Kimberly L. Jones

Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering, Howard University
(202) 806-4807 (phone); (202) 806-5271 (fax) [email protected]

B.S. (1990),  Civil Engineering, Howard University
M.S. (1992), Civil/Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois,                          Urbana-Champaign
Ph.D.(1996), Environmental Engineering, The Johns Hopkins                          University

RESEARCH INTERESTS
membrane processes, interfacial phenomena, physical-chemical processes, water and wastewater treatment

Dr. Jones’ current research interests include investigating novel methods for optimizing membrane processes to be used in water and wastewater treatment. The focus of much of her work is on developing methods to reduce membrane fouling and increase rejection of target contaminants. Specific membrane processes that are being studied are microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and pervaporation. 

Characterization studies are being performed to determine organic fouling mechanisms in membranes under different operating and solution conditions. This study involves performing a fundamental study of the physical-chemical interactions between the adsorbing material and the membrane surface in order to understand the mechanisms which govern fouling and introduce a methodology for decreasing or eliminating fouling.  Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, streaming potential measurements, and contact angle measurements have been used to elucidate the effect of irreversible fouling on membrane properties and to examine methods to reduce fouling. 

Electrostatic interactions are being analyzed and modeled in order to optimize rejection of inorganic contaminants from charged membranes.  An ion implantation technique is being developed to provide a novel method for modifying commercially available polymeric membranes to render them less susceptible to fouling and flux decline while providing enhanced rejection of specific contaminants.  

An exciting new study involves using a combined pervaporation/ultrafiltration process to separate a surfactant/VOC solution for surfactant recovery and reuse. 

COURSES
Introduction to Civil Engineering (302-102)
Introduction to Environmental Engineering (302-207)
Unit Operations in Water and Wastewater Treatment (302-328)
Transport Phenomenon for Environmental Engineers (234-506)
Wastewater Engineering (234-502)