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Parks College Names New Oliver L. Parks Endowed Chair in Civil Engineering

Craig Adams, Ph.D, P.E., joined Saint Louis University as the Oliver L. Parks Chair and professor in the department of civil engineering. Adams has three degrees from the University of Kansas: a B.S. in chemical engineering and an M.S. and Ph.D. in environmental health engineering.

Craig Adams, Ph.D.Adams will provide an environmental engineering component to the civil engineering program and establish a water quality and treatment research laboratory in which to conduct research.

He was most recently at Utah State University as a professor conducting research in the Utah Water Research Laboratory. He also served previously as the Mathes Chair and director of the Environmental Research Center for Emerging Contaminants at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri.

Adams is a registered professional engineer, a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a board-certified environmental engineer. A noted international researcher, he has 100 peer-reviewed journal publications in addition to more than 400 other scholarly works and presentations.

Adams’ research is focused on developing solutions to the nation’s drinking water issues, with a special focus on emerging contaminants such as nanoparticles, cyanotoxins, disinfection byproducts, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and pesticides. His research interests emphasize sustainable oxidation and sorption drinking water and wastewater treatment approaches for organic, inorganic and biological contaminants. Most recently, he has been involved with the nation’s efforts to develop and implement strategies to protect public health from the increasing frequent hazardous algal blooms in our drinking water supplies.

Adams’ research has been funded by a wide range of entities including the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Research Foundation, American Water Works Association, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, private industry and others. In collaboration with colleagues at MS&T, he has conducted research for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for nearly 20 years to help develop proactive solutions to Missouri’s drinking water issues.

“I am excited to continue and expand my engagement and cooperation with Missouri state agencies, water utilities and industry in the St. Louis region and statewide,” Adams said.

Adams is also focused on helping achieve clean water and safe sanitation in developing nations. His career includes involvement in Engineers Without Borders (EWB) and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) student chapters implementing projects domestically and abroad on water and sanitation projects in rural communities.

Beginning this fall, he will teach both undergraduate and graduate environmental engineering courses at SLU including a course on environmental engineering in developing nations.

Adams was drawn to Saint Louis University for its Jesuit ideals of service-based mission.

“I like SLU’s focus on developing the whole person and on dedication to service to humanity,” he said. He also has family ties to SLU, including his son, who recently earned his doctorate in SLU’s M.D./Ph.D. program in pharmacology and physiological sciences.

Adams will receive his medallion during Parks' new dean reception to be held Friday, Sept. 23.