Sean Brooks

Undergraduate Student in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Colorado School of Mines

Research – Integrated treatment trains for removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from wastewater

Education

B.S., Chemical Engineering In Progress, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado

Background

Sean is a first-year student in the Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) Department at the Colorado School of Mines. Growing up in central Illinois, Sean developed a passion for the environment by exploring the creek and woods near his home. During high school, he further explored his passion for environmental conservation by conducting independent research into separating microplastics from beach sand using a fluidized air bed, which ultimately qualified for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Sean joined the Strathmann group in the fall of 2022 and works with PhD student Aron Griffin to develop and test integrated treatment solutions for separating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from industrial wastewater, as well as utilizing hydrothermal treatment technologies for PFAS destruction. Outside of academics, Sean enjoys hiking, taking photos in nature, golfing, and playing basketball and volleyball with friends.

Select Awards

  • 3rd Place in Environmental Engineering at the 2021 International Science and Engineering Fair
  • 1st Place in Environmental Sciences at the 2021 Colorado Science and Engineering Fair

Colorado School of Mines, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, CO 80401.