Junjie Tang Awarded the AWWA Eva Nieminski Graduate Scholarship
UWRL Graduate Student Junjie Tang
July 10, 2025 -- Utah Water Research Laboratory graduate student Junjie Tang was awarded this year’s Eva Nieminski Graduate Scholarship from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Intermountain Section.
The scholarship, which provides $2,500 in support, aims to “encourage science education and training related to the fields of water quality, supply, or treatment and to support an outstanding graduate student in that field.” Tang was selected based on his academic record, research accomplishments, leadership in extracurricular activities, and his potential to contribute to water quality and environmental sustainability.
Tang is a PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University. His research focuses on the isolation and quantification of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment, as well as the investigation of their fate and translocation through water, soil, and plants. His work aims to advance sustainable strategies for managing plastic pollution and safeguarding environmental and public health.
From August 2023 to August 2024, Tang also served as a student ambassador for the Utah Water Research Laboratory, where he actively promoted student engagement, research collaboration, and community outreach.