NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute (EAPSI) for FY 2013 in China

Bolyard Stephanie C, Sanford FL

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds Stephanie C. Bolyard of University of Central Florida (UCF) to conduct a research project in Engineering during the summer of 2013 at Tongji University in Shanghai, China. The project title is "Evaluation of Proactive Treatment Processes to Reduce the Long-Term Pollution Potential of Landfills." The host scientist is Dr. Pinjing He. This project investigated the Pump and Treat Aerobic Flushing Bioreactor Landfill (PTAFBL) as a novel approach to sustainable solid waste management. This completion phase is a method of immediate pollution removal of releasable carbon and ammonia-nitrogen as opposed to the traditional method of entombment. The goal of this innovative approach was to reduce the long-term risk of landfills by eliminating significant sources of pollution. Outcomes of this project advance the current understanding of how and when functional stability of a landfill is met through the characterization of solid waste residuals and leachate at the molecular level over time. Broader impacts of an EAPSI fellowship include providing the Fellow a first-hand research experience outside the U.S.; an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and an orientation to the society, culture, and language. These activities meet the NSF goal of promoting international collaboration early in the career of scientists, engineers, and educators, thus ensuring a globally aware U.S. scientific workforce. Additionally, as the PI disseminates the results of this research and the technology is adopted by the waste industry, society will benefit from the reduced long-term adverse impacts of landfills on human health the environment. Undergraduate students working in the host researcher's laboratory were involved in this research and upon return to the U.S. the PI will discuss her experiences with undergraduate engineering students at UCF. Results from this research will also be shared through participation in ICubed, a NSF funded project, which is aimed at informing the UCF community and public about engineering and science concepts. The PI will specifically participate in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activity which encourages STEM researchers and visual art and design students to create STEM inspired artifacts (sculptures, paintings, illustrations, and posters). The PI's contributions to this activity helps promote a greater appreciation and understanding of STEM fields and their importance in society.