Engineering at Brown University currently working on the remediation, fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment. My research focuses on understanding the physicochemical properties and behavior of PFAS in aqueous and soil systems as well as removal of these compounds from aqueous matrices by foam fractionation.

I work with Dr. Kurt Pennell and Dr. Linda Abriola studying how these emerging contaminants move through porous media like soil and aquifer materials. My recent work has involved determining fundamental properties of PFAS compounds like solubility and critical micelle concentration, as well as investigating their transport and competitive adsorption behavior in unsaturated soils. Furthermore, I study risks associated with PFAS leaching after application of biosolids in agricultural settings.

Beyond PFAS research, I've also contributed to projects involving engineered nanoparticles for scale inhibition and asphaltene inhibition in oil and gas applications, as well as environmental health research involving analysis of brain tissue for metals to determine correlations between metal concentrations and cognitive decline.

My work combines laboratory experiments with modeling approaches to better understand and predict contaminant behavior in environmental systems. Through this research, I aim to improve our understanding of how these persistent chemicals move through and interact with the environment, ultimately helping inform remediation strategies and risk assessment.