WEST – a key component of the environmental community at UArizona

Nov. 23, 2020
Sarah Prasek
Arizona desert picture with saguaro cactus and mountains

For students looking to acquire the skills needed to solve global environmental challenges, the University of Arizona offers a vibrant array of courses, programs, and opportunities.  Coordinating interdisciplinary groups of faculty, students, and projects across the University of Arizona’s campus, Arizona Institutes for Resilience: Solutions for the Environment and Society (AIR) offers a one-stop shop for information on offerings, facilities, and activities.

AIR – including 11 centers, institutes, and programs – also acts as a resource for:

  • The campus and local community: AIR publishes a weekly digital newsletter containing news articles and announcements for campus-wide seminars, workshops and events.
  • Private industry and the public sector: Companies, nonprofits, and others seeking information or connections with faculty whose knowledge and/or research expertise aligns with their needs can start with the AIR Directory.

The Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center (WEST) is at the forefront of environmental education and research, and is one of the many AIR affiliates.  As a world-class facility for the development of new technologies related to water scarcity, quality, and reuse, WEST provides expertise in:

  • Environmental microbiology & engineering
  • Technology development for reduced energy use in water treatment
  • Membrane technology
  • Detection of emerging chemical and microbial contaminants
  • Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for infectious agents
  • Novel microbial disinfectants

For more information on areas of expertise at WEST Center, see the WEST Research page.

For a comprehensive look at Environmental topics at UArizona, see the Environment Research Themes page.