My current research focuses on gypsum fouling in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in utilizing membrane technology such as reverse osmosis to recycle wastewater and/or provide cleaner drinking water across the United States. This interest stems primarily from the more stringent drinking water quality standards imposed by the USEPA and the California EPA. Water shortage in states such as California has also been a factor.

Reverse osmosis, coupled with effective pre-treatment processes, has shown to produce high quality water at a reasonable price. The major problem associated with reverse osmosis, however, is the fouling and scaling of membranes by means of inorganic solids, organics, colloidal particles, and biological microorganism. My research focus is on modeling calcium sulfate dihydrate scaling on reverse osmosis membranes considering the impact of hydrodynamic conditions and membrane surface properties. My goal is to determine the hydrodynamic conditions and membrane surface properties that promote rapid scaling. Through a systematic experimental study using a variety of surrogate surfaces, I hope to determine the specific surface properties that lead to higher fouling potential.