Abstract: The fundamental understanding and tuning of the interactions that occur between surfaces and chemicals or between surfaces and microorganisms may allow us to design materials or systems with enhanced binding and reactive properties for various industrial, environmental, and clinical applications. However, understanding and optimizing these interactions can also be used to limit the attachment and accumulation of undesirable substances and organisms to surfaces which may otherwise hinder their successful operation (biofouling). This talk will describe research detailing how the fundamental understanding of the interactions that exist between surfaces, microorganisms, and contaminants may be used for different applications such as bioremediation of emerging contaminants, biological treatment of water and wastewater, and the design of materials for the prevention of the undesirable attachment of microbial biofilms to functional surfaces.

Bio:  Dr. Pia Ramos is currently a postdoctoral research scientist at USDA-ARS Agricultural Water Efficiency and Salinity Research Lab. Her current research focuses on optimizing abiotic strategies for mitigating the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agriculture resources. She received her PhD in Environmental Engineering from UCLA in 2022 and her BSc in 2018 from The University of Chicago.