Dr. Escobar’s research focuses on developing and/or improving polymeric membrane materials for water treatment and water reuse operations. In the field of membrane separations, she has been the PI of numerous nationally competitive research projects. Among her current projects is work on (1) multifunctional nanocomposite membranes, including using 2D materials functionalized on membranes to remove and destroy per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); (2) anti-microbial membranes; (3) biofouling mechanisms; (4) nanoparticle fouling mechanisms; (5) bio-derived membranes; (6) green membrane fabrication and scale up; and (6) photocatalytic membranes.
Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, 2000
M.S., Environmental Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, 1996
B.S., Environmental Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, 1995
Licensed Engineer Intern, State of Florida, 1995
2015-present: Professor, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
2014 – 2015: Associate Dean for Research Development and Outreach for the College of Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
2013 – present: Editor-in-Chief of International Desalination Association (IDA) Journal of Desalination and Water Reuse, a quarterly publication of the International Desalination Association. (http://maneypublishing.com/index.php/journals/ida)
2010 – 2014: Interim Assistant Dean for Research Development and Outreach for the College of Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
2011 – present: Workshop Chair for the North American Membrane Society
2010 – 2011: Acting Director, Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
2010 – present: Professor, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
2010 – present: Chair, LGBTQA Advisory Board, University of Toledo, OH
2009 – present: Chair, President’s Lecture Series on Diversity, University of Toledo, OH
2009 – Present: Associate Editor of Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy Journal, a quarterly publication of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Editor: Martin Abraham, Youngstown State University.
March 2009, June 2010, July 2013: Visiting Professor to the National University of Singapore, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (Host: Professor Tai-Shung Chung), Singapore
2008 – Present: Women In STEM Excelling (WISE) Program Coordinator, Eberly Center for Women, University of Toledo, OH
2008 – 2010: Graduate Director, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
2006 – 2010: Associate Professor, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
2000 – 2006: Assistant Professor, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
