Sabatini to Receive International Service Award

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A University of Oklahoma professor, David A. Sabatini, has been selected to receive the 2017 International Association of Hydrogeologists, U.S. National Chapter’s International Service Award for his many years of promoting sustainable water resources projects in developing and impoverished countries, particularly through the creation of the OU Water Technologies for Emerging Regions Center. Sabatini has shown outstanding commitment to the international community and its groundwater needs.

“This award is well-deserved and reflects the international stature of Professor David Sabatini in his field,” said OU President David L. Boren. “No one has done more to help develop safe water for those who desperately need it. The OU family is very grateful to Dr. Sabatini.”

Sabatini, David Ross Boyd Professor and Sun Oil Company Endowed Chair of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science in the Gallogly College of Engineering, is being recognized as director of the OU Water Center and for his career-long commitment to improving the lives of others through the development of water technologies. He will receive the prestigious service award at the 2017 Geological Society of America’s annual meeting in Seattle on Oct. 24.

Sabatini founded the OU Water Center in 2006 to promote peace by advancing health, education and economic development through sustainable water and sanitation solutions for impoverished regions. As the organization’s director, he has been integral in the success of the center and the biennial International Water Conference, which is designed to bring together participants from multiple disciplines worldwide in response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of bringing water and sanitation to emerging global regions.

Sabatini has vast experience in Water Technologies for Emerging Regions, including integrating culture/behavior, business/supply chain, and technology in pursuit of sustainable solutions. His other research interests include groundwater quality management fate and transport of pollutants in the groundwater environment, surfactant-based technologies for expediting remediation of subsurface contamination use of passive treatment; and water and wastewater treatment, which is the treatment and/or recovery of municipal and industrial water and wastewater streams utilizing physiochemical systems with an emphasis on surfactant-contaminant separation and surfactant reuse.

Among other outstanding awards Sabatini has received throughout his career are the Steven K. Dentel Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors Award for Global Outreach; the Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Teaching from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence; the David L. Boren Award for Outstanding Global Engagement for the University of Oklahoma; the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Illinois Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association; the Gallogly College of Engineering Pursuit of Excellence Award; and the Water Environment Federation Award of Merit for Work in Developing Countries.
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