May, 2025 Luncheon

Speaker: Daniel A. Vallero, Ph.D.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Topic:  Engineers as Human Health and Environmental Risk Managers: Computational Tools

Presentation: Video

Summary: Engineers perform a critical role as human health and environmental risk managers. Dr. Dan Vallero from Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering will present on the quantification of risk, the process of risk assessment, and the integration of computational tools in risk management. Key computational models, such as SHEDS-HT, and the application of machine learning in evaluating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will be discussed. The presentation will highlight the importance of adhering to the principles of sustainable development and the ethical responsibilities outlined by the ASCE and underscores the necessity for engineers to balance societal, environmental, and economic impacts while minimizing resource depletion and managing uncertainties.

Bio: Dan Vallero is an internationally recognized expert in environmental science and engineering. He has worked in both the executive and legislative branches of U.S. government on the most important environmental problems, including global scale atmospheric problems such as persistent, bioaccumulating toxins (so-called PBTs), ecosystem response to climate change and acid rain, and human risks posed by chemicals, such as cancer and endocrine disruption. His 22 textbooks address pollution engineering, environmental disasters, biotechnology, green engineering, life cycle analysis and waste management. The sixth edition of "Fundamentals of Air Pollution" will be released on May 9. At Duke University, Vallero led the Engineering Ethics program, a popular and innovative program that introduces students to the complex relationships between professional, scientific, technological and societal demands on the engineer. He has taught courses in air pollution, sustainable design and green engineering, and ethics. His recent research has focused on cheminformatics applied to exposures to toxic substances.