Balaji Rao, Ph.D

Biography

Dr. Balaji Rao is a postdoctoral research scientist in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering (CECE). Dr. Rao holds a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. He spent 3 years at the Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee before returning to Texas Tech to work with the Reible Research Group. Dr. Rao has established expertise on tackling fundamental problems in environmental chemistry including contaminant geochemistry, photochemistry and stable isotope forensics. Dr. Rao's current research focus areas relate to broader issues in environmental engineering that involves providing sound guidance and tools for assessing and mitigating risks due to the presence of emerging and legacy contaminants in the environment. He also has keen interest in developing and establishing mutually beneficial collaboration between US and Indian universities/Institutes in STEM education and research.