Join us for NU Water's Monthly Watering Holes!
Each month, we invite water experts to share their innovative work in a concise 15-minute presentation, followed by refreshing networking opportunities with snacks and drinks. These gatherings are designed to create meaningful connections within our water community while providing insights into cutting-edge research and initiatives. Open to all students, faculty, and interested community members, our Watering Holes offer a perfect blend of education and social interaction in a welcoming environment.
Mark your calendar for these monthly events and dive into the fascinating world of water research and conservation with us!
(Fall dates coming soon!)
Past Seminars
Alaina Harkness & George Wells, May 2025
Hear how the new NSF-funded Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine (Great Lakes ReNEW) is catalyzing an inclusive circular blue economy in the Great Lakes region. Conventional water and wastewater treatment flushes valuable resources down the drain and leaves harmful contaminants behind. In this presentation, learn how ReNEW is addressing these urgent deficiencies by developing and deploying innovative technologies to recover and reuse water, energy, nutrients and critical materials from water, effectively turning waste into wealth. Moreover, learn how you can become involved in ReNEW, including an open RFP for funded research projects at Northwestern and other ReNEW partners.
Will Dichtel, April 2025
Hear how Northwestern chemist, Will Dichtel, is removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) from our water, which are found in up to a third of US drinking water and are associated with many negative health effects. In this presentation, learn about the groundbreaking materials that capture PFAS from water, which can be washed and reused in ways that allow these “forever chemicals” to be broken down into safe byproducts.
Rob Weinstock, March 2025
Hear how Northwestern’s Environmental Law Clinic director, Rob Weinstock, is successfully challenging Trump Tower’s unauthorized intake of millions of gallons of water a day from the Chicago River, threatening local ecosystems and violating environmental regulations. In this compelling presentation, learn about the groundbreaking legal strategies that are holding one of Chicago’s most prominent buildings accountable for its environmental impact.