The McKay Lab focuses on the fundamental chemistry of natural and engineered systems. We apply chemical principles and modern instrumentation to understand important processes in environmental engineering science. 

Current research projects include:
  • Characterization of dissolved organic matter structure and optical properties to assess engineered treatment systems and environmental processes
  • Photochemical and photophysical properties of dissolved organic matter
  • Novel treatment technologies for remediation of persistent and hazardous chemicals, including pharmaceuticals/personal care products and fluorochemicals (e.g., PFOA and PFOS)

We are located in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. 

Recent News ​​
  • Our NSF project has recently been highlighted in a few news sources, including Water Online and NSF.
  • Our group has recently published two papers on DOM optical properties and photophysics. Read about our exciting results here and here!
  • The Aquatic Chemistry group was awarded its first federal research grant from the US National Science Foundation! Read more about the project here.
  • The lab is growing! We are fortunate to have two new undergraduate students join us this summer! Emilee Chrisman participated in the Launch Undergraduate Summer Research Program. Anya Allen (sophmore biochemistry major) joined this summer as well and will continue her studies of DOM fluorescence quenching this fall. 
  • Ben Fennell and Kai Cheng passed their Qualifying Examinations! Congrats Ben and Kai!
  • Ben Fennell received a $10,000 scholarship from AWWA to support his research on PFAS. Congrats Ben! 
Follow Prof. McKay on Twitter to keep up to date with our research efforts. 
Professor McKay published a critical review on DOM photophysics that was featured on the inside front cover of Environmental Science: Processes and Impacts. Read his recent interview with the journal.