Kevin Clack, Staff Engineer at Kennedy Jenks (KJ), recently completed his PhD at UCLA and will present his research at WEFTEC.
His doctoral work explored a challenge that continues to draw attention across the water industry: how to reduce energy demand in wastewater treatment while maintaining reliable performance. Through laboratory research and field operation, Kevin examined treatment approaches and gained insights that continue to shape his work today.
Exploring Microalgae-Bacteria Systems for Wastewater Treatment
Kevin's research focused on a treatment approach that combines microalgae and bacteria to support wastewater treatment while reducing aeration demand, one of the largest energy requirements at a treatment facility. As utilities continue to seek opportunities to reduce energy consumption while maintaining performance, the lessons from this research may help inform future treatment strategies. While the research began with a focus on treatment performance, it evolved into a deeper effort to understand the mechanisms behind that performance, operational challenges, and the implications for future applications. That perspective became a defining part of his dissertation and continues to influence his work at KJ.
From Research to Practice
One of the most valuable aspects of Kevin's doctoral work was the opportunity to evaluate performance under real operating conditions. Today, he brings that same mindset to his work with clients, helping identify practical opportunities to improve treatment performance, energy use, and operations.
Continuing the Conversation at WEFTEC
Kevin's presentation offers a unique perspective from a young professional whose work bridges doctoral research and engineering practice. Attendees will gain insight into key takeaways from evaluating an emerging treatment concept under real operating conditions and what those findings may mean for future approaches to low-energy wastewater treatment.
His presentation, Process Modeling, Performance Evaluation, and Nutrient Removal Mechanisms of a Combined Aerobic Membrane Bacterial-Algal Reactor, will take place Tuesday, September 29, from 4:45 to 5:00 p.m. CDT.
