CHEE Grad Student Featured in AIChE Newsletter

Kira Zeider, a second-year graduate student in chemical engineering, was recently interviewed in a newsletter from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Zeider earned degrees in chemical engineering and environmental engineering at the University of Arizona, fulfilling a longtime interest in environmental science. 

"I have two main research projects. The first project was sponsored by the Center for Environmentally Sustainable Mining and resulted in a paper published last year," Zeider said. "That work investigated the effectiveness of plants as low-cost air quality monitors. The research was conducted through Gardenroots, which is a citizen-driven science program in Arizona. For this project, the data collection was conducted by community members living close to mine sites in Arizona who were concerned about local pollution."

For advice for future students, Zeider says to start reading up on environmental issues now: "The more informed you are, the better."

Zeider was previously selected to be in the inaugural class of UA Herbold Fellows.