Polymer Science in Engineering Applications

Dr. Andrew Whelton serves as Professor of Civil, Environmental, and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University, where he directs the Healthy Plumbing Consortium and leads the Center for Plumbing Safety. His expertise spans environmental chemistry, disaster response, polymer science, water quality, and public health. After completing his education at Virginia Tech, including a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, he gained valuable experience at the National Institute for Standards and Technology, U.S. Army, and University of South Alabama before joining Purdue. His groundbreaking work includes responding to major environmental disasters, such as the 2014 Freedom Industries chemical spill in West Virginia and numerous devastating wildfires across the United States. His research has uncovered critical health threats related to plastic manufacturing and water contamination, leading to significant changes in how government agencies and utilities approach environmental safety. As the nation's leading expert in post-disaster water system recovery, he has developed comprehensive scientific and policy recommendations that have been adopted by the EPA and other agencies. His commitment to public service is exemplified through his direct assistance to communities at risk, from Paradise, California to Maui, Hawaii. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications, delivered more than 250 presentations, and received numerous accolades, including being named a University Faculty Scholar and receiving the Outstanding Engineering Teacher award. His work has been featured in major media outlets and has influenced policy decisions at state and federal levels, while his freely available courses on infrastructure plastics and building water safety continue to educate professionals worldwide.