News

Farewell to Djamila Lesch following a successful research visit

March, 2026

Djamila Lesch, a PhD student from Eawag, Switzerland, has concluded her two-month visit in the Sedlak Group. During her stay, she conducted a series of interviews to better understand the factors driving the increasing implementation of potable water reuse projects in the United States. By learning from these developments, she aims to generate valuable insights for similarly transformative innovations in urban water management and other infrastructure sectors.

Second edition of the Berkeley Water Day to explore the topic of water management under climatic extremes

March, 2026

On March 17, one year after the first edition, the Berkeley Water Center hosted its second annual Water Day, bringing together leading experts to address the challenges of managing water under climate extremes. Keynote speaker Prof. Bridget Scanlon (UT Austin) presented the use of satellite remote sensing to address water-related challenges, while Prof. Soroosh Sorooshian (UC Irvine) highlighted the realities, limitations, and expectations of hydrometeorological forecasting. The program also featured lightning talks from Peter Nico (LBNL) and UC Berkeley faculty members Cynthia Gerlein-Safdi, Lucas Vargas Zeppetello, and Manuela Girotto. To finish the day, students shared their research through one-minute pitches followed by poster presentations.

Farewell: Tae Joins Exponent as Senior Associate

January, 2026

Congratulations to Tae, who is transitioning from the Sedlak Group to join Exponent as a Senior Associate within the Environmental and Earth Sciences practice. During his postdoc, Tae made lasting contributions across two major research programs. As part of our Superfund project, he advanced the management of chlorinated solvents contamination and developed practical field sampling guidelines, work that directly supports how practitioners approach complex site investigations. Through our SERDP-funded research, he developed an advanced Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay methodology for PFAS analysis, including volatile PFAS, which enables real-time evaluation of oxidation progress. He also applied a combined TOP assay + EPA Method 1633 framework to evaluate remediation effectiveness at military installations, pushing the field toward more rigorous and reliable cleanup assessment. Beyond his research, Tae mentored PhD students, contributing to their research and dissertation work, and dedicated four years to leading community education and outreach efforts as a co-leader of the UC Berkeley Superfund Research Program (SRP) outreach team, bringing environmental science directly to the communities most affected by contamination. We are proud of what Tae has built here and excited to see him bring this expertise to Exponent. Wishing him all the best in this next chapter!

Congratulations to Tae: ES&T Excellence in Review Award

January, 2026

We are thrilled to share that Tae has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 ES&T Excellence in Review Award from Environmental Science & Technology. This award recognizes researchers who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the scientific community through consistent, high-quality peer review. It is a reflection of Tae’s deep engagement with the broader environmental science field. Beyond his own research in PFAS analysis and chlorinated contaminants, he has given his time and expertise to rigorously evaluating the work of others. Please join us in congratulating Tae on this well-deserved recognition!

Natalia Sergienko to Join Exponent as Senior Scientist

July, 2025

Congratulations to Natalia Sergienko, who is leaving the Sedlak Group to join Exponent as a Senior Scientist in the Corrosion and Materials Engineering Practice.

During her time as a postdoc, Natalia led studies on cathodic electroscaling and long term performance of gas diffusion cathodes. She also played an important role in several NAWI projects and collaborations with LBNL.

Anushka Mishrra to Begin Postdoc at Duke University

June, 2025

Anushka Mishrra is leaving the Sedlak Group to begin a postdoctoral position in the Hsu-Kim research group at Duke University. Her work will focus on developing strategies to recover critical resources from acid mine waste.

During her time in the group, Anushka completed a project on the development of sustainable filter media for oxyanion removal. We’ll miss her curiosity, energy, and thoughtful contributions. Congratulations and best of luck on this next step!

Anthony DeSalvo Wins 2nd Place at 2025 UCOWR/NIWR Conference

June, 2025

Congratulations to Anthony DeSalvo, who earned second place among all student presentations at the 2025 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference in Minneapolis. His talk, “Fate of PFAS in a Subsurface Wetland Receiving Treated Wastewater and Municipal Wastewater Reuse Concentrate,” showcased pilot-scale data on nature-based treatment as a strategy for PFAS retention in concentrated water streams.

Well done, Anthony! We’re excited to see where your research takes you next!

Welcoming Visiting Professor Orah Rein to the Group

May, 2025

We are happy to welcome Dr. Orah Rein, a visiting professor joining our group this summer. Dr. Rein is a wetland scientist from the Ministry of Agriculture in Israel, with expertise in using wetlands to treat agricultural runoff in arid climates that closely aligns with our ongoing work on horizontal levees.

She will be with us through August, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate and learn from her. Feel free to reach out to Orah if you’re curious about her work or want to chat about your own research!

Yanghua Duan Joins Colorado State University Faculty

April, 2025

We are excited to share that former Sedlak Group postdoc Dr. Yanghua Duan will join the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado State University as an Assistant Professor this August.

Yanghua’s work focuses on electrochemical and membrane technologies for sustainable water treatment and resource recovery. After his time at Berkeley, he continued his research at the Rice Center for Membrane Excellence.

He is currently looking for PhD students to join his new lab, interested applicants are encouraged to reach out.

David Sedlak Gives 2025 Teale Lecture at UConn

March, 2025

Prof. David Sedlak delivered a lecture at the University of Connecticut as part of the 2023–2024 Edwin Way Teale Lecture Series on Nature and the Environment. His talk, “Realizing the Promise of Nature-Based Water Treatment in the Age of Climate Change Adaptation,” highlighted innovative uses of natural systems like horizontal levees and open water wetlands for improving water quality and climate resilience.

David Sedlak Receives the 2025 ES&T Outstanding Achievements Award

March, 2025

We’re proud to share that Prof. David Sedlak has been named one of the winners of the 2025 Outstanding Achievements in Environmental Science & Technology Award by Environmental Science & Technology and ES&T Letters.

This award recognizes individuals whose research has led to meaningful improvements in environmental protection or human health. David was recognized for his contributions to water quality innovation, including nature-based treatment systems, hazardous waste remediation, and decentralized water treatment technologies.

ACS Spring 2025 Wrap-Up: Advancing Water Quality Through Innovation

March, 2025

As ACS Spring 2025 comes to a close, we’re excited to share some highlights.

Prof. David Sedlak began with a talk on using constructed wetlands to improve water quality and then joined a discussion on chemical innovations and nature-based solutions for water and climate resilience. Later, he was honored with the ES&T Journals Award for Outstanding Achievements and presented his work on transitioning “from discovery to control and stewardship” of trace organic contaminants in urban water systems.

Several group members also showcased their latest research. Jonathan ‘Jono’ Uhler focused on the fate of trace metals in subsurface wetlands, Juan Salazar examined how contaminant behavior influences chemical oxidation, Natalia Sergienko explored the impact of scale formation on advanced oxidation processes, and Tae-Kyoung Kim presented rapid approaches for treating nitroaromatic compounds.

Sedlak Group arrived to ACS Spring 2025

March, 2025

Jonathan ‘Jono’ Uhler, Juan Salazar, Natalia Sergienko, Tae-Kyoung Kim and Prof. David Sedlak have arrived at the ACS Spring 2025 Conference. They look forward to presenting their latest research breakthroughs, engaging with the scientific community, and exploring new directions in water treatment innovation. Stay tuned for updates from the conference!

Berkeley Water Center Hosts Water Day Event: Addressing Water Challenges of a Changing Climate

March, 2025

The Berkeley Water Center hosted a Water Day event on March 20 at UC Berkeley, bringing together leading experts and policymakers to address urgent water challenges. Prof. Kongjian Yu discussed flooding, Prof. Menachem Elimelech highlighted solutions to water scarcity, and CEE Professors Baoxia Mi, Kristina Hill and Mark Stacey presented lightning talks. A panel featuring Joaquin Esquivel, Letitia Greiner, and Newsha Ajami then explored ways to put research into action in tackling California’s growing water risks. The day concluded with a student poster session showcasing pioneering CEE research. By leveraging UC Berkeley’s world-class expertise, the Berkeley Water Center remains committed to fostering resilient, equitable, and sustainable water systems through transformative solutions.

Tae-Kyoung Kim Wins the NIEHS KC Donnelly Award: Promoting Cross-Disciplinary Research in Environmental Health

September, 2024

Tae-Kyoung Kim has received the prestigious KC Donnelly Externship Award from the NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP). This award, honoring the legacy of environmental health researcher Dr. K.C. Donnelly, provides trainees with opportunities for transdisciplinary research at SRP centers and government agencies. Tae-Kyoung will collaborate with Professor Robyn Tanguay at Oregon State University to assess the safety of his process for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) treatment. The goal is to complete the soil remediation process sustainably, reducing its carbon footprint. This collaboration supports the award’s mission to advance environmental health research, paving the way for safer, more sustainable remediation practices in the future. Congratulations Tae!

Sedlak Group Visits Pardee Dam

August, 2024

Sedlak group members recently visited Pardee Dam, guided by Clifford Chan from East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). They explored the dam’s interior, climbed 300 steps to the “Complaint Department,” and gained a firsthand understanding of the vital role this dam plays in sustaining the Bay Area’s water supply.

David Sedlak Featured in Short Film “Untapped Potential: Ensuring a Safe Water Supply”

June, 2024

Prof. David Sedlak is featured in “Untapped Potential: Ensuring a Safe Water Supply,” part of the Chemistry Shorts™ series by the Dreyfus Foundation. The film highlights chemistry-inspired innovations in water supply, re-use, and purification. Watch the film to see how our research addresses critical water challenges.

Book Review: Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate

May, 2024

Check out the review of Prof. David Sedlak’s latest book, Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate.

Jonathan Uhler’s Project Awarded California Sea Grant: Advancing Coastal Infrastructure Resilience

March, 2024

Jonathan Uhler‘s project, “Toxic Metal Removal By Horizontal Levees That Protect Coastal Infrastructure From the Effects of Sea Level Rise”, has been selected to receive funding from California Sea Grant. With this funding, Jonathan will contribute valuable insights to inform future management and policy actions, furthering our understanding of and ability to address
challenges facing California’s coastal areas.

How communities worldwide are working to solve the water crisis – WBUR FM

February, 2024

In February 2024, prof. David Sedlak discussed global water challenges with Jason Dadakis of Orange County Water District and Keith Cadee, formerly of Water Corporation in Perth, Australia. They emphasized the need for innovative solutions as hydrological challenges worsen worldwide.

UnDisciplined: Navigating the future of the global water crisis – UPR Live

January, 2024

Water crises have shaped human history repeatedly, but with a global population approaching 10 billion, can we tackle this crisis on a worldwide scale? Prof. David Sedlak joins Matthew LePlante to discuss this pressing issue and to talk about his new book ‘Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate’ .

Farewell to Yanghua Duan

December, 2023

Farewell to Yanghua Duan as he embarks on a new adventure, leaving the Sedlak group to start his postdoctoral position at the Elimelech Research Group in Yale University, where his focus will be on brine management and selective removal of contaminants. Wishing him the very best for his future endeavors and thanking him for his dedication during his time with us. Farewell, Yanghua!

Sedlak group attends ACS Fall 2023

August, 2023

Sedlak’s Research Group took the spotlight at the Fall 2023 ACS National Meeting in San Francisco! The group’s researchers delivered captivating talks, sharing their their cutting-edge research with the audience.

Congratulations, Dr. Duan and Dr. Stiegler!

August, 2022

Yanghua Duan and Angela Stiegler both wrapped up their dissertations this month! Yanghua’s work focused on electrochemical advanced oxidation processes for decentralized treatment applications, and Angela studied a subsurface flow wetland for post-secondary effluent remediation. Yanghua is staying on with the Sedlak lab as a postdoctoral researcher, while Angela is heading back to Marlyand to start a postdoctoral position with group alumnus Dr. Carsten Prasse. To celebrate their achievements, the lab took a more-than-moderately-intensive hike at Stinson Beach.

KQED Forum – Desalination

September 29, 2021

David joins host Alexis Madrigal and guest Daniel Ellis, senior scientist at California State Water Resources Control Board, to discuss the current status and future of desalination practices in the California Bay Area. Listen to the full conversation at the link below.

International Water Association – Digital World Water Congress 2021

May 24, 2021

David delivers the opening keynote speech at the IWA’s Digital World Water Congress. Watch his speech along with the entire opening ceremony at the link below.

Dr. Jessica Ray selected as one of C&EN’s “Talented 12”

September 4, 2020

Congratulations to former postdoctoral researcher Dr. Jess Ray for being selected for the 2020 “Talented 12” cohort by Chemical and Engineering News! C&EN’s annual issue recognizes 12 early career scientists for their innovative use of chemistry to tackle the world’s biggest problems. Jess was selected from n outstanding pool of nominees for her interdisciplinary use of “surface chemistry, materials science, and biogeochemistry to engineer more effective ways to treat water.”

Sedlak group attends ACS virtually

August 17, 2020

Although the Fall 2020 National Meeting of the American Chemical Society was not hosted in San Francisco as planned, the Sedlak group still showed up in strong numbers to the virtual conference. Whether they were preparing for their live presentations from their home office like Angela Perantoni, or enjoying switching between multiple sessions without getting up from their chairs, the team found that the virtual format proved to have its perks.

Congratulations, Dr. Cecchetti!

July 13, 2020

Aidan Cechetti virtually filed his completed dissertation and celebrated by taking a quick trip to Gualala Point Regional Park to soak up the sun. Aidan has since started an engineering position with the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Congratulations, Dr. Scholes!

May 25, 2020

Rachel Scholes filed her signed dissertation virtually with the Graduate Division, officially graduating  from UC Berkeley with a Ph.D in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Rachel will remain in the Bay Area for the nest year while she continues her work with USDA as a postdoctoral researcher.

People Behind the Science Podcast

March 3, 2020

Listen to Ep. 543: “Dr. David Sedlak: Working to Purify and Preserve Our World’s Water Supply”, where David chats with Dr. Marie McNeely about a range of topics, from his childhood experiences at Oyster Bay, NY that sparked his passion for environmental science, to his punishing cloud droplet sampling campaigns in the high hills of Northern England.

Congratulations, Dr. Marron!

February 27, 2020

Emily Marron was accompanied by members of the group to file her signed dissertation with the Graduate Division. She received the customary Berkeley PhD send-off, a See’s lollipop, for all her efforts and took the opportunity to pose for a photo. Emily has headed down to Palo Alto to begin a postdoctoral position at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.

“Telling the Story of Water” – Water World Magazine

August 16, 2019

David discusses his book “Water 4.0: The Past, Present, and Future of the World’s Most Vital Resource” and his plans to continue telling the story of water’s evolution.

“From Toilet to Tap: What Cities Need to Overcome to Make That Happen” – Wall Street Journal

May 17, 2019

Sasha Harris-Lovett and David Sedlak write about the future of urban water reuse and the hurdle of overcoming the “yuck factor” associated with using recycled sewage.

“How Development of America’s Water Infrastructure Has Lurched Through History” – PEW Trend Magazine

March 3, 2019

David discusses the development of water infrastructure through the history of the US and why the remains of what we are left with will not cut it in a future of rapid climate change and inadequate pollution regulation.

Brave Blue World Podcast

February 7, 2019

David sets the scene of the world’s current water revolution as the first guest of the Brave Blue World Podcast.

“The solution to cities’ water problems has been hiding in rural areas this whole time” – Quartz

November 14, 2018

David discusses the advantages of “off-the-grid” water systems that are more commonly used in rural communities, and how they could be adopted in urban and suburban areas to overcome some of our urban water infrastructure challenges.