UNH undergrad recognized on Capitol Hill for bioremediation research

Student congratulated by Sen. Sununu

WASHINGTON—A University of New Hampshire undergraduate has garnered national recognition for her research on the bioremediation of contaminated groundwater.

U.S. Air Force Second Lieutenant Maureen Lewis, of Rindge, N.H., presented her work at a “Posters on the Hill” forum sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research. During her trip, she was congratulated by U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu (R-N.H.).

“This opportunity to come to Washington and participate in the conference has been absolutely wonderful,” said Lewis. “I am glad that we could meet with Senator Sununu. His support of UNH’s Bedrock Bioremediation Center made my research possible.”

The UNH Bedrock Bioremediation Center studies naturally occurring remediation processes at a contaminated site at Pease International Tradeport, a former U.S. Air Force base. Sen. Sununu, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, supported the center with $3.5 million in Environmental Protection Agency appropriations from 1999-2002.

“Maureen’s nationally recognized undergraduate research makes important contributions to the study of the bioremediation of contaminated groundwater,” said Sununu. “Her work represents the potential of UNH’s Bedrock Bioremediation Center to further the understanding of this environmental issue.”

Lewis did her honors research project on the microbiology of contaminant plumes in trichloroethylene-contaminated groundwater in bedrock aquifers. With her advisor, Civil Engineering Professor Nancy Kinner, she conducted microcosm studies with bedrock, contaminated groundwater and naturally occurring microbes. As biodegradation occurred, bacteria grew on the contaminant and protozoa subsequently fed on the bacteria. According to the researchers, this represents a healthy ecosystem that fosters naturally-occurring remediation.

Lewis, a December 2004 graduate of UNH’s Environmental Engineering Program was an honors student while enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program at UNH. She is presently assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho where she is training with fellow civil and environmental engineers.

PHOTO CAPTION
Prof. Nancy Kinner, Sen. John E. Sununu and 2nd Lt. Maureen Lewis on Capitol Hill.