At the University of Arizona Outstanding Faculty Awards ceremony in mid-January, 2022, Dr. Ian Pepper was officially inducted as a University Regents Professor. The WEST Center Director was one of six professors to receive this high distinction in 2021.

Representatives from University of Arizona and Arizona State University discussed research related to water contamination and purification technologies at the WET Center semi-annual meeting in December 2021.

In a news piece by KVOA Tucson, reporter Angelique Lizarde speaks with Dr. Ian Pepper of WEST Center about ongoing testing of wastewater to detect COVID-19 on campus.

With dPCR instruments and expertise in analyzing wastewater for SARS-CoV-2, WEST Center is capable of presumptive detection of variants of concern, including Delta and Omicron.

WEST researchers present to national and international audiences as organizations reconvene for annual meetings in the COVID era.

Research published by Dr. Bianca Souza-Chaves and WEST colleagues in the Journal of Membrane Science (JMS) describes the use of chlorination to extend the life of reverse osmosis membranes used in water reuse. The article was selected as a JMS Editor’s Choice in September 2021.

In an article by the Center for Produce Safety, WEST researcher, Dr. Kelly Bright, explains how a new study aims to provide insight into the role of dust in pathogen transfer onto produce. Along with UArizona Co-PIs Drs. Walter Betancourt and Charles Gerba, Bright will lead a combination of laboratory experiments and field studies in Arizona’s arid farming region and develop best management practices (BMPs) to help guide growers.

In an episode of PBS NewsHour, reporters cover issues and approaches to a return to campus during continued COVID-19 concerns. The piece highlights two universities, including the University of Arizona, and discusses strategies being used to keep campus communities safe across the country - including vaccination, masks, testing, and wastewater monitoring.

A Research Technician at WEST Center, Erika Stark analyzes samples for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, studies microplastics in soils, and recently completed a master’s degree in Public Health. 

With growing concern that land application of biosolids could be banned due to possible PFAS contamination of groundwater and/or crop uptake, WEST Center and others are developing a collaborative study to evaluate the incidence and mobility of PFAS following land application of biosolids. WEST invites partners to join this study!