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Crownpoint, NM – On August 30, 2021, Navajo Technical University (NTU) was granted approval by the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. NTU’s Environmental Engineering program introduces a holistic approach from a broad scope of STEM fields to manage and improve interrelated Earth systems: hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
The program was made available to students in the 2022 fall semester. Dr. Olanrewaju Johnson, an Assistant Professor of Geotechnical/Environmental Engineering, and Juanita Francis, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering, will oversee the program at the university. The curriculum is in STEM fields designed to support courses and lab work along with faculty research in its application of physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies.
“This program will work in collaboration with other STEM departments, colleges and universities, and U.S. Department of Energy Labs. The program is part of the NTU academic master plan and research building capacity to ensure student development in STEM fields. Leading them to opportunities for success in employment or graduate school upon graduation,” said Dr. Johnson, as he discussed remediation and environmental management plans for uranium-impacted water, soil, and air from over 500+ abandoned uranium mines in the Navajo Nation. “Our program will use complementary state-of-the-art technology and laboratory analytical tools for student and faculty research projects.”
Dr. Johnson is initiating a bioremediation research project for groundwater remediation, which will be applied to the eastern agency of the Navajo Nation. The program has already accepted some students into the fall 2021 semester, with the availability of Lab assistants and research internship opportunities.
The engineering programs accredited by ABET are industrial and electrical engineering and will have commissions review in 2023. NTU engineering department offers two associate degrees in chemical and engineering technology, a BAS in advanced manufacturing technology, and a B.S. in industrial, electrical, mechanical, and in addition to aforementioned, environmental engineering program. ABET accreditations ensure that all the engineering programs meet the same standards required in the professional and global workforce as other institutions in the U.S. and worldwide.
To learn more about the NTU Environmental Engineering program, contact Dr. Johnson Olanrewaju at ojohnson@navajotech.edu or juanita.francis@navajotech.edu. For other NTU engineering programs, contact Harry Whiting II, PE at hwhiting@navajotech.edu.