Ameet Pinto
Dr. Ameet J. Pinto joined the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering as an Associate Professor in 2021. Before that, they were an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University. Dr. Pinto received their Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech. Their research focuses on the engineered water cycle with the vision of creating microbial management frameworks to maximize the benefit and minimize the detriment of microorganisms towards infrastructure and environmental and public health. They have received several prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2018), ISME/IWA BioCluster Award (Rising Star category, 2018), and the Paul L Busch Award for Innovation in Applied Water Quality Research (2019). Dr. Pinto currently serves as an Editor for Water Research, Secretary for the IWA MEWE Specialist Group, and a Member of the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine's Forum on Microbial Threats. You can access their CV by clicking here (updated May 2023).
POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Dr. Zihan (Dot) Dai
Dr. Zihan (Dot) Dai started to work as a postdoctoral researcher in Georgia Tech from March 2023. Her research interest lies on studying urban water microbiome using metagenomics approaches. Zihan previously received her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom, and completed her postdoctoral research in the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. You can contact her via email, connect with her on LinkedIn, and follow her work on ResearchGate.
Dr. Huanqi He
Dr. Huanqi He started to work as a postdoctoral researcher in Georgia Tech from September 2023. Her research focuses on water microbiome and disinfection byproducts monitoring and management to advance drinking water quality. Huanqi previously received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Environmental Engineering from University of Michigan and Purdue University, respectively. Huanqi was also a Harrison Prescott Eddy Metal recipient in 2023. Outside of research, Huanqi enjoys rock climbing and hiking.
GRADUATE RESEARCHERS
Kaiqin Bian
Kaiqin started her Ph.D. program at Georgia Tech in Fall 2021. Kaiqin is developing a new rapid microbiome characterization workflow based on Nanopore sequencing and integrating it as a routine component of bioprocess monitoring and control efforts. Her vision is to provide timely and accurate decision-making in microbial risk management within the water sector and ensure this workflow is available, accessible, and affordable to the water industry. Kaiqin completed her B.S. and M.S. from Nanjing University. You can contact her at via email, connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter and follow her work on Google Scholar and Github.
Samantha DiLoreto
Sammy started her Ph.D. at Georgia Tech in Fall 2023. She is co-advised by Prof. Ching-Hua Huang and Ameet. Her research focusses on disinfection byproducts and microbiome in drinking water systems. She earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from Washington College and Masters in Environmental Management (MEM) from Duke University. During her masters, she had two research experiences: firefighters exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and the analysis of ethoxylated surfactants and their degradation products. Outside of the lab, Sammy enjoys weightlifting, shotgun sports, reading, and spending time with family and friends. You can connect with her via LinkedIn or email
Benjamin Gincley
Ben is a PhD student studying microalgae in engineered and natural systems through the lens of digital microscopy technologies. he got his B.S. and M.S. from Northeastern University. He first started working with the Pinto Lab as an undergraduate student through his senior engineering capstone project, and decided to join the research group as a PhD student to realize the vision of that project. He specializes in data engineering, computer vision, machine and deep learning, and embedded systems design. Outside of research, Ben enjoys cycling and gardening. You can contact him via email, connect with him on LinkedIn and check this website to see how he is translating state-of-the-art research to realizing practical solutions for managing microalgae.
Linxuan Huo
Linxuan (Ellie) Huo is a PhD student studying microbial community dynamics in drinking water systems through the innovative use of meta-omics methods. Her research work focuses on unraveling the intricate relationships between inorganic nitrogen species and the microbial communities thriving in the drinking water systems. She got her B.S from China Agricultural university and M.S from Northeastern University. Linxuan previously worked as a M.S student in Dr. Ameet Pinto’s lab in Northeastern University and worked on Nanopore sequencing applications for the wastewater sector. During her free time, she enjoys playing the violin, and especially loves Dvořák symphonies. You can contact her via email, connect with her on LinkedIn.
Farhan Khan
Farhan is a PhD student specializing in developing low-cost tools for algal monitoring. Farhan completed his B.S. and M.S. from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. With expertise in hardware and software design, machine learning, sensor integration, and water quality monitoring, he aims to create disruptive technologies. Passionate about robotics and automation, he seeks to revolutionize environmental monitoring practices. In his free time, Farhan enjoys gaming and playing soccer. Collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations, he strives to create game-changing technologies that are accessible and affordable. You can connect with him via email, connect with him on LinkedIn or check out his website.
Zijun Meng
Zijun started his Ph.D. program at Georgia Tech in Fall 2024. His research focuses on applying enhanced biological treatment techniques to achieve nutrient removal and recovery from wastewater, especially focusing on the nitrogen removal process within the wastewater. He earned his B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Colorado State University and a Masters in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. During his master's, his research investigated a new strategy to integrate a side-stream anaerobic reactor with mainstream B-stage nitritation for short-cut nitrogen removal with granulation from wastewater. During his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and working out in the gym. You can contact him via email or connect with him on Linked In.
Ashwin Sudarshan
Ashwin is first year PhD student who works on Drinking water microbiome and applying Integrative 'Omics to study these ecosystems. He did his Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from India (BITS, Pilani) and did a couple of Research stints where he worked on Soil and Plant microbiomes. During his free time, he loves to read books, listen to music or watch Formula 1 and soccer (He is a huge Red Bull Racing and Liverpool fan). You can contact Aswhin via email or follow his work on this website.
Jinhao Yang
Jinhao Yang is a first-year PhD student studying the drinking water microbiome, with a particular emphasis on monitoring and controlling Legionella in drinking water systems. He earned his bachelor's degree from Southern University of Science and Technology and his master's degree from Tongji University. His master's thesis investigated the diversity of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) and their Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) hosts within drinking water distribution systems, as well as the effectiveness of disinfectants in inactivating NTM-FLA co-cultures. Jinhao’s research interests are driven by a commitment to evaluating microbiome risks in drinking water and optimizing control methods to safeguard public health. Outside of his research, he enjoys watching basketball games and modern drama.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS
Harrison Baro
Harrison is in his 3rd year of undergrad, with a major in Environmental Engineering and a minor in Global Engineering Leadership. He is planning on pursuing a Masters degree through Georgia Tech's BS/MS program. He joined the Pinto Lab to work with Ellie on activated carbon filters and their effects on water quality, and is now working on a project with the EPA creating a combined risk assessment for water quality which involves pathogen and chemical byproduct-related risks. As you can see, Harrison is very passionate about water! In his free time, Harrison enjoys weightlifting, national parks, reading, and exploring local Atlanta coffee shops. You can connect with him on LinkedIn
Jayden Thomas is a 4th chemistry undergraduate in the Pinto Group studying microbes in drinking water systems. In his free time he loves trying new foods and advocating for equity and social justice in research.
Research group alumni
PhD students:
Quyen Melina de los Santos Bautista, PhD (2017). Current: Engineer at the Carollo Engineers, Sarasota, FL.
Szymon Calus, PhD (2018). Current: Genomic Biomarker Scientist, Roche. Basel, Switzerland.
Zihan Dai, PhD (2019). Current: Post-doctoral research associate at Georgia Tech.
Maria Sevillano, PhD (2021). Current: Data Fellow, Virga Labs
Solize Vosloo, PhD (2022). Current: Data science consultant, Cape Town, SA.
Irmarie Cotto, PhD (2022). Current: Postdoctoral research associate at University of Washington, Seattle.
Katherine Vilardi, PhD (2023).Current: Senior Scientist, 9 Foundations.
Post-doctoral researchers:
Juliet Johnston, PhD. (2022-2024). Current: Assistant Professor. Hampshire College.
Christopher Anderson, PhD. (2019-2020). Current: Research Microbiologist. National Animal Disease Center (Ames, Iowa).
Varun Srinivasan, PhD. (2019-2021). Current: Product Leader/Data Scientist, Trinnex
Rungroch Sungthong, PhD. (2014-2016). Current: Post-doc at the University of Glasgow.
Joanna Davis-Schroeder, PhD. (2013-2015). Current: Cornwall Counselling Hub.
MS students:
Jill Gosnell. (2020). Current: Environmental Partners Group.
Linxuan Huo. (2020). Current: PhD researcher, Georgia Tech.
Benjamin Gincley (2021). Current: PhD researcher, Georgia Tech.
Visiting scholars:
Dr. Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic. Current: Post-doc at the Fudan University
Dr. Marco Gabrielli. Current: Post-doc at EAWAG
Research associates
Umang Chauhan. (2020) Current: Water Resources Engineering, Kleinfelder.
Quyen Melina de los Santos Bautista, PhD (2017). Current: Engineer at the Carollo Engineers, Sarasota, FL.
Szymon Calus, PhD (2018). Current: Genomic Biomarker Scientist, Roche. Basel, Switzerland.
Zihan Dai, PhD (2019). Current: Post-doctoral research associate at Georgia Tech.
Maria Sevillano, PhD (2021). Current: Data Fellow, Virga Labs
Solize Vosloo, PhD (2022). Current: Data science consultant, Cape Town, SA.
Irmarie Cotto, PhD (2022). Current: Postdoctoral research associate at University of Washington, Seattle.
Katherine Vilardi, PhD (2023).Current: Senior Scientist, 9 Foundations.
Post-doctoral researchers:
Juliet Johnston, PhD. (2022-2024). Current: Assistant Professor. Hampshire College.
Christopher Anderson, PhD. (2019-2020). Current: Research Microbiologist. National Animal Disease Center (Ames, Iowa).
Varun Srinivasan, PhD. (2019-2021). Current: Product Leader/Data Scientist, Trinnex
Rungroch Sungthong, PhD. (2014-2016). Current: Post-doc at the University of Glasgow.
Joanna Davis-Schroeder, PhD. (2013-2015). Current: Cornwall Counselling Hub.
MS students:
Jill Gosnell. (2020). Current: Environmental Partners Group.
Linxuan Huo. (2020). Current: PhD researcher, Georgia Tech.
Benjamin Gincley (2021). Current: PhD researcher, Georgia Tech.
Visiting scholars:
Dr. Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic. Current: Post-doc at the Fudan University
Dr. Marco Gabrielli. Current: Post-doc at EAWAG
Research associates
Umang Chauhan. (2020) Current: Water Resources Engineering, Kleinfelder.