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Environmental engineer researches water treatment solutions

Engineering student is inspired by the late Dionysios Dionysiou

By Lindsey Osterfeld Email Lindsey

9 minute read June 21, 2024

Katelin "Katie" Weitzel was first drawn to the University of Cincinnati by the esteemed College of Engineering and Applied Science, but her decision was solidified by the groundbreaking work of Dionysios Dionysiou in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering.

Weitzel's interest in water treatment came from growing up in Michigan and witnessing firsthand the impact of a water crisis. During her time at UC she has been awarded the Rindsberg fellowship, a Graduate Student Award in Environmental Chemistry, and recently was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by CEAS.

Why did you choose UC? What drew you here?

Katelin Weitzel was inspired by her late mentor, Dionysios Dionysiou. Photo/Provided

One of my undergraduate professors at the University of Dayton mentioned to me that I should look at the University of Cincinnati for graduate school due to the great reputation of the engineering college.

I came for a visit and really liked the campus, the professors and the students I met in the department. Also, the proximity to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency offered a lot of opportunities for collaboration.

But mostly, I chose UC because my previous adviser, the late Dionysios Dionysiou, reached out to me with an interesting research project about sustainable reuse of agricultural wastewater. He was an amazing mentor to me, and I would not be the person I am today without him. He will be greatly missed, but I hope he will live on in my work.

Why did you choose your field of study?

I have always been interested in water. I grew up around streams, rivers, and lakes and being outside was such a big part of my childhood. I also like to solve complex problems, so environmental engineering seemed like the perfect fit for me. Being from Michigan, I saw the fear around water that stemmed from the Flint water crisis and that was a big motivation for why I wanted to get into water treatment. Plus, I love chemistry, math, biology and problem solving, so I am happy that I get to do all those things every day.

Briefly describe your research work. What problems do you hope to solve?

woman in a lab coat holds up a large beaker full of green liquid

Katie Weitzel's research focuses on a water treatment to remove harmful bacteria from water sources. Photo/provided

My research involves developing environmentally friendly water treatment solutions for addressing harmful algal blooms.

If you have ever passed a pond or lake that looks like green paint was spilled in it, that's probably cyanobacteria. An overgrowth of cyanobacteria causes harmful algal blooms. The cells can release toxins that are harmful to humans and animals.

I am working on a coagulation treatment that can be applied in a lake or small reservoir to remove cyanobacteria from the water before it enters a treatment plant for drinking water.

The coagulant I am using is a biopolymer derived from shellfish shells called chitosan. This material is cool because it is made from a waste product that is turned into a very popular biopolymer that has applications in water treatment and in the medical field.

Ohio has a lot of problems with these harmful algal blooms, and as climate change affects temperature and weather patterns, the problems are growing worldwide. We need to find a solution for this to protect our drinking water sources. I hope to be a part of that.

Also, I love the biology aspect of this research. I think it is cool that I get to grow toxic cyanobacteria in the lab. Plus, it can be a very pretty green color even though it is toxic.

What are some of the most impactful experiences during your time at UC?

I am so happy I got involved in Graduate Student Government and my department's Graduate Student Association. While my research is very important to me and the reason I am here, I think it is very important to get involved with the rest of the graduate student community. I have met so many people throughout this experience and have been able to make a difference for current and future graduate students.

This past year I have served as the president of the Chemical and Environmental Engineering Graduate Student Association. Additionally, it was my second year as the Graduate Student Government committee representative on the President's Advisory Council on Environment and Sustainability.

These experiences gave me the opportunity to be a leader in the graduate student community, and I learned so much. I enjoyed helping others and sharing my love for UC. Also, I am very happy that our department's graduate association was voted "GSA of the Year." It made me proud to win this award as the president of the organization.

Woman leans over a small water tank and puts a testing tool inside it.

Along with her research, Katie Weitzel was involved with several organizations on campus, including Graduate Student Government. Photo/Provided

If I could give other graduate students one piece of advice, I would tell them to get involved on campus.

Graduate school can be a very lonely experience because it is so busy and everyone is focused on their individual work. Getting involved around campus allows you to connect with people who are going through the same thing you are.

It's nice to be able to walk through the halls and stop to chat with other students or take a lunch break with friends and talk about things unrelated to research.

Graduate school is different than undergraduate, but that doesn't mean you can't be involved in the community and make friends along the way. It always feels good to have a peer rooting for you or someone to complain to. I think that was the key to my good experience in grad school at UC and one of the reasons I have been so successful both inside and outside of the lab.

What are a few of your accomplishments of which you are most proud?

Being a doctoral student can be stressful and I sometimes doubt myself, which is why it is very impactful when I am recognized for my work. In 2022, I presented my first research poster at the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors Research and Education Conference and was awarded "Best Student Poster." This was a big conference, with many students presenting. I was so proud to receive this award the very first time I presented my research. I also presented in place of my adviser in meetings with the funding agencies who have supported our work.

Typically, I have been the only student presenting in these meetings, while the rest of them are done by other professors. It makes me proud of myself when I receive praise and positive comments and discussion following my presentations, because it is something I work really hard on. I am also proud of the scholarships I have been awarded from professional societies in recognition of my research and progress to my degree.

When do you expect to graduate? What are your plans after earning your degree?

I am planning on graduating in the spring of 2025. I hope to go into the water treatment field and would love to work at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or Greater Cincinnati Water Works. I find water treatment so interesting, and it is a very important resource that people use every day.

Do you have any other hobbies or involvements you'd like to share?

I love to read. I always have a book in my backpack and multiple eBooks downloaded on my phone. Sometimes I read 2-3 books per week. I have a garden at home, and I like to grow fresh herbs and vegetables. I like to play tennis and go kayaking, and I am trying to learn how to golf. I also have a lot of random hobbies like crocheting, crafting, cheese-making, baking, and a few others. I just love to be doing things and making things, even though I don't always have a lot of free time.

Interested in engineering graduate programs?

Explore the graduate programs offered by the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Featured image at top: Katie Weitzel recommends all graduate students get involved on campus. Photo/provided.