People

Current and recent research team members.Ìý


Sheldon Masters, Assistant Professor

Environmental Engineering Program
Materials Science and Engineering ProgramÌý

| VitaÌý
Email: Sheldon.Masters@colorado.edu

Sheldon Masters

Dr. Sheldon Masters is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Masters obtained his B.S. in Mathematics from The College of Wooster in 2009. He obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2011 and 2015, respectively. Prior to starting at CU Boulder, Dr. Masters was a Senior Environmental Engineer at Corona Environmental Consulting, a Research Engineer for the Environmental Science, Policy, and Research Institute, and a Visiting Research Professor at Drexel University. Dr. Masters' current research interests include drinking water treatment, including reuse, distribution system water quality, and water pipeline corrosion.Ìý


Doctoral StudentsÌý

Kylie Boenisch-Oakes

Kylie Boenisch-Oakes (in progress) co-advised with Professor R. Scott Summers.
Email: kybo6048@colorado.eduÌý|
Kylie received her BS in Environmental Engineering from Oregon State University in 2020. At Oregon State, Kylie researched the fate and transport of nanoparticles and nanoplastics in environmental systems. After graduating, they worked as an environmental compliance engineer for Intel Corporation, primarily focusing on air-related projects.ÌýAfter working in industry for two years, Kylie decided to pursue graduate school in environmental engineering with a focus on water reuse. Her research focus is disinfection by-products in the distribution system and premise plumbing,Ìýespecially in water reuse scenarios. She thinks wastewater treatment is super cool, so please reach out if you have any interest or questions! Outside of school, Kylie enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing, hiking, and playing with her dog, Bon.Ìý

Abdulrahman Aljadani (in progress)
Email:Ìýabal5845@colorado.eduÌý
Abdulrahman finished his BS in Civil Engineering from King Abdulaziz University in 2017 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During his early years in BS, Abdulrahman focused on structural engineering fields such as structural analysis and design. In his last two years, Abdulrahman's interests shifted to water resources and hydrology. He researched floods' potential effects on urban areas and how to maintain and minimize these effects. After his graduation, Abdulrahman worked with the Civil Engineering Department at King Abdulaziz University to investigate multiple valleys surrounding Jeddah city. He looked through the solutions that would prevent the city from possible disasters because of floods. He started his MS with new interests and passions to study environmental engineering and research drinking water treatment, water reuse, and water scarcity in developing and arid countries. Currently, he works with Professor Masters in researching lead fate and treatment in consumer tap water. During his free time, Abdulrahman loves baking and making pizza, watching all kinds of sports, hiking, and exploring nature.

Jennifer Liggett

Jennifer Liggett (in progress)Ìý
Email:ÌýJennifer.Liggett@colorado.eduÌý
Jennifer earned a BS in Environmental Studies in 2008 and an MS in Environmental Science in 2015 from the University of Cincinnati. She is the Global Principal for Drinking Water Quality at Jacobs and has experience in both research and consulting. Jennifer worked as a contracted research chemist at the US EPA’s Office of Research and Development before joining Jacobs in 2015. Jennifer is pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering part-time at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her experience and research interests include distribution system water quality, water pipeline corrosion, and compliance with drinking water regulations. Ìý

Claire Boronski

Claire Boronski (in progress)Ìý
Email:Ìýclbo4168@colorado.eduÌý
ClaireÌýis originally from the mountains in Colorado. She received her BS in Chemistry from Cal Poly SLO in 2020. At Cal Poly,ÌýClaireÌýresearched the synthesis of oxime ethers. She decided to come back to Colorado and is now pursuing a chemistry graduate degree at CU Boulder. Despite her background being organic synthesisÌýClaireÌýcurrently researches corrosion control treatments (CCTs) to prevent lead from leaching into drinking water. She primarily uses advanced imaging techniques (XRD-CT and uCT) to obtain unprecedented characterization of the lead pipe scales. Outside of school, she loves toÌýski, climb, hike, camp, and hang out with her two cats!


MS Students (Research-based)

Abdulrahman Aljadani (MS Completed, 2023)


Undergraduate StudentsÌý

Miles Salzer

Miles Salzer (In progress)
Email: Miles.Salzer@colorado.edu
Miles is currently a senior in Environmental Engineering with a Minor in Engineering Management at CU Boulder. Currently, his academic focus is on water, sanitation, and hygiene in developing contexts. After graduating, Miles hopes to pursue a career in WASH. Outside of education, Miles competes nationally in triathlon and spends too much time getting lost in the Colorado mountains.Ìý

Taylor Hilger

Taylor Hilger (In progress)
Email:ÌýTaylor.Hilger@colorado.edu
Taylor is a junior majoring in environmental engineering with a focus on water resources and treatment. She is passionate about water and is looking forward to learning more about it while earning her degree at CU. In her free time, Taylor enjoys reading, hiking, camping, and going to concerts.


Research Group Fun

Go-kart outing with the Summers Group!

The Masters and Summers Research Groups on go karts