Regular biography
Dr. Leanne M Gilbertson is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University. Her research focuses on developing new materials to tackle environmental challenges, with an emphasis on the fundamental science underlying interactions between materials and environmental interfaces such as microbes, plants, and soils. Her work integrates molecular design and systems-level analysis to advance sustainable solutions for environmental and public health. Dr. Gilbertson's research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, including the CAREER award, 3M non-tenured faculty award, and the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. She completed her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Yale University's Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and was previously an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
Scholar-generated biography
Leanne M. Gilbertson is an Associate Professor at Duke University, specializing in Green Engineering, Green Chemistry, Sustainable Engineering, and Environmental Nanotechnology. Her research explores the integration of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture, focusing on the design and application of nanomaterials to enhance agrochemical efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. She investigates the life cycle impacts of nanotechnology-enabled products, including nanosilver textiles and carbon nanotube-based sensors, and evaluates their sustainability through performance, hazard, and economic considerations. Her work emphasizes the development of nanomaterials aligned with the Principles of Green Chemistry and the role of surface functionalization in mitigating toxicity. Gilbertson also contributes to sustainability education through coursework and interdisciplinary research.