Joel Burken

Curators' Distinguished Professor in Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Dr. Burken received his PhD from the University of Iowa in 1996, where he conducted some of the initial research on phytoremediation. He has been at Missouri University of Science and Technology since 1997. He currently serves as Chair and Curators’ Distinguished Professor of the Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Department. Dr. Burken has also held temporary positions at: EAWAG in Zurich Switzerland, at the National Environment Research Institute (NERI) in Denmark, and at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand as an Erskine Fellow. Joel’s research has focused upon using vegetation low impact and natural treatment systems since 1991. In that time, terms of sustainable-remediation, green infrastructure, and green-remediation have evolved and now promote the same fundamental aspects surrounding water quality and water resource management. His research in phytoremediation of organic contaminants and pioneering work in Phytoforensics have led to over 80 publications, including one article that was highlighted in the American Academy for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) journal Science and 4 feature or cover articles in top ranked international journals. His work has received numerous accolades, including twice winning the ASCE Rudolf Hering Medal, an NSF Career award, being appointed a Fellow of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP). Dr. Burken currently serves on the US EPA Science Advisory Board. Dr. Burken has received the Faculty Excellence award 7 times at S&T and was appointed as a Distinguished Curators'  professor at Missouri S&T in 2015.