Environmental Engineering

Dr. Neha Sharma in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Auburn University is seeking one creative and self-motivated Ph.D. or Master’s student to join her research group starting Spring/Fall 2026.

The successful candidate will conduct research in the areas of resource recovery, water treatment, and trace metal geochemistry in natural systems. The work will integrate laboratory and field studies using cutting‑edge analytical methods to investigate molecular‑scale mechanisms in environmental settings. Students will also have the opportunity to work with advanced synchrotron techniques for material characterization and gain interdisciplinary experience across environmental engineering and geochemistry.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in water treatment, resource recovery, and metal geochemistry.
• Perform laboratory and field experiments on biogeochemical processes in environmental systems.
• Utilize synchrotron‑based X‑ray techniques for material characterization.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; develop quantitative models where appropriate.
• Prepare scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

• B.S. or M.S. in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Willingness to engage in both laboratory and field research.
• Strong research aptitude, problem‑solving skills, and communication ability.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in oral and written English.

• Prior research experience in water quality or environmental chemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish original research.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams.
• Background in aqueous chemistry or solid‑phase characterization (e.g., XRD, FTIR, SEM).

Interested applicants should submit the following materials as a single PDF to Dr. Neha Sharma (neha.sharma ):

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)
• A representative publication or example of scientific writing
• Contact information for recommenders (names, affiliations, and email addresses)

Review of applications will begin immediately, and qualified candidates will be invited to apply for graduate admission.

Founded in 1856, Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier land‑grant institutions, known for its commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. Located in Auburn, Alabama, the university offers a collaborative and inclusive environment with state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and strong interdisciplinary programs across engineering, agriculture, and environmental sciences. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is nationally recognized for its impactful research in water quality, environmental chemistry, and sustainable infrastructure.