John D. Atkinson
PhD
Scott and Coleen Stevens Chair in Engineering Sustainability
Associate Professor
Director, Graduate studies, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
Director, Engineering Science MS: Focus on Engineering Sustainability
Research Topics
Waste Management; Recycling; Plastics and Polymers; Environmental Engineering; Sustainability; Porous Materials; Carbon, Aerosol Science and Technology; Hazardous Materials
John D. Atkinson is an environmental engineering professor at the University at Buffalo, where he created the University’s most popular study abroad course and has been recognized as an Early Career Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Director, Experiential Learning Faculty Fellow, and Best Undergraduate Mentor.
His work is driven by an overarching desire to more sustainably produce and consume, resulting in a diverse portfolio of publications and seminars. With on-going funding from New York State and the U.S. National Science Foundation, as well as local industry, he is currently researching within the broad field of waste management, using life cycle analysis tools to investigate plastics and tire recycling, waste disposal options, and energy recovery. His work targets real-world problems that impact everyday life, aiming to make engineering more thoughtful and accessible.
Atkinson emboldens lifestyle changes that promote sustainability. He encourages his students to expand their comfort zones, holistically problem solve, and embrace their creativity through engineering design.&/istl/people/faculty.host.html/content/shared/engineering/civil-structural-environmental/profiles/8203;
He received a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois in 2007, a MS in Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois in 2009 and a Ph.D in Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois (UIUC) in 2013.
Education
- PhD Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois (UIUC), 2013
- MS Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, 2009
- BS Chemistry (Minor in Mathematics), University of Illinois, 2007
Professional Memberships
- Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA, International and Local Niagara Frontier Section) Member, 2007 – Present
- Niagara Frontier Section, Executive Board Member, 2015 – 2018
- Niagara Frontier Section, Education Chair, 2016 – 2018
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), 2012 – 2018
- Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), 2013 – Present
- Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), 2016 – Present