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ROBERT NERENBERG, Ph.D., PE, BCEE
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
University of Notre Dame
163 Fitzpatrick Hall
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone: (574) 631-4098
Fax: (574) 631-9236
E-mail: [email protected]
1. HIGHER EDUCATION
2003 Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
1992 M.S. in Civil Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
1990 B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. CURRENT AND PREVIOUS POSITIONS
2017- present Kellogg faculty fellow, Kellogg Institute for International Studies
2011- 2012 Visiting Professor, Dept. of Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering, Pontifical
Catholic University of Chile
2011 Visiting Professor, Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology
(EAWAG), Dübendorf, Switzerland (5/2011 – 6/2011)
2010 – 2015 Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and
Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame
2010 - present Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame
2004-2010 Assistant Professor, University of Notre Dame
2007-present Member of Energy Center, University of Notre Dame
2004-2009 Member of Environmental Molecular Science Institute, University of Notre Dame
6/2003-12/2003 Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Northwestern University (6 months)
1998-2003 Research Assistant, Northwestern University
1992-1997 Environmental Engineer, Harza Engineering Company (now Stantec, Inc.), Chicago, IL
1990-1992 Assistant Engineer, Ayres, Lewis, Norris & May, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI
1990 Engineering Assistant, City of Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ann Arbor, MI
3. SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Visiting professor fellowship, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (2011)
Scholarship for “E.C.–U.S. Molecular Biology for the Environment.” Competitively selected by
U.S. Biotechnology Task Force for 2-week course in Madrid. Sponsored by DOE and the European
Union, 2003
Abel Wolman Doctoral Fellowship, American Water Works Association, 2001-2003
Graduate Student Scholarship, ASCE, IL Chapter, 2001
Murphy Fellowship, Northwestern University, 1997
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4. DISTINCTIONS AND AWARDS
WEF Academic Design Competition 2018, runner up (academic adviser for undergraduate team)
WERF Paul Busch Award, 2012 ($100,000)
NSF CAREER Award, 2010 ($400,000)
Paper selected as “spotlight article” featured in December 15, 2008 issue of Biotechnology and
Bioengineering (Biotechnology and Bioengineering 101:6:1193-1204)
Metcalf & Eddy Academic Design Competition, 2005/2006, First Place (academic advisor) ($5,500
cash prize for students, department, and advisor)
Metcalf & Eddy Academic Design Competition, 2004/2005, Second Place (academic advisor)
($1,000 cash prize for students)
Battelle Student Paper Award, Battelle Bioremediation Symposium, Orlando, 2003
Research Poster Award, Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering
Center, 2003
5. BOOKS AND MONOGRAPHS
Author of chapter in book on Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors (IWA Publishing) (in writing)
Co-author on chapter on biological treatment of drinking water for ASCE/AWWA Water
Treatment Design handbook (McGraw-Hill) (2017).
Co-author on chapter on biological treatment of drinking water for ASCE/AWWA Water
Treatment Design handbook (McGraw-Hill) (2012).
Author on Water Environment Federation (WEF) chapter on “Emerging Technologies” in special
publication “Fixed–Growth (Biofilm) Reactors” (2010).
Contributing author to Water Environment Federation (WEF) Manual of Practice No. 8, Chapter
14, “Biofilm Reactor Technology and Design” (2009).
6. REFEREED PUBLICATIONS
ORCID: 0000-0003-2203-5004
ResearchID: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/L-7560-2016
H-index: 23, sum of citations: 1412 (per Researcher ID, accessed 12-20-18)
*Advised graduate student/post-doc, **Advised undergraduate student
Submitted
R. Marks, J. Seaman, P. Perez-Calleja*, J. Kim, R. Nerenberg, K. Doudrick (under revision).
Catalytic hydrogel membrane reactor for treatment of aqueous contaminants. Environmental
Science & Technology.
Y. Wang*, F. Sabba*, C. Bott, R. Nerenberg (under revision). Using Kinetics and Modeling to
Predict Denitrification Fluxes in Elemental So-Based Biofilms. Biotechnology and
Bioengineering.
Patricio Walker, Robert Nerenberg, Gonzalo Pizarro, Marcelo Aybar*, Juan Pablo Pavissich*,
Bernardo González and Pablo Pastén (submitted). Nitrate increases the capacity of an aerobic
moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) for winery wastewater treatment
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Published
1. C. Zhou, A. Ontiveros-Valencia, R. Nerenberg, Y. Tang, D. Friese, R. Krajmalnik-Brown, and
B. E. Rittmann (2019). Microbial Reduction of Oxyanions Using Hydrogen Gas as the Electron
Donor. Frontiers in Microbiology. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03268
2. T. Seviour; N. Derlon, M. Dueholm, H-C. Flemming, E. Girbal-Neuhauser, H. Horn, S.
Kjelleberg, M.C. van Loosdrecht, T. Lotti, F.M. Malpei, R. Nerenberg, T.R. Neu, E. Paul, Y.
Han-qing, Y. Lin (2019). Extracellular polymeric substances of biofilms: suffering from an
identity crisis. Water Research. doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.11.020
3. M. Aybar*, P. Perez-Calleja*, M. Li*, J.P. Pavissich,* R. Nerenberg (2018). Predation Creates
Unique Void Layer in Membrane-Aerated Biofilms. Water Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.084
4. F. Sabba*, A. Terada, G. Wells, Barth Smets, R. Nerenberg (2018). Nitrous Oxide Emissions
from Biofilm Processes for Wastewater Treatment. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. doi: 10.1007/s00253-018-9332-7
5. Marcela Vega*, Robert Nerenberg, Ignacio T. Vargas (2018). Perchlorate Contamination in
Chile: Legacy, Challenges, and Potential Solutions. Environmental Research 164:316-326. doi:
10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.034.
6. F. Sabba*, C. Picioreanu, R. Nerenberg (2017). Mechanisms of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Formation
and Reduction in Denitrifying Biofilms. Biotech and Bioeng. volume 114, issue 12. https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.26399
7. P. Perez-Calleja*, M. Aybar*, C. Picioreanu, A.L. Esteban-Garcia, K.J. Martin, R. Nerenberg
(2017). Periodic Venting of Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABRs) Allows High
Removal Rates and High Gas-Transfer Efficiencies. Water Research. Volume 121, 15 September
2017, Pages 349–360. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2017.05.042
8. M. McFadden**, J. Loconsole**, A. J. Schockling**, R. Nerenberg, J. P. Pavissich* (2017).
Comparing Peracetic Acid and Hypochlorite for Disinfection of Combined Sewer Overflows:
Effects of Suspended-Solids and pH. Science of the Total Environment. Volumes 599–600, 1
December 2017, Pages 533–539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.179
9. Sabba, F.*; Picioreanu, C.; Boltz, J.; Nerenberg, R. (2017). Predicting N2O emissions from
nitrifying and denitrifying biofilms: a modeling study. Water Science & Technology. Volume: 75
Issue: 3 Pages: 530-538 Published: FEB 2017. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2016.484
10. Fabrizio Sabba*, Andrew DeVries*, Mario Vera Véliz, Gregory Druschel, Charles Bott, Robert
Nerenberg (2016). Potential of Sulfite as a Supplemental Electron Donor for Wastewater
Denitrification. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology. 15:4:563–572. DOI:10.1007/s11157-016-9413-y
11. F. Sabba*, Cristian Picioreanu, Joshua P. Boltz, Robert Nerenberg (2016). Predicting N2O
Emissions from Nitrifying and Denitrifying Biofilms: A Modeling Study. Water Science &
Technology. DOI: 10.2166/wst.2016.484
12. B.L. Read-Daily*, F. Sabba*, J.P. Pavissich*, R. Nerenberg (2016). Kinetics of Nitrous Oxide
(N2O) Reduction by Paracoccus pantotrophus. AMB Express 2016 6:85. DOI: 10.1186/s13568-
016-0258-0
13. Yue Wang*, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg (2016). Sulfur-Based Denitrification: Effect of
Biofilm Development on Denitrification Fluxes. Water Research. 100: 184–193.
DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.020
14. R. Nerenberg (2016). The Membrane Biofilm Reactor as a Counter-Diffusional Biofilm.
Current Opinions in Biotechnology. Volume 38, April 2016, Pages 131–136. DOI:10.1016/j.copbio.2016.01.015
15. Martin, KJ*; Picioreanu, C; Nerenberg, R. (2015). Assessing microbial competition in a
hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) using multidimensional modeling. Biotech
and Bioeng. 112:9:1843-1853. DOI: 10.1002/bit.25607
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16. G. Tierra, J. P. Pavissich*, R. Nerenberg, Z. Xu, M. S. Alber (2015). Mechanical role of EPS in
biofilm deformation and detachment: a modelling study. Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 12: 20150045. DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0045.
17. F. Sabba*, C. Picioreanu, J. Pérez, R. Nerenberg (2015). Hydroxylamine Diffusion Can Enhance
N2O Emissions in Nitrifying Biofilms: A Modeling Study. Environmental Science &
Technology. DOI: 10.1021/es5046919.
18. M. Aybar*, G. Pizarro, J. Boltz, L. Downing, R. Nerenberg (2014). Energy-Efficient
Wastewater Treatment via the Air-based, Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Reactor (Hybrid-MBfR).
Water Science & Technology. Vol. 69 Issue 8, p1735. doi: 10.2166/wst.2014.086.
19. J. P. Pavissich*, M. Aybar*, K. J. Martin* and R. Nerenberg (2014). Assessing the activity of
rough biofilms using image analysis, substrate profiling, and mathematical modeling. Water
Science & Technology. Vol 69 No 9 pp 1932–1941. doi:10.2166/wst.2014.103
20. K. J. Martin*, N. Derlon, E. Morgenroth, D. Bolster, R. Nerenberg (2014). Effect of fouling-
layer roughness on hydraulic resistance in membrane filtration. Journal of Membrane Science.
Volume 471, 130–137. DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2014.07.045
21. K. Martin*, Picioreanu, C., Nerenberg, R. (2013). Modeling Biofilm Development and Fluid
Dynamics in a Hydrogen-Based, Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR). Water Research. 47: 4739
-4751. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.04.031
22. Robert Nerenberg (2013). Breathing Perchlorate. Science. 340 (6128), 38-39.
DOI:10.1126/science.1236336
23. K. Martin*, Nerenberg, R. (2012). The Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR) for Water and
Wastewater Treatment: Principles, Applications, and Recent Developments. Bioresource
Technology. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.02.110
24. Shrout, J.D. and R. Nerenberg (2012) Monitoring Bacterial Twitter: Does Quorum Sensing
Determine the Behavior of Water and Wastewater Treatment Biofilms? Environ. Sci. Technol.
46(4) 1995-2005. DOI: 10.1021/es203933h
25. Brenda Read*, Jennifer Tank, and Robert Nerenberg (2011). Stimulating In-Stream
Denitrification with Elemental Sulfur. Ecological Engineering. 37:4:580-588. DOI:
10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.12.007
26. Caitlyn Shea*, Peter Clauwaert, Stefan Green, Willy Verstraete, and Robert Nerenberg (2010.
Bioelectrochemical Perchlorate Reduction in a Microbial Fuel Cell. Environmental Science &
Technology. 44:12:4685-4691. DOI: 10.1021/es901758z.
27. Caitlyn Shea* and Robert Nerenberg (2010). Performance and Microbial Ecology of Air-
Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells with Layered Electrode Assemblies. Applied Microbiology and
Biotechnology 86:5: 1399-1408. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-009-2421-x
28. Leon S. Downing*, Kyle J. Bibby**, Kathleen Esposito, Tom Fascianella, Ryujiro Tsuchihashi,
and Robert Nerenberg (2010). Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater using the Hybrid
Membrane-Biofilm Process (HMBP): Pilot Scale Studies. Water Environment Research 82:3:
195-201. DOI: 10.2175/106143009X426103
29. Peter Clauwaert, Joachim Desloover, Caitlyn Shea*, Robert Nerenberg, Nico Boon, and Willy
Verstraete (2009). Enhanced Nitrogen Removal in Bio-Electrochemical Systems by pH Control
Biotechnology Letters 31:10:1537-1543. DOI 10.1007/s10529-009-0048-8
30. Bhoopesh Mishra, Maxim Boyanov, Shelly D. Kelly, Kenneth M. Kemner, Bruce A. Bunker,
Brenda L. Read*, Robert Nerenberg, and Jeremy B. Fein (2009). X-ray Absorption
Spectroscopy Study of Cd Adsorption onto Bacterial Consortia. Geochimica et Cosmochimica
Acta 73:15:4311-4325. DOI: 10.1016/j.gca.2008.11.032.
31. Kelly Martin*, Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2009). Evidence of Specialized
Bromate-Reducing Bacteria in a Hollow Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Water Science &
Technology 59:10:1969-1974. DOI: 10.2166/wst.2009.216.
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32. Caitlyn Shea*, Peter Clauwaert, Willy Verstraete, and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Adapting a
Denitrifying Biocathode for Perchlorate Reduction. Water Science and Technology 58:10:1941-
1946. DOI: 10.2166/wst.2008.551.
33. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Sustainable Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater
with the Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process (HMBP): Bench-Scale Studies. Water Science and
Technology 58:9:473-479. DOI: 10.2166/wst.2008.550.
34. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Effect of Bulk Liquid BOD Concentration on
Activity and Microbial Community Structure of a Nitrifying, Membrane-Aerated Biofilm.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 81:153-162. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-008-1705-x.
35. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Effect of Oxygen Gradients on the Activity and
Microbial Community Structure of Nitrifying, Membrane-Aerated Biofilm. Biotechnology and
Bioengineering 101:6:1193-1204. DOI: 10.1002/bit.22018.
36. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Total Nitrogen Removal in a Hybrid, Membrane-
Aerated Activated Sludge Process. Water Research 42:14: 3697-3708. DOI:
10.1016/j.watres.2008.06.006.
37. Margaret Dudley*, Anna Salamone*, and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Kinetics of a Novel
Chlorate Accumulating, Perchlorate-Reducing Bacterium. Water Research. 42:10-11:2403-2410.
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2008.01.009.
38. Robert Nerenberg, Yasunori Kawagoshi, and Bruce E. Rittmann (2008). Microbial Ecology of
a Perchlorate-Reducing, Hydrogen-Based Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Water Research. 42:4-
5:1151-1159. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2007.08.033.
39. Leon S. Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Kinetics of Microbial Bromate Reduction in a
Hydrogen-Oxidizing, Denitrifying Biofilm Reactor. Biotechnology and Bioengineering
98:3:543-550. DOI: 10.1002/bit.21442.
40. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Performance and Microbial Ecology of the
Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process (HMBP) for Concurrent Nitrification and Denitrification of
Wastewater. Water Science & Technology 55:8-9:355-362. DOI: 10.2166/wst.2007.277
41. Jinwook Chung, Robert Nerenberg, and Bruce E. Rittmann (2007). Evaluation for biological
reduction of nitrate and perchlorate in brine water using the hydrogen-based membrane biofilm
reactor. Journal of Environmental Engineering-ASCE 133 (2): 157-164 FEB 2007. DOI:
10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(2007)133:2(157).
42. Robert Nerenberg, Yasunori Kawagoshi, and Bruce E. Rittmann (2006). Kinetics of a
Hydrogen-Oxidizing Perchlorate-Reducing Bacterium. Water Research, 40:17:3290-3296. DOI:
10.1016/j.watres.2006.06.035.
43. Jinwook Chung, Robert Nerenberg, and Bruce E. Rittmann (2006). Bio-reduction of Selenate
Using a Hydrogen-Based Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Environmental Science & Technology,
40:5:1164-1671. DOI: 10.1021/es051251g.
44. Jinwook Chung, Robert Nerenberg, César, I. Torres, and Bruce E. Rittmann (2006). Bio-
reduction of Soluble Chromate Using a Hydrogen-based Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Water
Research, 40 (8): 1634-1642. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2006.01.049.
45. Bruce E. Rittmann, Robert Nerenberg, Kuan-Chun Lee, Issam Najm, Thomas E. Gillogly, Geno
E. Lehman, and Samer S. Adham (2004). Hydrogen-Based Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm
Reactor (MBfR) for Removing Oxidized Contaminants. Water Science & Technology 4:1:127-133.
46. Robert Nerenberg and Bruce E. Rittmann (2004). Reduction of Oxidized Water Contaminants
with a Hydrogen-Based, Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Water Science & Technology.
49:11-21
47. Robert Nerenberg, Bruce E. Rittmann, and Issam Najm (2002). Perchlorate Reduction in a
Hydrogen Based Membrane-Biofilm Reactor. Journal of the American Water Works Association
94:11:103-114
48. Robert Nerenberg and Bruce E. Rittmann (2002). Perchlorate as a Secondary Substrate in a
Denitrifying Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Water Science & Technology: Water
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Supply 2:2:259-265
49. Robert Nerenberg, Bruce E. Rittmann, and William Soucie (2000). Ozone/Biofiltration for
Removing MIB and Geosmin. Journal of the American Water Works Association 92:12:85-95
Impact statistics for peer-reviewed publications since 2010
Journal No. pubs IF 2017 5-yr IF Rank Quartile
Current Opinions in Biotechnology 1 8.38 8.18 3/79 Q1
Water Research 5 7.051 7.621 2/50 Q1
Environmental Science & Technology 3 6.653 7.25 4/50 Q1
Journal of Membrane Science. 1 6.578 6.656 9/137 Q1
Bioresource Technology 1 5.807 5.978 13/161 Q1
Reviews in Env. Science and Bio/Technology. 1 5.716 5.961 14/161 Q1
Environmental Research 1 4.732 4.744 24/242 Q1
Science of the Total Environment. 1 4.61 4.984 27/242 Q1
Frontiers in Microbiology 1 4.019 4.557 32/126 Q2
Biotech. and Bioeng. 2 3.952 4.206 32/161 Q1
Journal of the Royal Society Interface 1 3.355 4.216 13/64 Q1
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 2 3.34 3.602 48/161 Q2
Ecological Engineering. 1 3.023 3.43 20/50 Q2
AMB Express 1 1.719 2.427 107/161 Q3
Water Science & Technology 4 1.247 1.312 40/50 Q4
Water Environment Research 1 0.825 0.852 43/50 Q4
7. UNREFEREED PUBLICATIONS
Publications 1. Robert Nerenberg (2013). Breathing Perchlorate. Science. (Invited “Perspectives” article)
2. April Gu, Robert Nerenberg, Belinda Sturm, Park Chul, Ramesh Goel (2010). Molecular
methods in biological systems. Water Environment Research. 82:10:908-930. DOI:
10.2175/106143010X12756668800735
3. Katherine D. McMahon, April Z. Gu, Robert Nerenberg, and Belinda Sturm (2009). Molecular
methods in biological systems. Water Environment Research 81:10 : 986-1002. DOI:
10.2175/106143009X12445568399370
4. Katherine D. McMahon, April Z. Gu, Robert Nerenberg, and Belinda Sturm (2008). Molecular
methods in biological systems. Water Environment Research. 80:10:929-961. DOI:
10.2175/106143008X328536.
5. Katherine D. McMahon, April Z. Gu, Robert Nerenberg, and Largus T. Angenent (2007).
Molecular methods in biological systems. Water Environment Research, 79:10:1109-1151. DOI:
10.2175/106143007X218368
6. Lars Angenent, Katherine McMahon, April Gu. and Robert Nerenberg (2006). Molecular
methods in biological systems. Water Environment Research, 78:6:1084-1115. DOI:
10.2175/106143006X119170
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Conference Papers/Abstracts
1. M. Aybar*, P. Perez-Calleja*, M. Li*, J.P. Pavissich,* R. Nerenberg Effects of Predation on
Membrane-aerated Biofilm Reactors. WEFTEC, Chicago Sept. 2017
2. M. Aybar*, L. Grotz*, P. Perez-Calleja*, J.P. Pavissich,* R. Nerenberg Bench and Pilot Studies on
the Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR). WEFTEC, Chicago Sept. 2017.
3. M. Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja and R. Nerenberg (2017). Unique Mechanisms of Pore Formation in
MABR Biofilms and Its Effects on Process Performance. 14th IWA Leading Edge Conference on
Water and Wastewater Technologies, Florianopolis, Brazil, 29 May – 02 June (oral presentation).
4. P. Perez-Calleja, A. Gavryliuk, M. Aybar, R. Nerenberg (2017). Impact of Membrane
Configuration on The Performance of Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABRs). 10th IWA
International Conference on Biofilm Reactors, Dublin, Ireland, 9-12 May (oral presentation).
5. P. Perez-Calleja, M. Aybar, R. Nerenberg (2017). Venting of Membrane Aerated Biofilm
Reactors (MABRs) Allows High Removal Rates and High Gas-Transfer Efficiencies. 10th IWA
International Conference on Biofilm Reactors, Dublin, Ireland, 9-12 May (oral presentation).
6. M.Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja, R. Nerenberg (2017). Mechanism of Pore Formation in MABR
Biofilms and its Effects on System Performance. 10th IWA International Conference on Biofilm
Reactors, Dublin, Ireland, 9-12 May (oral presentation).
7. F. Kazemifar, G. Blois, M. Aybar, P. Perez Calleja, R. Nerenberg, S. Sinha, R. Hardy, J. L. Best,
G. Sambrook Smith & K. Christensen, “Hydrodynamic interactions between biofilms and flow”,
8th Int’l Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics (River Flow 2016), St. Louis, MO, Jul 12–15, 2016.
8. Pérez-Calleja, P.; Aybar, M.; Picioreanu, C.; Esteban-García, A.L.; Nerenberg, R. (2016)
Enhanced operation of Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABRs) For Waste Water
Treatment by Managing Gas Back-Diffusion. 3rd IWA Specialized International Conference:
Ecotechnologies for Wastewater Treatment 2016 (ecoSTP16). Invited platform presentation.
Cambridge, UK, 27-30 June (Oral presentation).
9. P. Perez-Calleja, M. Aybar, C. Picioreanu, L. Esteban Garcia, R. Nerenberg (2015). Membrane-
Biofilm Reactors (MBfR) For Water Treatment: Overcoming Gas Back Diffusion Effects.
AEESP Research and Education Conference, Yale University, New Haven, USA (poster).
10. M. Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja, C. Picioreanu, L. Esteban Garcia, R. Nerenberg (2015). Effects of
Gas Back-diffusion on the Membrane-Biofilm Reactor (MBfR) for Water Treatment. IWA
Specialized Conference, Biofilms in drinking water systems - From treatment to tap, Arosa,
Switzerland (poster)
11. P. Perez-Calleja, M.Aybar, C. Picioreanu, A.L. Esteban-Garcia, R. Nerenberg (2015). Enhanced
Operation of Membrane-Biofilm Reactor (MBfR) for Waste Water Treatment by Mitigation of
Gas Back-Diffusion Effect. WEFTEC 2015, Chicago, USA. (Oral presentation)
12. K. Martin, M. Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja, C. Picioreanu and R. Nerenberg (2016) Informing the
Development of the Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) through Multidimensional
Biofilm Modeling. WWTmod 2016, Annecy, France. (accepted)
13. M. Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja, C. Picioreanu, A.L. Esteban-Garcia and R. Nerenberg (2016).
Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABRs) by Managing of
Gas Back Diffusion. 13th IWA Leading Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater
Technologies, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (oral presentation).
14. M. Aybar, G. Pizarro, J. Boltz and R. Nerenberg (2015). Energy Efficient Wastewater Treatment
via the Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR): Effect of Membrane Fluxes on
Performances. WEFTEC 2015, Chicago, USA (Oral presentation).
15. M. Aybar and R. Nerenberg (2015).Modeling of Biofilm Deformation and Detachment
Considering Viscoelastic Material Properties. 2015 AEESP Research and Education Conference.
Yale University, New Haven, USA (poster)
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16. M. Aybar and R. Nerenberg (2015). Biofilm Morphology in an Air-Based Membrane Biofilm
Reactor (MBFR). 2015 AEESP Research and Education Conference. Yale University, New
Haven, USA (poster)
17. Marcelo Aybar, Gonzalo Pizarro and Robert Nerenberg (2013). Energy Efficient Wastewater
Treatment via the Hollow-Fiber Aerated Membrane Biofilm Reactor (HF-MBfR). 7th IWA
Specialized Membrane Technology Conference and Exhibition for Water and Wastewater
Treatment and Reuse. Toronto, Canada (Oral presentation)
18. Aybar, M and R. Nerenberg. 2014. Biofilm Morphology and EPS Chemical Composition in an
Air-base Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR): Potential Effects on Substrate Mass Transfer. IWA
Conference, The Perfect Slime – Nature, Properties, Regulation and Dynamics of EPS. Essen,
Germany (Poster).
19. M. A. Aybar, J. P. Pavissich, G. Tierra, C. Picioreanu, G. Pizarro, and R. Nerenberg. 2014 A
Phase-Field Model of Biofilm Deformation and Detachment Considering EPS Viscoelastic
Properties. IWA Conference, The Perfect Slime – Nature, Properties, Regulation and Dynamics
of EPS. Essen, Germany (Oral presentation).
20. Aybar, M and R. Nerenberg. 2014. Biofilm Morphology and Chemical Composition in an Air-
base Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR): Potential Effects on Substrate Mass Transfer.
Borchardt Conference, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Poster).
21. M. Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja, K. Martin, C. Picioreanu, A.L. Esteban-Garcia, Gonzalo Pizarro, R.
Nerenberg. 2015. Effects of gas back-diffusion and membrane bundling on the Membrane-
Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR). IWA 3rd Wter Research Conference, Shenzhen, China (Oral
presentation).
22. P. Pavissich, M. McFadden, A. J. Schockling, J. Loconsole, R. Schaefer, A. Greek, R. Nerenberg
(2015). Peracetic Acid (PAA) for Disinfection of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs): Effect of
Suspended Solids Size on Bacterial Inactivation. WEFTEC 2015, Chicago, IL.
23. M. Aybar, G. Pizarro, Joshua Boltz, R. Nerenberg (2015). Energy Efficient Wastewater
Treatment via the Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR): Effect of Membrane Fluxes on
Performance. WEFTEC 2015, Chicago, IL.
24. Sabba Fabrizio, Picioreanu Cristian, Perez Julio, and Nerenberg Robert (2015). Predicting
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions From Biofilm Systems. WEFTEC 2015, Chicago, IL.
25. Effects of gas back-diffusion and membrane bundling on the Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor
(MABR) (2015). M. Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja, K. Martin, C. Picioreanu, A.L. Esteban-Garcia,
Gonzalo Pizarro, R. Nerenberg. IWA Water Research conference, Shenzhen, China
26. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions from Suspended Growth and Biofilm Systems (2014). Fabrizio
Sabba, Cristian Picioreanu, Brenda Read, Rob Nerenberg. (2014) IWA Wastewater
Sustainability conference, Kathmandu, Nepal.
27. Peracetic Acid (PAA) for Disinfection of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs): Effect of
Suspended Solids Size on Bacterial Inactivation (2014). Pavissich, J.P., Schockling, A.J.,
Loconsole, J., Schaefer, R., Greek, A., and Nerenberg, R. IWEA Annual Conference,
Indianapolis.
28. Aerobic Granulation in Continuous Activated Sludge Systems (2014). Bruce, S., Picioreanu, C.2,
Downing, L., Young, M., Nerenberg, R. IWEA Annual Conference, Indianapolis.
29. Floc or Granule? Evidence of Granulation in a Continuous Flow System (2014). Samuel C.R.
Bruce, Leon Downing, Mike Young and Robert Nerenberg. WEFTEC, New Orleans.
30. Elemental Sulfur (So) as a Supplemental Electron Donor for Wastewater Denitrification:
Denitrification Filter Studies (2014). Yue Wang*, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg. WEFTEC,
New Orleans.
31. Biofilm Morphology and EPS Chemical Composition in an Air-base Membrane Biofilm Reactor
(MBfR): Potential Effects on Substrate Mass Transfer (2014). Marcelo Aybar and Robert
Nerenberg. IWA Perfect Slime conference, Essen, Germany.
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32. A Phase-Field Model of Biofilm Deformation and Detachment Considering EPS Viscoelastic
Properties (2014). M. A. Aybar, J. P. Pavissich, G. Tierra, C. Picioreanu, G. Pizarro, and R.
Nerenberg. IWA Perfect Slime conference, Essen, Germany.
33. Biofilm Morphology and Chemical Composition in an Air-base Membrane Biofilm Reactor
(MBfR): Potential Effects on Substrate Mass Transfer (2014). Marcelo Aybar and Robert
Nerenberg. Borchardt Conference, University of Michigan.
34. Elemental Sulfur (So) as a Supplemental Electron Donor for Wastewater Denitrification:
Denitrification Filter Studies (2014). Yue Wang, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg. Borchardt
Conference, University of Michigan.
35. Aerobic Granulation in Continuous Flow Systems? (2014). Bruce, S., Downing, L., Young, M.,
Nerenberg, R. Borchardt Conference, University of Michigan.
36. Using Modeling to Compare Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions in Suspended Growth and Biofilm
Systems. B.L. Read-Daily, Claire Szieradzki, R. Nerenberg. Borchardt Conference, University
of Michigan.
37. The Use of Peracetic Acid for Disinfection of Combined Sewer Overflows: Effect of Suspended
Solids Size on Bacterial Inactivation (2014). Pavissich, J.P., Schockling, A.J., Loconsole, J.,
Nerenberg, R. Borchardt Conference, University of Michigan.
38. Yue Wang, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg (2013). Elemental Sulfur (So) as a Supplemental
Electron Donor for Wastewater Denitrification: Denitrification Filter Studies. WEFTEC,
Chicago.
39. K. J. Martin, N. Derlon, E. Morgenroth, and R. Nerenberg (2013). Fouling Layer Surface
Heterogeneity Improves Permeate Flux. WEFTEC, Chicago.
40. M. Aybar, G. Pizarro, R. Nerenberg (2013). Energy Efficient Wastewater Treatment via the
Hollow-Fiber Aerated Membrane Biofilm Reactor (HF-MBfR). IWA Membrane Technology
Conference, Aug. 25-29, Toronto, CA.
41. P. Pavissich, K. J. Martin and R. Nerenberg (2013). Effect of Biofilm Structural Heterogeneity
on Conversion Rates in Membrane Biofilm Reactors. IWA Membrane Technology Conference,
Aug. 25-29, Toronto, CA.
42. K. J. Martin, C. Picioreanu and R. Nerenberg (2013). Multidimensional Modeling of
Denitrification, Sulfate-Reduction, and Methanogenesis in a Hydrogen-Based, Membrane-
Supported Biofilm Reactor (MBfR). IWA Membrane Technology Conference, Aug. 25-29,
Toronto, CA.
43. K. J. Martin, N. Derlon, E. Morgenroth and R. Nerenberg (2013). Fouling Layer Surface
Heterogeneity Improves Permeate Flux. IWA Membrane Technology Conference, Aug. 25-29,
Toronto, CA.
44. J. P. Pavissich, K. J. Martin and R. Nerenberg (2013). Effect of Biofilm Structural Heterogeneity
on Conversion Rates in Membrane Biofilm Reactors. IWA Biofilm Reactor Technology
Conference, Paris, May 28-31.
45. K. J. Martin, C. Picioreanu, and R. Nerenberg (2013). Modeling Biofilm Development and Fluid
Dynamics in a Hydrogen-Based, Membrane-Supported Biofilm Reactor (MBfR) . IWA Biofilm
Reactor Technology Conference, Paris, May 28-31.
46. K. J. Martin, N. Derlon, E. Morgenroth, and R. Nerenberg (2013). Fouling Layer Surface
Heterogeneity Improves Permeate Flux. IWA Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference, Paris,
May 28-31.
47. Y. Wang, C. Bott, R. Nerenberg (2013). Elemental sulfur (So) as a supplemental electron donor
for Wastewater denitrification. IWA Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference, Paris, May 28-31.
48. Kelly J. Martin*, Joshua P. Boltz, Robert Nerenberg (2012). The Membrane Biofilm Reactor
(MBfR) for Wastewater Treatment: Applications, Design Considerations, and Technology
Outlook. WEFTEC 2012, New Orleans.
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49. Marcelo Aybar*, Gonzalo Pizarro, Kelly Martin*, Joshua Boltz, Leon Downing, Robert
Nerenberg (2012). The Air-Based Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MNFR) For Energy Efficient
Wastewater Treatment. WEFTEC 2012, New Orleans.
50. J.P. Pavissich*, B.L. Read-Daily*, K. Sandberg**, F. Sabba*, R. Nerenberg (2012). Nitrous
Oxide (N2O) Reduction by Denitrifying Bacteria: Relating Kinetics and Gene Expression.
WEFTEC 2012, New Orleans.
51. Yue Wang*, Pablo Pasten, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg (2012). Elemental Sulfur (So) as a
Supplemental Electron Donor for Wastewater Denitrification: Batch and Column Studies.
WEFTEC 2012, New Orleans.
52. B.L. Read-Daily* and R. Nerenberg (2011). Modeling Nitric and Nitrous Oxide Production in
Biofilm Systems. IWA Leading Edge Technology Conference, Amsterdam, NL
53. B.L. Read-Daily*, R. Nerenberg (2011). Kinetics and Microbial Ecology of Nitrous Oxide
(N2O) Reduction by Denitrifying Bacteria. IWA Leading Edge Technology Conference,
Amsterdam, NL
54. Kelly J. Martin*, Cristian Picioreanu, David Friese, Ryan Overstreet, Robert Nerenberg (2011).
Multidimensional Modeling of the Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. WEFTEC, Los
Angeles CA.
55. B.L. Read-Daily* and R. Nerenberg (2011). Modeling Nitric and Nitrous Oxide Production in
Biofilm Systems. WEFTEC, Los Angeles CA.
56. K. J. Martin*, C. Picioreanu, D. Friese, R. Overstreet, R. Nerenberg (2011). Optimizing the
Design and Operation of the Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor Using Multidimensional
Biofilm Modeling. IWA Leading Edge Technology Conference, Amsterdam, NL
57. Yue Wang*, Juan Pablo Pavissich*, Fabrizio Sabba*, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg (2011).
Elemental Sulfur (So) as a Supplemental Electron Donor for Wastewater Denitrification.
WEFTEC, Los Angeles CA.
58. Kelly J. Martin*, Cristian Picioreanu, David Friese, Ryan Overstreet, Robert Nerenberg (2011).
Multidimensional Modeling of the Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. WEFTEC, Los
Angeles CA.
59. B.L. Read-Daily*, R. Nerenberg (2011). Kinetics and Microbial Ecology of Nitrous Oxide
(N2O) Reduction by Denitrifying Bacteria. WEFTEC, Los Angeles CA.
60. Caitlyn Shea Butler* and Robert Nerenberg (2010). Effects of Oxygen Crossover on Microbial
Fuel Cell Performance and Microbial Community Structure. IWA Leading Edge Technology
Conference, Phoenix, AZ
61. Caitlyn Shea Butler*, Peter Clauwaert, Willy Verstraete, and Robert Nerenberg (2010).
Bioelectrochemical Perchlorate Reduction in a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC): Optimizing
Biocathode pH and Potential IWA Leading Edge Technology Conference, Phoenix, AZ
62. K. J. Martin* and R. Nerenberg (2010). Guiding the Development of Membrane-Supported
Biofilm Processes through Modeling Studies. IWA/WEF Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference
2010, Portland, August 2010.
63. B.L. Read-Daily* and R. Nerenberg (2010). Nitric and Nitrous Oxide Production and
Consumption in Biofilm Processes. IWA/WEF Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference 2010,
Portland, August 2010.
64. C. Shea Butler* and R. Nerenberg (2010). Effects of Oxygen Crossover on Layered, Microbial
Fuel Cell Assemblies. IWA/WEF Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference 2010, Portland,
August 2010.
65. C. Shea Butler*, P. Clauwaert, S. Green, W. Verstraete, and R. Nerenberg (2010).
Bioelectrochemical Perchlorate Reduction in a Microbial Fuel Cell: Optimizing Cathode pH and
Cathode Potential. IWA/WEF Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference 2010, Portland, August
2010.
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66. Kelly Martin*, Joshua Boltz, Sarah Keithley**, and R. Nerenberg (2010). Using Modeling to Guide
the Development of Membrane-Supported Biofilm (MBf) Processes. IWA Wastewater Modeling
2010, Quebec City, Canada, March 2010.
67. Caitlyn Shea* and Robert Nerenberg (2009). Effect of oxygen crossover on microbial fuel cell
biofilms. IWA Biofilm Processes: Fundamentals to Applications 2009. 9/13-16/2009, Davis,
CA. (Platform)
68. Caitlyn Shea*, Peter Clauwaert, Stefan Green, Willy Verstraete, and Robert Nerenberg (2009).
Bioelectrochemical perchlorate reduction in a microbial fuel cell. IWA Biofilm Processes:
Fundamentals to Applications 2009. 9/13-16/2009, Davis, CA. (Poster)
69. Kelly J. Martin*, Sarah Keithley**, Joshua Bolz, and R. Nerenberg (2009). Unique Behavior of
Counter-Diffusional Biofilms Grown on Hollow-Fiber Membranes. IWA Biofilm Processes:
Fundamentals to Applications 2009. 9/13-16/2009, Davis, CA. (Poster)
70. Leon S. Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2009). Membrane-Aerated Biofilms: Who is There,
What are They Doing, and Why are They Beneficial. WEF Nutrient Removal 2009. 6/28-
7/1/2009. Washington, DC.
71. Brenda Read-Daily*, Jennifer Tank, and Robert Nerenberg (2009). Stimulating Denitrification
of Agricultural Drainage Using Elemental Sulfur: Denitrification Rates and Microbial
Community Structure. WEF Nutrient Removal 2009. 6/28-7/1/2009. Washington, DC.
72. Caitlyn Shea* and Robert Nerenberg (2009). BOD and Total Nitrogen Removal from
Wastewater Using Microbial Fuel Cells. WEF Nutrient Removal 2009. 6/28-7/1/2009.
Washington, DC.
73. Leon S. Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). A Hybrid Membrane-Biofilm Process for
Concurrent Nitrification and Denitrification. AIChE Annual Meeting 2008. Philadelphia, PA
(11/16-21/2008)
74. Robert Nerenberg (2008). Reduction of Perchlorate and Other Micropollutants in a Hydrogen-
Based, Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. AIChE Annual Meeting 2008. Philadelphia,
PA (11/16-21/2008)
75. Caitlyn Shea* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). A High-Performance, Air-Cathode Microbial Fuel
Cell with Potential for Retrofitting into Activated Sludge Plants. WEFTEC. 10/18-22/2008.
Chicago, IL.
76. Leon Downing*, Kyle Bibby**, Kathleen Esposito, Tom Fascianella, Robert Nerenberg (2008).
Pilot-Scale Testing of the Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process (HMBP) for Total Nitrogen
Removal from Municipal Wastewater. WEFTEC. 10/18-22/2008. Chicago, IL.
77. Brenda Read-Daily*, Jennifer Tank, and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Stimulating Denitrification
in Agricultural Headwater Streams by Amending with Elemental Sulfur. WEFTEC. 10/18-
22/2008. Chicago, IL.
78. Kelly Martin*, Leon Downing*, Robert Nerenberg (2008). Evidence of Specialized Bromate-
Reducing Bacteria in a Hollow Fiber Membrane Bioreactor. IWA World Water Congress 2008.
9/7-12/2008 Vienna, Austria.
79. Leon S. Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Performance of a Bench-Scale Hybrid
Membrane Biofilm Process (HMBP) for Total Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater. IWA World
Water Congress 2008. 9/7-12/2008 Vienna, Austria.
80. Robert Nerenberg, Leon Downing*, Kyle Bibby**, Kathleen Esposito, Tom Fascianella (2008).
A hybrid membrane-biofilm process for concurrent nitrification and denitrification: bench and
pilot-scale studies. IWA North American Membranes Research Conference. August 2008.
Amherst, MA.
81. Caitlyn Shea*, Peter Clauwaert, Willy Verstraete, and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Adapting a
Denitrifying Biocathode for Perchlorate Reduction. IWA Leading Edge Technology Conference.
June 2008. Zurich, Switzerland.
82. Caitlyn Shea* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Microbial Fuel Cells for Total Nitrogen Removal.
IWA Leading Edge Technology Conference. June 2008. Zurich, Switzerland.
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83. Leon S. Downing*, Robert Nerenberg (2008). Sustainable Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater
with the Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process (HMBP): Bench-Scale Studies. IWA Leading Edge
Technology Conference. June 2008. Zurich, Switzerland.
84. Kelly Martin*, Leon Downing*, and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Evidence of Specialized
Bromate-Reducing Bacteria in a Hollow Fiber Membrane Bioreactor. IWA Leading Edge
Technology Conference. June 2008. Zurich, Switzerland.
85. Leon S. Downing*, Kyle J. Bibby**, Tom Fascianella, Kathleen Esposito, and Robert Nerenberg
(2008). The Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process for TN Removal from Wastewater: Bench and
Pilot Scale Studies. EWRI World Environmental & Water Resources Congress. May 2008.
Honolulu, HI.
86. Caitlyn Shea* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Performance of Air-Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells
with Layered-Electrode Assemblies. IWA Young Professionals Research Conference. June 2008.
Berkeley, CA.
87. Kelly Martin*, Leon Downing*, and Robert Nerenberg (2008) Evidence of Specialized Bromate-
Reducing Bacteria in a Hollow Fiber Membrane Bioreactor. IWA Young Professionals Research
Conference. June 2008. Berkeley, CA.
88. Leon S. Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2007). The Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process
(HMBP): A Novel Technology for Upgrading Activated Sludge Plants to Achieve Biological
Nitrogen Removal WEFTEC 2007. October 2007. San Diego, CA.
89. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2007). The Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process
(HMBP): A Novel Technology for Upgrading Activated Sludge Plants to Achieve Biological
Nitrogen Removal IWA/WEF Nutrient Removal 2007: The State of the Art. Baltimore, MD. CD
ROM, 12 pages.
90. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2006). Microbial Ecology and Performance of the
Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Reactor (HMBP) for Concurrent Nitrification and Denitrification.
Proceedings of IWA Biofilm Systems VI, Amsterdam. CD ROM, seven pages.
91. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2006). Bromate Reduction in a Hydrogen-Based,
Hollow-fiber Membrane-Biofilm Reactor. Proceedings of IWA Biofilm Systems VI, Amsterdam.
CD ROM, eight pages.
92. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2006). Concurrent Nitrification, Denitrification, and
BOD Removal in a Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Proceedings of IWA World Water
Congress, Beijing, CD-ROM, eight pages
93. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2006). Microbial Bromate Reduction in a Hydrogen-
Based, Membrane Biofilm Reactor: Inhibitory Mechanisms. Proceedings of AWWA Annual
Conference and Exposition, San Antonio TX. 11 pages.
94. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2006). Reduction of Bromate to Bromide via Hydrogen
Oxidizing Bacteria. Proceedings of American Water Works Association Inorganic Contaminants
Workshop, Austin, TX. Nine pages.
95. Robert Nerenberg (2006). Challenges and Opportunities in Working with Minority/Overseas
REU Students. Proceedings of American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference,
Chicago. Five pages.
96. Robert Nerenberg (2005). Membrane Biofilm Reactor for Water and Wastewater Treatment.
Proceedings of Borchardt Conference, University of Michigan. CD-ROM, 20 pages.
97. Bruce Rittmann, Robert Nerenberg, Beverley Stinson, Dimitrios Katehis, Echo Leong, and
James Anderson (2004). Hydrogen-Based Membrane Biofilm Reactor for Wastewater
Treatment. Proceedings of IWA Leading Edge Technologies Conference, Prague, Czechoslovakia.
Eight pages.
98. James Anderson, Beverley Stinson, Bruce Rittmann, and Robert Nerenberg (2004). Innovative
Biofilm Membrane Reactor for Emerging Contaminants and Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater.
Proceedings of New York Water Environment Association Annual Conference. New York, NY.
Eight pages.
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99. Robert Nerenberg, Bruce E. Rittmann, Yasunori Kawagoshi, Thomas E. Gillogly, Geno E.
Lehman, Samer S. Adham (2003). Microbial Ecology of a Perchlorate-Reducing, Hollow-Fiber
Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Proceedings of American Society for Microbiology Biofilms 2003
Conference. Victoria, Canada. Abstract.
100. Robert Nerenberg, Bruce E. Rittmann (2003). Reduction of Oxidized Water
Contaminants with a Hydrogen-Based, Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Proceedings of
IWA Biofilm Congress, Cape Town, South Africa. Eight pages.
101. Robert Nerenberg and Bruce E. Rittmann, Thomas E. Gillogly, Geno E. Lehman, and
Samer S. Adham (2003). Perchlorate Reduction using the Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm
Reactor: Kinetics, Microbial Ecology, and Pilot-Scale Studies. Proceedings of Battelle In Situ
and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium. Orlando, FL. CD-ROM, Eight pages.
102. Bruce E. Rittmann and Robert Nerenberg, Kuan-Chun Lee, Issam Najm, Thomas E.
Gillogly, Geno E. Lehman, and Samer S. Adham (2002). Hydrogen-based, Hollow Fiber
Membrane Biofilm Reactor (HFMBfR) for Removing Oxidized Contaminants. International
Specialized Conference for Densely Populated Urban Areas, Hong Kong, China. Nine Pages.
103. Robert Nerenberg and Bruce E. Rittmann (2001). Perchlorate as a Secondary Substrate
in a Denitrifying Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Proceedings of International Water
Association Berlin 2001 Conference, Berlin, German. CD-ROM, Eight pages.
104. Robert Nerenberg and Bruce E. Rittmann (2001). Concurrent Perchlorate and Nitrate
Reduction in a Novel, Hollow Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor. Proceedings of American Water
Works Association Annual Conference, Washington, DC. CD-ROM, 19 pages.
105. Bruce E. Rittmann, Robert Nerenberg, and Issam Najm (2000). Autohydrogenotrophic
Perchlorate Reduction. Proceedings of the American Water Works Association Inorganic
Contaminants Workshop, Albuquerque, NM, conference proceedings, Eight Pages.
106. Robert Nerenberg, Carol J. Miller, and Carrie Turner (1997). Spreadsheet Models for
Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport. Proceedings of AWRA Symposium on Water
Resources Education, Training, and Practice, Keystone, CO, 10 pages.
107. Robert Nerenberg and Robert Butterworth (1996). Using Chicago's Distribution/Tunnel
Model for Practical Regional Decisions. Proceedings of AWWA Computer Conference, Chicago,
IL, pg. 233-237.
108. Robert Nerenberg and Krishna Mayenkar (1996). The Environmental Audit - First Step
Towards Strategic Environmental Management. Proceedings of Power-Gen International
Conference, Orlando, FL, pg. 121-145.
Conference Abstracts *Advised graduate student, **Advised undergraduate student
1. F. Kazemifar, G. Blois, M. Aybar*, P. Perez Calleja*, R. Nerenberg, S. Sinha, R. Hardy, J. L.
Best, G. Sambrook Smith & K. Christensen, “Biofilm Effect on Flow Structure over a Permeable
Bed.” American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, New Orleans, LA, Dec 2017
2. F. Kazemifar, G. Blois, M. Aybar*, P. Perez Calleja*, R. Nerenberg, S. Sinha, R. Hardy, J. L.
Best, G. Sambrook Smith & K. Christensen, “Effects of biofilm on flow over and through a
permeable bed American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec 2016
3. F. Kazemifar, G. Blois, M. Aybar*, P. Perez Calleja*, R. Nerenberg, S. Sinha, R. Hardy, J. L.
Best, G. Sambrook Smith & K. Christensen, “Effects of biofilm on flow over and through a
permeable bed” APS DFD 69th Annual Meeting, Portland, OR, Nov 2016
4. F. Kazemifar, G. Blois, M. Aybar*, P. Perez Calleja, R. Nerenberg, S. Sinha, R. Hardy, J. L. Best,
G. Sambrook Smith & K. Christensen, “Hydrodynamic interactions between biofilms and
flow”8th International Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics (River Flow 2016), St. Louis, MO, Jul
2016
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5. F. Kazemifar, G. Blois, M. Aybar*, P. Perez Calleja*, R. Nerenberg, S. Sinha, R. Hardy, J. L.
Best, G. Sambrook Smith & K. Christensen, “Effect of biofilms on bed permeability” 8th
International Conference on Porous Media (InterPore 2016). Cincinnati, OH, May 2016
6. F. Kazemifar, M. Aybar, P. Perez Calleja, R. Nerenberg, S. Sinha, R. Hardy, J. L. Best, G.
Sambrook Smith & K. Christensen, “Biofilm-flow interactions in aquatic environments.”
American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec 2015
7. F. Kazemifar, M. Aybar, P. Perez Calleja, R. Nerenberg, S. Sinha, R. Hardy, J. L. Best, G.
Sambrook Smith & K. Christensen, “PIV measurements of hydrodynamic interactions between
biofilms and flow.” APS DFD 68th Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, Nov 2015
8. M. A. Aybar and R. Nerenberg (2015). Modeling of Biofilm Deformation and Detachment
Considering Viscoelastic Material Properties. AEESP, Yale.
9. M. A. Aybar and R. Nerenberg (2015). Biofilm Morphology and Ecological Diversity in an Air-
base Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR). AEESP, Yale.
10. Yue Wang, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg (2015). Elemental Sulfur (So) as a Supplemental
Electron Donor for Wastewater Denitrification. AEESP, Yale.
11. F. Sabba, C. Picioreanu, R. Nerenberg (2015). Predicting Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions From
Biofilm Systems. AEESP, Yale.
12. M. Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja, K. Martin, C. Picioreanu, A.L. Esteban-Garcia, R. Nerenberg (2015).
Effects of gas back-diffusion and membrane bundling on the Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor
(MABR). IWA Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference, Arosa, Switzerland
13. Sabba F, Perez J.P., Picioreanu C. and Nerenberg R. (2015). Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions in
Suspended-Growth and Biofilm Systems: A modeling study. IWA Nutrients Conference,
Gdansk, Poland.
14. Yue Wang, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg (2015). Wastewater Denitrification with Elemental
Sulfur: Determining Process Rates. IWEA Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN
15. Fabrizio Sabba, Charles Bott, Robert Nerenberg (2013). Sulfite (SO32-) as an Electron Donor for
Denitrification. AEESP Annual Conference, July 14-16, Golden Colorado.
16. Kelly Martin, Cristian Picioreanu, Robert Nerenberg (2013). Modeling Denitrification, Sulfate-
Reduction, and Methanogenesis in a Hydrogen-Based Membrane Biofilm Reactor. IWA
Microbial Ecology and Wastewater Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, July 7-10, 2013
17. Brenda Read-Daily, Stefan Green, and R. Nerenberg (2013). Kinetics and Microbial Ecology of
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Reduction by Denitrifying Bacteria. IWA Microbial Ecology and
Wastewater Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, July 7-10, 2013
18. Marcelo Aybar*, Gonzalo Pizarro, Kelly Martin, Joshua Boltz, Leon Downing, Robert Nerenberg
(2012). The Air-Based Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR) For Energy Efficient Wastewater
Treatment. IWA 3rd Regional Conference on Membrane Technology, Buenos Aires, Argentina
19. Kelly J. Martin*, Cristian Picioreanu, Robert Nerenberg (2012). Modeling Biofilm Development
and Fluid Dynamics in a Hydrogen-Based, Membrane-Supported Biofilm Reactor (MBfR) in a
Spiral-Wound Configuration. IWA 3rd Regional Conference on Membrane Technology, Buenos
Aires, Argentina
20. Marcelo Aybar*, Gonzalo Pizarro, Kelly J Martin*, Robert Nerenberg (2012). Air-based
membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) for energy efficient wastewater treatment. 244th ACS
National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
21. Kelly J Martin*, Robert Nerenberg (2012). Membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) for wastewater
treatment: Principles, applications, and recent developments. 244th ACS National Meeting,
Philadelphia, PA
22. Robert Nerenberg, Leon Downing, Kelly Martin*, Caitlyn Butler*, and Brenda Read-Daily*
(2011). Advances in Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR) Technology for Water
and Wastewater Treatment. Borchardt Conference on Water and Wastewater Technology, Ann
Arbor, MI.
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23. Yue Wang*, Juan Pablo Pavissich*, and Robert Nerenberg (2010). Elemental sulfur (So) as a
supplemental electron donor for wastewater denitrification. IWEA, Indianapolis, IN
24. Downing, L.*, Martin, K.*, and Nerenberg, R. (2009). The who, what, and how of biological
bromate removal AWWA ACE 2009.
25. Caitlyn Shea* and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Air-Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells with Layered-
Electrode Assemblies. Microbial Fuel Cells First International Symposium. Penn State
University (5/27-29/2008)
26. Caitlyn Shea and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Microbial Fuel Cells for Total Nitrogen Removal.
Microbial Fuel Cells First International Symposium. Penn State University (5/27-29/2008)
27. Caitlyn Shea*, Peter Clauwaert, Willy Verstraete, and Robert Nerenberg (2008). Adapting a
Denitrifying Biocathode for Perchlorate Reduction. Microbial Fuel Cells First International
Symposium. Penn State University (5/27-29/2008)
28. Leon S. Downing*, Stefan J. Green, and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Performance and Microbial
Ecology of the Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process (HMBP) for concurrent nitrification and
denitrification of wastewater. AEESP Annual Conference, August 7, 2007. Blacksburg, VA.
Abstract, oral presentation.
29. Caitlyn Shea* and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Hollow-Fiber Membrane Microbial Fuel Cells:
Retrofitting Activated Sludge for Direct Production of Electricity. Indiana Water Environment
Association Annual Conference 2007, November 13, 2007.
30. Brenda Read*, Stefan Green, and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Stimulating Denitrification in
Agricultural Headwater Streams. ASM General Conference, May 2007, Toronto. (Poster)
31. Caitlyn. Shea*, Stefan Green, and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Microbial Fuel Cells: Changes in
Microbial Community Structure as a Function of Anode Potential. 4th ASM Conference on
Biofilms. March 2007, Quebec City. (Poster).
32. Kelly Martin*, Leon Downing*, Stefan Green, and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Microbial
Ecology of Bromate Reduction in a Hydrogen-Oxidizing Biofilm. 4th ASM Conference on
Biofilms. March 2007, Quebec City. (Poster).
33. Leon Downing*, Stefan Green, and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Performance and Microbial
Ecology of the Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process (HMBP) for Concurrent Nitrification and
Denitrification of Wastewater. 4th ASM Conference on Biofilms. March 2007, Quebec City.
(Poster).
34. Leon S. Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Concurrent Nitrification and Denitrification
with a Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process. North American Membrane Society 2007. May 16,
2007. Orlando, FL. Abstract, oral presentation.
35. Margaret Dudley*, Stefan Green, and Robert Nerenberg (2007). Determining the Cause of
Chlorate Accumulation in Dechlorosoma HCAP-C, a Novel Perchlorate-Reducing Bacterium.
ASM General Conference, May 2007, Toronto. (Poster).
36. Robert Nerenberg and Caitlyn Shea* (2007). Microbial Fuel Cells for Sustainable Energy
Production from Wastewater. Purdue University 2007 Bioenergy Symposium. May 2007, West
Lafayette, IN. Abstract, oral presentation.
37. Leon Downing* and Robert Nerenberg (2006). Concurrent Nitrification, Denitrification, and
BOD Removal in a Hybrid Membrane-Biofilm Reactor. IWEA Annual Conference.
Indianapolis, IN. (Abstract)
38. Robert Nerenberg (2006). Membrane Biofilm Reactors for Water and Wastewater Treatment.
IWEA Annual Conference. Indianapolis, IN. (Abstract)
39. Anna Salamone* and Robert Nerenberg (2006). Novel Perchlorate-Reducing Bacteria
Accumulate High Levels of Chlorate. Proceedings of ASM General Meeting, Orlando. Abstract.
40. Beverley Stinson, Bruce Rittmann, Robert Nerenberg, Dimitrios Katehis, Echo Leong, and
James Anderson (2005). Innovative Membrane Biofilm Reactor for Emerging Contaminant and
Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater. Proceedings of New England Water Environmental
Association Annual Conference, Boston. Three pages.
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41. Robert Nerenberg, Yasunori Kawagoshi, and Bruce Rittmann (2004). Microbial Ecology of a
Perchlorate-Reducing Biofilm Reactor with Nitrate as a Primary Electron Acceptor. Proceedings
of 10th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology ISME 10. Cancun, Mexico. Abstract.
42. Robert Nerenberg, Yasunori Kawagoshi, and Bruce E. Rittmann (2004). Kinetics and Microbial
Ecology of Perchlorate-Reducing Bacteria: Implications for Remediation. Proceedings of AEHS
Conference, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Abstract.
43. Yasunori Kawagoshi, Robert Nerenberg, and Bruce E. Rittmann. Bacterial Community of
Perchlorate Reducing, Denitrifying Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactor (2003).
Proceedings of Japan Society on Water Environment. Prefectural University of Kumamoto,
Kumamoto, Japan. Abstract.
44. Robert Nerenberg and Bruce E. Rittmann (2002). Hydrogen-Based, Hollow-Fiber Membrane
Biofilm Reactor for Reduction of Oxidized Contaminants. Proceedings of AEESP 2002
Education and Research Conference. Toronto, Canada. Abstract.
45. Bruce E. Rittmann, Robert Nerenberg, Thomas E. Gillogly, Geno E. Lehman, and Samer S.
Adham (2002). Membrane Biofilm Reactors for Perchlorate Removal. Proceedings of
Microfiltration III Conference, Contra Costa, CA. Abstract.
8. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
None.
9. INVITED LECTURES AND ADDRESSES
1. Invited keynote speaker to the 2019 IWA Biofilm Conference, Pontifical Catholic University of
Chile (conference 11/2019)
2. Unique Behavior of the Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) as a Counter-Diffusional
Biofilm. Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Lyngby, Denmark. February 7, 2018
3. Urban Sustainability: Basic Concepts and Opportunities via Environmental Biotechnology.
Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago campus, Chile. November 24, 2017
4. Unique Behavior of Counter-Diffusional Biofilms in Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors.
Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago Campus, Chile. November 24, 2017
5. Sustentabilidad urbana: conceptos básicos y oportunidades con la biotecnología ambiental.
Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Viña del Mar campus, Chile. November 23, 2017
6. Concepts of Sustainability and Basics of Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors. Universidad de
Concepión, Chile. November 20, 2017
7. Unique Behavior of Counter-Diffusional Biofilms in Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors.
Purdue University, October 17, 2017
8. Urban Sustainability: Basic Concepts, and Opportunities via Environmental Biotechnology,
University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain, Jul 20, 2017
9. Keynote speaker to the 2017 IWA Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference, University College
of Dublin. Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors (5/2017)
10. Sulfur-Based Denitrification as a Counter-Diffusional Biofilm Process. Indiana University -
Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis (1/20/17).
11. ND panel on “Water and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Nexus” at GHG@ND, University of Notre
Dame (4/14/16)
12. Enhancing the Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) by Managing Gas Back-Diffusion.
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUC) (3/9/16)
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13. The Membrane-Biofilm Reactor (MBfR): Effects of Biofilm Properties on Reactor Performance.
Invited keynote speaker for the 2015 IWA Leading-Edge Conference on Water and
Wastewater Technologies 2015, 30 May to 3 June 2015 in Hong Kong, China.
14. Invited speaker for “Environmental Biotechnology for Urban Sustainability.” PUC CEDEUS
workshop on Urban Sustainability. Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, (3/12/14)
15. Membrane-Aerated Biofilms Reactors: Effects of Biofilm Morphology, Fluid Dynamics, and
Detachment. Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan (10/24/13)
16. Relating Biofilm Morphology, Fluid Dynamics, and Detachment to Performance in Counter-
Diffusional Biofilms. Kumamoto University, Japan (10/21/13)
17. Relating Biofilm Morphology, Fluid Dynamics, and Detachment to Performance in Counter-
Diffusional Biofilms. Arizona State University (3/19/13),
18. Novel Biofilm Processes for Sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment. Northwestern
University (2/28/13)
19. Counter-diffusional biofilms: unique behavior, and role in novel water and wastewater treatment
processes. Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUC). (3/14/12)
20. Counter-diffusional biofilms: unique behavior, and role in novel water and wastewater treatment
processes. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
(5/20/2011).
21. Counter-diffusional biofilms: unique behavior, and role in novel water and wastewater treatment
processes. Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG),
Dübendorf, Switzerland. (5/15/2011)
22. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Processes for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment. Seminar, Civil and
Environmental Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada (11/20/09).
23. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Processes for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment. Seminar, Civil and
Environmental Engineering, Stanford University (6/22/09).
24. Sustainable Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater using Membrane-aerated Biofilms. Presentation
at Purdue University – Petroleum Environmental Research Forum (PERF) Workshop
(5/21/09)
25. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Processes for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment. UNESCO-IHE,
Delft, The Netherlands (5/14/09)
26. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Processes for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment. Kluyer Lecture at
Technical University of Delft, Delft, The Netherlands (5/13/09)
27. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Processes for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment. Seminar at
Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Belgium
(5/11/09)
28. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Processes for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment. Seminar at EAWAG,
Zurich, Switzerland (5/8/09)
29. Total Nitrogen Removal in the Hybrid Membrane-Biofilm Process. Takashi Asano Seminar,
University of California at Davis (01/12/09)
30. Reduction of Perchlorate and Other Micropollutants in a Hydrogen-Based, Hollow-Fiber
Membrane Biofilm Reactor. AIChE Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA (11/16-21/2008)
31. A Hybrid Membrane-Biofilm Process for Concurrent Nitrification and Denitrification: Bench and
Pilot-Scale Studies. IWA North American Membrane Research Conference, Amherst, MA,
(8/2008).
32. Total Nitrogen Removal in the Hybrid Membrane-Biofilm Process. The Metropolitan Water
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seminar (8/22/08).
33. Total Nitrogen Removal in the Hybrid Membrane-Biofilm Process. Seminar, Department of
Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University (5/2/2008).
34. Total Nitrogen Removal in the Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process. Seminar, Department of
Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (5/1/2008).
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35. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactors for Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment.
Warren Lecture at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (1/2008).
36. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Processes for Environmental Remediation. Department of
Biology, Loyola University, Chicago (2007).
37. Microbial Fuel Cells for Sustainable Energy Production from Wastewater. Purdue Energy
Symposium, Purdue University (2007).
38. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm Reactors for Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment.
Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), University of Ghent, Belgium
(2006).
39. Membrane Biofilm Reactors for Water and Wastewater Treatment. Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA (2006).
40. Membrane Biofilm Reactors for Water and Wastewater Treatment. Borchardt Conference, Ann
Arbor, Michigan (2005).
41. Biological Reduction of Perchlorate in Drinking Water Using a Hollow-Fiber Membrane Biofilm
Reactor. Environmental Engineering seminar, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
(2004)
42. Kinetics and Microbial Ecology of Perchlorate-Reducing Bacteria: Implications for Remediation.
AEHS Conference, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. (2004).
10. GRANTS AND SPONSORED PROGRAMS
1. Cross training on advanced biofilm research tools to promote ND-PUC research collaborations.
Luksic foundation grant from NDI, $9K. R. Nerenberg, PI. 2018.
2. NSF GOALI #1605177: Effect of Hydroxylamine on the Structure and Function of Nitrifying
Biofilms. $330K. R. Nerenberg, PI, Kyle Bibby, co-PI, Dwight Houweling, co-PI. 2018.
3. IDEA Center, COE, and NDI seed funding for MABR-MF research. $25K. R. Nerenberg, PI.
2018.
4. Notre Dame International (NDI) Mexico seed grant, $10K. R. Nerenberg, PI. 2017
5. NSF Workshop #1632982: The Mechanical Properties of Biofilms: State-of-the-Art and Research
Needs. $72K. R. Nerenberg, PI.
6. NSF GOALI #1805406: Predicting Biofilm Deformation and Detachment using In-Situ Micro-
Rheology and Phase-Field Modeling. $330K. R. Nerenberg, PI; Nick Adams, co-PI; Josh
Shrout, co-PI. 7/15/2016- 6/30/2019
7. The hydrodynamics of microbial landscapes, supplemental funding. Sponsor: University of
Birmingham, UK. Ken Christensen, PI. R. Nerenberg, co-PI. Nerenberg support $25K. 2016
- 2017
8. Workshop and Course on Urban Sustainability. Luksic foundation grant from NDI. $19K.
Nerenberg, PI. 2016.
9. EXTENSION for Quantifying Fugitive Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Biofilm Systems. Water
Environment Research Foundation (WERF). $62K. R. Nerenberg, PI; Kartik Chandran co-PI.
2015 – 2016
10. Bench and pilot studies of the membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) for energy-efficient
wastewater treatment. Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF). $245K. R.
Nerenberg, PI. 2015-2017.
11. Bench-Scale Studies of Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABRs) for Energy-Efficient
Wastewater Treatment. GE Water and Power. $20K. R. Nerenberg, PI. 9/2014 – 2/2015.
12. Enhanced Perchlorate Reduction using Microbial Isolates from Extreme Environments in Chile.
$30K, R. Nerenberg and I. Vargas, co-PIs. 2014 - 2015
13. The Use of Peracetic Acid for Disinfection of Combined Sewer Overflows. Ganey Award for
Community –Based Research. $7K, R. Nerenberg, PI. 2013.
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14. Feasibility of Sulfite and Sulfur as Supplemental Electron Donors for Wastewater Denitrification
– Bench-Scale Studies. Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). $60K. R. Nerenberg, PI.
2013 – 2014
15. Inorganic and Gaseous Electron Donors for Cost-Effective Nitrogen Removal. WERF Paul
Busch Award. $100K. R. Nerenberg, PI. 2012 - 2014
16. Feasibility of Sulfite and Sulfur as Supplemental Electron Donors for Wastewater Denitrification
– Bench-Scale Studies. Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). $100K. R. Nerenberg, PI.
2011 – 2012.
17. Low-Energy Wastewater Treatment via Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABRs).
WateReuse Foundation. $25K. R. Nerenberg, PI. 2011 - 2012.
18. Quantifying Fugitive Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Biofilm Systems. Water Environment
Research Foundation (WERF). $122K. R. Nerenberg, PI, Kartik Chandran co-PI. 2011 – 2015
19. Feasibility of Sulfite as a Supplemental Electron Donor for Wastewater Denitrification.
20. Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). $47K. R. Nerenberg, PI. 2010 – 2011.
21. Elemental Sulfur (So) as a Supplemental Electron Donor for Wastewater Denitrification. Hampton
Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). $70K. R. Nerenberg, PI. 2010 – 2011.
22. Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Studies on Membrane-Supported Biofilm Reactors
(MBfRs) in Spiral Assemblies. Applied Process Technology, Inc. $46K. R. Nerenberg, PI.
4/2010 – 12/2010.
23. Energy efficient and sustainable aquaculture water treatment using microbial fuel cells and
membrane-supported biofilms – Seed Grant. Illinois Indiana Sea Grant. $10K. R. Nerenberg,
P.I. 2010 – 2011.
24. Supplement to NSF CAREER: Dynamic Structure and Function of Biofilms for Wastewater
Treatment to purchase Optical Coherence Tomography unit. $50K. R. Nerenberg, PI, 2015.
25. NSF CAREER: Dynamic Structure and Function of Biofilms for Wastewater Treatment. National
Science Foundation. $400K. R. Nerenberg, PI. 2010 – 2015.
26. The Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process (HMBP) for Wastewater Treatment: Research on
Membrane Materials and Configurations. Applied Process Technology, Inc., $65K. R.
Nerenberg, PI. 2008 – 2010.
27. Novel Membrane-aerated Anammox Process for Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater. Notre Dame
Faculty Research Program. University of Notre Dame, $10K. R. Nerenberg, PI. (1/1/08 –
12/31/08)
28. Hollow-Fiber Membrane Microbial Fuel Cells (HFM-MFCs) for Electricity Production from
Wastewater. (National Science Foundation SGER), $75K. R. Nerenberg, PI (7/1/07-6/30/08).
29. Integrated Membrane Biofilm Reactor for Total Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater. Cooperative
Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET - NOAA), $260K. R.
Nerenberg, PI; J. Anderson (Metcalf & Eddy), subconsultant; Reid Bowman (Applied Process
Technology), subcontractor (2005- 2008).
30. Nitrogen removal from headwater streams using elemental sulfur. CICEET - NOAA, $24K. R.
Nerenberg, PI, Jennifer Tank, Co-PI (Biological Sciences) (2005- 2006).
31. Laboratory and Field Tests on an Oxygen-based Membrane Biofilm Reactor for Total-Nitrogen
Removal from Wastewater. Metcalf & Eddy, $14K. R. Nerenberg, PI. (June- December 2005).
Submitted Proposals
Supplement to NSF Project 1632982: Procurement of a High-Resolution, Field Microsensor System for
Assessing Biofilm Activity and Function. Submitted December 14, 2018. $39K. R. Nerenberg,
PI.
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NSF PFI-TT: A membrane-based biofilm reactor that enhances energy and cost efficiency of wastewater
treatment. Submitted January 17, 2019. $250K. R. Nerenberg, PI, Bill Phillip, co-PI. Around
95% of this funding is for research in the Nerenberg lab.
SERDP: Investigation of Potential Microbial Communities and Enzymes Involved in the Bio-Degradation
of Perfluoroalkyl Acids. Pre-proposal accepted. $1.2M. K. Doudrick, PI, R. Nerenberg, co-PI,
K. Bibby, co-PI, N. Wei, co-PI, G. Peaslee, co-PI.
Gifts to Research Program
SUEZ, 11/2017. $25K.
GE Water and Power, 12/2016. $25K
11. MASTER’S THESES DIRECTED
Current Masters Students (total: 1 masters students) 1. Meenu Garg. Increasing Phototrophic Biofilm Formation Rates with Gas-Transferring
Membranes. Expected completion: May 2019
2. Emily Clements. Cost-effective Wastewater Treatment with the BACFEED Process. Expected
completion: 2020.
Master’s Theses Directed (Total: 5 M.S. theses)
1. Lara Grotz (2018). Enhancing Nitrification Fluxes in MABRs: Modeling and Experimental
Approaches. Current position: ENFOCUS, South Bend, IN
2. Andrew DeVries (2016). Feasibility of Sulfite-Based Autotrophic Denitrification for Wastewater
Treatment. Current position: Carollo Engineers, Orlando (TBC).
3. Sam Bruce (2015). Effect of Floc Size on Selection of Phosphate-Accumulating Organisms (PAOs)
in Wastewater Treatment Systems without a Strictly Anaerobic Zone. Current position: HDR,
Sacramento.
4. Brenda Read-Daily (2007). Stimulating Denitrification in Agricultural Headwater Streams using
Elemental Sulfur. Current position: Associate Professor (tenure track) at Elizabethtown College,
Elizabethtown, PA
5. Margaret Dudley (2007). Microbial Ecology of Perchlorate-Reducing Bacteria that Accumulate
High Levels of Chlorate. Current position: unknown.
6. Anna Salamone (2006). Kinetics of a Perchlorate-Reducing Bacterium that Accumulates High
Levels of Chlorate. Current position: unknown.
12. DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS DIRECTED
Current Visiting Doctoral Researchers
Claudia Sanchez Huerta, PhD student, KAUST, Saudi Arabia, 6/2017-9/2017, 1/2018 – 1/2019.
Micropollutant removal in the MABR
Minmin Jiang, PhD student Guilin University of Technology, China, 8/2017 – 1/2019. Modeling
and experimental approaches to mitigate pH shifts in denitrifying and perchlorate-reducing MBfR
biofilms.
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Bruno Garcia Silva, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 3/2019 – 1/2020. Fixed biofilm in
polyurethane foam subjected to counter-diffusion for simultaneous nitrification and
denitrification
Current Doctoral Students (Total: 5 doctoral students) 1. Jared Johnson. Expected completion: 2019
2. Marcela Vega (dual PhD with PUC). Expected completion 2019.
3. Mengfei Li. Expected completion: 2020
4. Sarajane Roenke, Expected completion: 2021
5. Bumkyu Kim, Expected completion: 2021
6. Yanina Nahum, expected completion: 2022
Doctoral Dissertations Directed (Total: 8 Ph.D. dissertations) 1. Fabrizio Sabba (PhD defense August 2016). Mechanisms of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Formation in
Biofilm Processes. Current position: Post-doctoral researcher, Northwestern University.
2. Marcelo Aybar (PhD defense July 2016). Mechanisms of Gas Transfer and Biofilm Development
in Membrane Aerated Biofilms. Current position: Assistant Professor, Universidad de
Concepcion, Chile.
3. Yue Wang (PhD defended August 2015). Assessing Elemental-Sulfur Based Denitrification as a
Biofilm Process. Current position: The International Fund for China's Environment (IFCE).
4. Juan Pablo Pavissich (Ph.D. defended December 2014). Effects of Biofilm Morphological and
Mechanical Heterogeneity on Treatment Systems: an Assessment via Experiments and Modeling.
Current position: Assistant Professor, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile.
5. Kelly Martin. (Ph.D. defended May 2013). Effect of Counter-Diffusion, Fluid Dynamics, and
Biofilm Morphology on Membrane-Supported Biofilms. Current position: Process Engineer at
Black & Veatch, Kansas City, KS.
6. Brenda Read-Daily (Ph.D. defended July 2011). Nitrous Oxide Formation and Consumption by
Denitrifying Bacteria in Wastewater Treatment. Current position: Associate Professor (with
tenure), Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA
7. Caitlyn Shea Butler. (Ph.D. defended November, 2009). Fundamental and Applied Studies of
Microbial Fuel Cells for Sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment. Current position:
Associate Professor (with tenure), University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA.
8. Leon Downing (Ph.D. defended May 2008). The Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process: A Novel
System for Achieving Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater. Current position: Principal Process
and Innovation Leader at Black & Veatch, Madison, WI.
Post doctoral researchers Patricia Perez, Ph.D. from University of Cantabria, Spain. Post-doc from 2/2018 - present
Aura Ontiveros, Ph.D. from Arizona State University. Post-doc from 6/2017 – 6/2018. Currently
assistant professor at Tecnológica de Monterrey, Puebla, Mexico.
Undergraduate Researchers Advised
2019: John Judge, Martha Blatt, Joe Nowak, Jacob Novitch
2018: John Judge, Antonio Grenier, Patrick West, Christian Abraham Arega, Martha Blatt
2017: John Judge, Antonio Grenier, Usa Wongsanguan
2016: Tessa Clarizio, Monica McFadden, Michael McLean, Jimmy Sebold, Jackson Cummings
2015: Tessa Clarizio, Monica McFadden
2014: Jenny Loconsole, Josh Gluch, Tessa Clarizio, Monica McFadden
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2013: Elyse Stachler, Amanda Schockling, Jenny Loconsole, Katherine Lumetta, Sophie Manley,
Josh Gluch, Tessa Clarizio, Monica McFadden
2012: Kyle Sandberg, Elyse Stachler, Amanda Schockling, Caroline Dikibo, Jenny Loconsole,
Liam Chan, Katherine Lumetta
2011: Kyle Sandberg, Frank Schadt, Caroline Dikibo
2010: Sarah Keithley, Kyle Sandberg, Gabriela Elizondo, Caroline Dikibo
2009: Amanda Martell, Patricia Wilbur, Lauren Lopez, Sarah Keithley
2008: Kyle Bibby, Patricia Wilbur, Chad Knapke
2007: Kyle Bibby, Megan McCullough, Patricia Wilbur
2006: Kyle Bibby, Amanda Martell
2005: Kyle Bibby, Amanda Martell
2004: Amanda Martell
High School Students Advised
Student from Trinity High School (fall 2012 - 2013)
Hosted female student from Marian High School for microbial fuel cell research – received
second/third place award from Indiana Science and Humanities Symposium (2008-2009).
Hosted African American high school student through EMSI outreach from Nov. 2004 - May
2006. Received second place in Indiana Academy of Science competition (2005-2006)
High School Teachers (RETs) Advised
Nevin Longenecker, Adams High School (summers of 2005, 2006, 2010)
John Bogucki, Clay Township High School (summer of 2009)
Distinctions and Awards of Advised Students External
“Best of WWTMod” for Fabrizio Sabba platform presentation in WWTMod conference, Annecy,
France (2016)
Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) Besozzi Graduate Scholarship ($2,000). Fabrizio
Sabba (2014)
Best poster award at Membrane Technology Conference for poster, Toronto, Canada. Awarded
to Kelly Martin for Multidimensional Modeling of Denitrification, Sulfate-Reduction, and
Methanogenesis in a Hydrogen-Based, Membrane-Supported Biofilm Reactor (MBfR) (2013)
Best poster award at IWA Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference, Paris, France. Awarded to
Kelly Martin for Fouling Layer Surface Heterogeneity Improves Permeate Flux. IWA Biofilm
Reactor Technology Conference, Paris (2013).
Scholarship to attend “E.C.–U.S. Molecular Biology for the Environment” awarded to Juan
Pablo Pavissich. Competitively selected by U.S. Biotechnology Task Force for 2-week course in
Lausanne, Switzerland. Sponsored by DOE and the European Union. (2012).
Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) Besozzi Graduate Scholarship ($2,000). Kelly
Martin (2011)
Fellowship to attend Woods Hole Summer Microbial Diversity Course ($4,000). Juan Pablo
Pavissich (2010).
First-place student paper award, University Forum. Texas Water Association Annual Conference.
Leon Downing (2009).
U.S. Biotechnology Task Force (DOE) E.C.-U.S. Transatlantic Biotechnology Fellowship
(~$5,000) for one-month visit to Willy Verstraete’s lab at the University of Ghent, Belgium.
Caitlyn Shea (2007).
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Competitively selected for month-long Hopkins Microbiology Course (Stanford University). Kelly
Martin (summer of 2007).
Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) Besozzi Graduate Scholarship ($2,000). Leon
Downing (2007)
NSF Graduate Student Fellowship ($160,000). Leon Downing (2005-2008)
Internal
Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST) Graduate Student Fellowship
(~$11,000). Mengfei Li (2018).
Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST) Graduate Student Fellowship
(~$11,000). Fabrizio Sabba (2014, 2015).
Slatt Fellowship for Undergraduate Research ($5,000). Amanda Schockling (2013).
Kaneb “Excellence in Teaching” award (2012). Kelly Martin.
Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST) Graduate Student Fellowship
(~$11,000). Juan Pablo Pavissich (2013).
Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST) Graduate Student Fellowship
(~$11,000, $18,000). Kelly Martin (2010, 2012).
Center for Aquatic Conservation (CAC) Graduate Student Fellowship (~$18,000). Juan Pablo
Pavissich (2010).
NSF Environmental Molecular Science Institute (EMSI) fellowship (~$10,000). Caitlyn Shea
(2009).
CEST Graduate Student Fellowship (~$10,000). Brenda Read (2009).
CEST Graduate Student Fellowship for (~$10,000). Caitlyn Shea Butler (2008).
Center for Aquatic Conservation (CAC) Graduate Student Fellowship (~$8,000). Brenda Read
(2007)
Slatt Fellowship for Undergraduate Research ($5,000). Kyle Bibby (2006).
Kaneb “Excellence in Teaching” award (2006). Caitlyn Shea Butler.
Kaneb “Excellence in Teaching” award (2005). Leon Downing.
13. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES)
Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP)
International Water Association (IWA)
Water Environment Federation (WEF)
14. OTHER NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
SERVICE
Service to Department
Member, ad hoc committee for professional MS degree (2017 – present)
Member, CEEES Undergraduate Committee (2015- present)
Member, Ad hoc committee for new minor in Sustainability and Resilience (2016 – present)
Professional advisor to undergraduate students (2008 - present)
Search committee chair for environmental engineering faculty (Fall 2014/15)
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Faculty adviser for Environmental Engineering student association (Fall 2014 – present)
Search committee chair for environmental engineering faculty (Fall 2013/14)
Member, Bioengineering program committee (Fall 2013-present)
Search committee chair for environmental engineering faculty (Fall 2012/13)
Search committee member for searchers for geoscience search (Fall 2012/13)
Search committee member for searchers for actinide science searches (Fall 2012/13)
Prepared teaching reports for two candidates for renewal and one candidate for promotion (2011,
2012), and research report for one candidate for promotion (2012)
CEEES Liaison for dual PhD degree with Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Led effort to develop and implement dual degree agreement between CEGEOS and Department
of Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Member, Environmental Fluid Dynamics search committee (2012)
Member, ad hoc committee on Graduate Curriculum (2011)
Member, ad hoc committee on Departmental Strategic Plan (2011)
Member, ad hoc committee for Committee oversight (2011)
Director of Graduate Studies (March 2010 – July 2015)
Member, ad hoc committee on graduate student recruitment (Fall 2009)
Initiated and coordinated/co-coordinated departmental Environmental seminar (Fall 2004 - present)
Chair, search committee for Environmental Engineering faculty (2008/2009)
Member, search committee for Environmental Engineering faculty (2006/2007)
Member, search committee for Massman chair (2007/2008)
Member, search committee for Massman chair (2006/2007)
Member, search committee for Environmental Faculty (2006 – 2007)
Chair, ABET Review Committee, Environmental Engineering concentration (2006 - present)
Member, ad hoc Undergraduate Curriculum committee (8/2004 – 10/2004)
Member, ad hoc committee on requirements for MS degrees (4/2004 – 6/2004)
Service to College
Member, College Council (2016- present)
Helped initiate undergraduate REU program via CONICYT in Chile (2013/14)
Bioengineering Graduate Program Committee member (2013- present)
Coordinated and attended trip to Pontifical Catholic University of Chile with group of
engineering faculty to promote dual PhD program (October 2012)
Traveled with dean to UNICAMP university in Campinas, Brazil, to explore a dual PhD program
(October 2012)
Led effort to develop and implement dual degree agreement between Notre Dame Engineering
and Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (2010 – present)
Member, search committee for Energy for Separations committee for Notre Dame Energy Center
(2010 – 2011).
Member, search committee for Ecologist position in Department of Biological Sciences (2009-
2010)
Member of committee for new Interdisciplinary Design Course (Jay Brockman, chair) (2008 –
2009)
Member of committee for forming the Bioengineering program (Mark McCready, chair) (2005 –
2006)
Member of committee for new Learning Center design (Steve Silliman, chair) (2006 – 2007)
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Service to University
Member, NDI Committee on Internationalization (2016 – present)
Member, University Committee on Latin America and the Caribbean (2016 – 2017)
Member of Notre Dame Standing Committee on Latin America and the Caribbean (2013 – 2015)
Led effort to develop and implement dual degree agreement between Notre Dame Engineering
and Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (2010 – 2015)
Advisory Board Member for Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST) (2010 to
present)
Mentor for Hispanic engineering students under Notre Dame’s Building Bridges program (2004 –
2006)
Judge for Notre Dame’s GSU Graduate Research Symposium (2008)
Proposal reviewer for CEST fellowship applicants (2004, 2005)
Service Outside University
Editorial board member for Microbial Biotechnology, Wiley (2016 – present). Impact Factor:
3.913 (2017) 4.243 (5-yr), ISI Journal Citation Reports Ranking: 2017: 33/161 (Biotechnology &
Applied Microbiology), 2017: 34/126 (Microbiology) Q1
Editorial Board Member for PLOS ONE (2015 – present). Impact factor 2.766 (2017) 3.352 (5-
yr), 15/64, Q1
Editorial Board Member for Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology, Springer
(2009 – present).. Impact Factor: 5.716 (2017) 5.961 (5-yr). Rank 14 of 161 in subject category
"Environmental sciences," Q1
Core council member for AEESP 2017 conference planning committee, hosted by University of
Michigan (2016 – present)
Panelist for CAREER award workshop at AEESP 2015 conference, Yale University (2015).
Presented in webinar on “Fundamentals and Emerging Advancements in Biofilm Reactor
Technologies” offered by Water Environment Federation (2015)
Service to Research Community
Management Committee Member, IWA Biofilms Specialist Group (2013 – present).
Chair of Awards Committee for Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors
(AEESP), 2016 - present
External letter writer for promotions to associate professors at University of Iowa (2017),
University of Massachusetts - Amherst (2017), Elizabethtown College (2017), University of Alaska
at Fairbanks (2018)
External review committee member for Environmental Engineering and Science program at Air
Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Dayton, OH, 2017
Member of AEESP Awards Committee, 2016
Member of AEESP, Awards Committee, 2011 – 2014
WEF Municipal Wastewater Design Committee, Program Committee member, 2009 - 2013
NSF Review Panels
Panel reviewer for NSF’s Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) program (May 2019)
Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET CAREER award, Environmental Engineering program
(September 2018)
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Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET unsolicited proposal, Environmental Engineering program
(February 2017)
Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET CAREER award, Environmental Engineering program
(September 2017)
Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET CAREER award, Environmental Engineering program
(September 2015
Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET unsolicited proposal, Environmental Engineering program (May
2014)
Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET CAREER award, Environmental Engineering program
(November 2013)
Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET unsolicited proposal, Environmental Engineering program (May
2010)
Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET unsolicited proposal, Environmental Engineering program
(November 2009)
Panel reviewer for NSF’s CBET unsolicited proposal, Energy for Sustainability program
(December 2007).
Panel reviewer for NSF’s BES unsolicited proposal (February 2006).
Ad-hoc Proposal Reviews
Proposal reviewer for NSF CBET unsolicited proposal, Environmental Engineering program
(September 2016).
Proposal reviewer for CONICYT (Chile) unsolicited proposal (2008, 2009, 2011, 2018)
Proposal reviewer for Sawiris Scholarship, by invitation from ETH Zurich (2012).
Proposal reviewer for Natural Resource and Applied Sciences Endowment Fund, Canada (October
2009).
Proposal reviewer for NSF CBET unsolicited proposal, Energy for Sustainability program (June
2009).
Proposal reviewer for New York Sea Grant unsolicited proposal (2008).
Proposal reviewer for CICEET unsolicited proposals (2007, 2004).
Proposal reviewer for Massachusetts Water Resources Research Center (December 2004).
Project Advisory Committees
Technical Advisory Committee member for NYSERDA grant on microbial fuel cells (2009).
Member of Project Advisory Committee (PAC) for WateReuse Foundation research project
Investigating the Feasibility of an MBfR to Achieve Low Nitrogen Levels for Water Reclamation
and Reuse (2006-2009).
Project Advisory Committee for AWWARF project #3137 “Biological Destruction of Perchlorate
and Nitrate in Ion Exchange Concentrate” (2005).
Conference Organization
Scientific committee member for International Water Association (IWA) Biofilms conference in
April 2019 in Santiago, Chile.
Co-organizer for session on Biofilm Engineering at ACS National Meeting, Boston 2018
Organized NSF-funded workshop on Biofilm Mechanical Properties (April 22-24, 2018 at
University of Notre Dame)
Organizing committee member for AEESP 2017 biennial conference, Ann Arbor, MI
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Scientific committee member for International Water Association (IWA) Biofilm Reactor
Technology Conference. May 2017, Dublin, Ireland
Scientific committee member for International Water Association (IWA) Joint Microbial Ecology
and Water Engineering and Biofilms conference. September 2016, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Scientific committee member for IWA Biofilms in Drinking Water Systems. August 2015, Arosa,
Switzerland.
Organizing committee member for International Water Association (IWA) Microbial Ecology
and Water Engineering conference. July 2013, Ann Arbor, MI.
Program Committee member for IWA Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference. May 2013, Paris,
France.
Scientific committee member for IWA/WEF Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference, Portland,
OR. August 2010.
Member of Water Environment Federation (WEF) Municipal Wastewater Treatment Symposium-
Program Committee (2008 – 2013)
Support group member, submission referee, and session moderator for International Water
Association (IWA) 5th World Water Congress, Beijing, China, 2006.
External Member of Doctoral Committees at Other Universities
External committee member for Yinjie Ma, PhD student at Technical University of Denmark
(DTU), Lyngby, Denmark. Monitoring and modeling of nitrogen conversions in membrane-
aerated biofilm reactors: Effects of intermittent aeration (Ph.D. defense February 2018)
External committee member for Paticia Perez, PhD student at the University of Cantabria, Spain. Optimization of a biofilm reactor with membrane aeration for wastewater treatment (Ph.D defense
July 2017)
External committee member for Paula Guerra, Ph.D. student from the Pontifical Catholic
University of Chile (PUC). Research proposal title: Formation of reactive particles in fluvial
confluences: chemical-hydrodynamic interactions controlling the fate of arsenic in rivers. Advisor:
Pablo Pasten (PhD defense March 2016).
External committee member for Euclides Deago, Ph.D. student from the Pontifical Catholic
University of Chile (PUC). Research proposal title: Desnitrificación biológica usando sustratos
sólidos orgánicos naturales como donante de electrones y fuente de carbono. Advisor: Gonzalo
Pizarro (Defended PhD 2014).
External committee member for Paulina Rios, Ph.D. student from the Pontifical Catholic University
of Chile (PUC). Research proposal title: Arsenic geochemistry in the Lluta river: probing the
formation, reactivity and fate of arsenic rich sediments. Advisor: Pablo Pasten (November 2010).
External committee member for Ph.D. student at the University of British Columbia, Canada.
Thesis title: “Two stage membrane-biofilm reactors (MBfRs) for nitrification and
hydrogenotrophic denitrification”. Advisor: Jan Oleszkiewicz. (November 2009).
External committee member for Ph.D. student at the University of Cincinnati. Thesis title:
“Reducing Biofouling in Membrane Bioreactors Treating Synthetic Early Planetary-Base
Wastewater”. Advisor: Dan Oerther. (July 2007).
Journal Reviewer
Typically review 12 – 18 manuscripts a years for Science, Water Research, Environmental Science
& Technology, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, International Society for Microbial Ecology
(ISME) Journal, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bioresource Technology, Journal of
Membrane Science, Water Environment Research, Environmental Technology, and others (2003 –
present).
Service to Local Community
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Robert Nerenberg CV
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Two-day workshop “Exploring the Microbial Jungle: an Introduction to Biofilms” delivered to 15
local elementary and high-school teachers on biofilms through Notre Dame’s “Teachers as
Scholars” program. (2015)
Technical advisor to City of South Bend Public Works on their program to pilot-test the use of
peracetic acid as a disinfectant for combined sewer overflows (2013/14).
Served as member of City of South Bend’s Green Ribbon Commission to advise City on sustainable
energy and carbon footprint issues (2009).
13. OTHER NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
PATENTS AND IP
Disclosure D-0167 (with Kyle Doudrick and Randy Marks): Catalytic hydrogel membrane
reactor (2018)
Disclosure D-0040: Method to enhance performance of biofilm treatment by supplying chemicals
directly to the biofilm (2017)
Completed IDEA Center 2-Stroke Report for Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor, Tech ID 18-
028 (2017).
Provisional Patent: A biofilm process that provides biological treatment and filtration of water or
waste (2016)
Provisional Patent: Sulfite as an electron donor for wastewater denitrification (2014)
Provisional Patent: “Hybrid Membrane-Biofilm Process for Total Nitrogen Removal” (University
of Notre Dame, March 2008)
Provisional Patent: “Hybrid Membrane Biofilm Process for Total Nitrogen Removal from
Wastewater” (University of Notre Dame, November 2005).
Provisional Patent: “Improved Perchlorate Reduction via Analog Addition.” (University of Notre
Dame, March 2004).
U.S. Patent No. 7,632,415 (with Dr. Bruce Rittmann and Cesar Torres): “Apparatus and methods
for water treatment”, issued December 15, 2009
U.S. Patent No. 7,338,597 (with Dr. Bruce Rittmann and Cesar Torres): “Apparatus for Water
Treatment”, issued March 4, 2008
U.S. Patent No. 7,186,340 (with Dr. Bruce Rittmann): “Perchlorate Reduction and Related Water
Treatment Methods.” Issued March 6, 2007
HOST FOR VISITING FACULTY
Eduardo Leiva, PUC, Chile (September 2018 – August 2019)
Cristian Picioreanu, TU Delft, the Netherlands (January-July 2014, April-July 2018)
Ana Lorena Garcia, University of Cantabria, Spain (June – September, 2014)
Gonzalo Pizarro, PUC, Chile (January-February 2014)
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
Professional Engineering (PE) license, State of Wisconsin, 1995 – present
Board Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE), American Association of Environmental Engineers and
Scientists (AAEES), 2017 - present