Doctoral candidate takes third prize in NJWEA Poster Competition

Odera Richard Umeh, a PhD student in the Environmental Science and Management program, has recently achieved a noteworthy milestone by securing a third-place award in the prestigious New Jersey Water Environment Association (NJWEA) Student Poster Competition. The event, which took place on May 8, 2024 in Atlantic City, NJ, brought together brilliant minds from across the field to showcase their groundbreaking research.

Odera’s captivating presentation on the statewide occurrence and spatial distribution of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New Jersey groundwater systems under the supervision of Dr. Duke Ophori left a lasting impression on the judges and his fellow participants. Odera is diligently pursuing cutting-edge research on the silent invasion of PFAS into groundwater systems. His work is driven by a passion for developing sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by PFAS in New Jersey ground- and drinking water systems. The recognition bestowed upon him by the NJWEA is a testament to his exceptional abilities as a researcher and his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the field of water resources management.