Biography
Dr. Vatankhah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida International University. His research focuses on advanced water treatment and the interactions among chemical, biological, membrane, and sorption processes. His group investigates how changes in water chemistry introduced by one treatment process influence the performance of downstream treatment, with applications to drinking water, wastewater treatment, potable reuse, and emerging contaminants. His research combines treatment process engineering with environmental and analytical chemistry and spans laboratory, pilot, and demonstration scales.
Current work includes advanced oxidation and biological treatment, membrane processes, adsorption, PFAS removal and destruction, microplastics, and other emerging contaminants. A central goal of his research is to translate fundamental treatment science into treatment strategies that remain effective under realistic water quality and operating conditions. Dr. Vatankhah research program is supported by federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense. He leads multiple research projects and contributes to major collaborative efforts involving advanced treatment, emerging contaminants, water reuse, and technology demonstration.
Before joining FIU, he served as a Research Fellow with the U.S. Department of Defense SERDP and ESTCP programs and as a Research Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Mines. He is a member of the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council PFAS Team and serves as the co-chair of the RemTEC and Emerging Contaminants Summit. His contributions have been recognized through his selection as a 2026 Rising Star by the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida and as the American Water Works Association Young Professional of the Year.
Education
- Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
- M.S., Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Munich
- B.S., Energy and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Hamburg