Dr. Joel Ducoste
2026 Kappe Distinguished Lecture - AAEES
Distinguished University Professor
North Carolina State University

A LagEulerian journey through time and space providing environmental engineering solutions and offering a framework to achieve life's goals

Abstract:

In environmental engineering, multi-scale, multi-physics transport modeling requires navigating between two classical reference frames: the Eulerian view, focusing on fixed spatial coordinates, and the Lagrangian view, tracking discrete trajectories. This presentation details my journey where integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models solved long-standing process challenges. In particle aggregation, the research advanced from decoupled frameworks to directly embedding flocculation kinetics into CFD code to reveal spatial floc size variations. In biological wastewater treatment, a coupled 2-D cellular automata-CFD suspended biofilm model provided a mechanistic explanation of aerobic granule formation under varying hydrodynamics.  For UV disinfection and advanced oxidation processes (AOP), CFD simulations successfully quantified UV dose distribution variations caused by inlet hydraulics and tracked toxic parent compounds alongside subsequent intermediates, respectively. Extending these techniques to solid waste management, a transient 3-dimensional finite element model (FEM-3DM) characterized exothermic reactions such as aluminum corrosion and ash hydration to optimize waste disposal strategies in elevated temperature landfills (ETLFs). Most recently, this approach was applied to airborne pathogen control where coupled CFD and optical simulations demonstrated that photon recycling via highly reflective surfaces in a personal-scale UV LED respiratory reactor, enables over 2 log inactivation, outperforming N95 masks during human respiration.

Beyond using mathematical models that helped me provide transformative engineering solutions, the “LagEulerian” concept also offers a dual-lens framework for navigating professional goals. A Lagrangian perspective emphasizes internal personal change, focusing on tracking one’s unique trajectory and immediate growth. Conversely, a Eulerian perspective prompts researchers to step back and incorporate others’ points of view. By mapping professional surroundings from this broader frame of reference, individuals can better identify opportunities such as meeting colleagues, attending critical conferences, securing job or teaching positions, and acquiring vital network advice.  Attendees of this presentation will gain both rigorous modeling insights and a transformative paradigm to successfully engineer their life goals.

Bio:

Joel Ducoste, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department at North Carolina State University (NCSU) and Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Success. As the Associate Dean, Dr. Ducoste provides leadership in faculty reappointment, promotion and tenure, the post-tenure review process, workshop and coaching opportunities, and the recognition of awards to support faculty success in the different realms of faculty responsibilities.

Dr. Ducoste is a board-certified environmental engineering member with the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists and is a recognized expert in modeling water and wastewater treatment processes using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). With over 200 peer reviewed publications and research reports, Dr. Ducoste current research interests include physico-chemical processes in water treatment, computational fluid dynamics modeling, water/wastewater process optimization, wastewater sewer collection system sustainability, renewable energy, plant biosystems engineering, solid waste process modeling, and disinfection of pathogenic aerosols.

Dr. Ducoste has received a number of awards including an NSF Career Award, a Fulbright fellowship, National Academy of Engineering Frontier of Engineering participant, Visiting Professorships at Ghent University, Southeast University, and Yangzhou University, NC State mentoring awards, elected Fellow of both the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), and received the WEF Fair Distinguished Engineering Educator Medal.

He has served on EPA Science Advisory Boards (2009-2018) and the EPA Board of Scientific Counselors Safe and Sustainable Water Resources committee (2018-2022). He was elected to serve on the Board of AEESP (2017-2020) and was also the 2020-2021 President of AEESP. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. He received a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, and a PhD in Environmental Engineering at University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign.

After 5 years in industry at CH2M Hill as a senior process engineer and as an advance-manufacturing engineer at GE Aircraft Engines he joined NC State.

Mathes – Kappe Lecture, By Joel Ducoste, Zoom Webinar Link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/92644364157