A Conversation with Metrohm USA’s 2025 Young Chemist Award Winner Elham Akbari

Elham Akbari has been named the recipient of Metrohm USA’s 2025 Young Chemist Award for her work with thermal degradation, as a promising solution for breaking per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," into less harmful substances. Akbari’s research at Temple University focuses on supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) as a potential large-scale remediation method, analyzing its effectiveness under various conditions. Her studies aim to optimize SCWO, address challenges, and contribute to scalable PFAS destruction technologies. LCGC International spoke to Akbari about her work prior to her presenting her award-winning research at this week’s Pittcon 2025 meeting (at Metrohm’s booth #1611, Tuesday, March 4, 2 pm).

What inspired your interest in science in general, and environmental engineering in particular?

My journey into environmental engineering wasn’t a straight path. After high school, I initially chose mining engineering, following in the footsteps of my father and brother. However, as I progressed through my studies, I began to wonder if mining was truly my calling. A field trip to a mine and processing plant changed everything. Seeing the environmental impact firsthand made me realize how important it is to manage pollution while advancing technology.

This experience led me to focus on wastewater treatment, especially controlling acid mine drainage (AMD). To deepen my understanding, I pursued a double major in mining and chemical engineering. Driven by this growing passion, I completed my master’s degree and decided to pursue a PhD in Environmental Engineering. This journey has not only shaped my career but also fueled my commitment to sustainable and responsible environmental practices.

Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on now. You mentioned a project to evaluate and optimize thermal treatment methods, including supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) and hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT), for PFAS removal and media regeneration.

PFAS contamination is a growing challenge in our water systems. Traditional disposal methods like incineration come with their own drawbacks, as they may not fully break down PFAS and can lead to harmful emissions. On the other hand, landfilling PFAS-containing waste isn’t a long-term solution either, since these chemicals can eventually leach back into the environment. That’s why my research focuses on SCWO as a more effective and sustainable solution.

SCWO operates at high temperatures and pressures, breaking down PFAS molecules into harmless byproducts, making it one of the most promising destruction technologies. I’m also investigating hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT), which uses alkaline conditions to enhance PFAS degradation. Alongside destruction efficiency, I’m exploring how these methods can be applied for regenerating treatment media like activated carbon and ion exchange resins, helping to reduce waste.

Meanwhile, we have also been studying the distribution and risk assessment of PFAS in water sources near Philadelphia. By analyzing water samples and assessing contamination levels. Ultimately, my work is focused on developing more effective, sustainable approaches to tackling PFAS pollution.

How have you and your team been using chromatography in your studies?

Chromatography plays a crucial role in all our research projects. In our lab, we primarily use liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and combustion ion chromatography (CIC) to analyze PFAS in various environmental samples.

These techniques are fundamental to our work, whether we are assessing PFAS distribution in water systems, evaluating treatment methods, or investigating the fate of these contaminants in different environmental matrices. By combining these tools, we can generate detailed, accurate data that supports the development of more effective PFAS removal strategies.

What do you believe you contribute to a team, in terms of skill set, intangibles, etc.?

I believe teamwork is about supporting each other, staying motivated, and working toward a common goal. I always try to bring a positive attitude and persistence, even when things get challenging. I don’t think anything is impossible if we keep learning and adapting, and I try to encourage my teammates to believe that too.

I also do my best to be organized and reliable, so my team can count on me to follow through on tasks and keep things moving forward. I believe that when everyone communicates well and shares ideas openly, the whole team benefits. I enjoy helping others, learning from them, and making sure everyone feels valued.

At the end of the day, I think good teamwork isn’t about individual strengths but about how well we support and push each other to do our best. I just try to be someone who contributes to that kind of environment.

What are your strengths?

I’d say my biggest strength is persistence, I don’t give up easily. Research can be frustrating at times, but I’ve learned that if you keep trying, adjusting, and learning from mistakes, you eventually find a way forward. I also try to bring a sense of optimism, not just for myself but for my team. I truly believe that most challenges can be solved with the right mindset and effort, and I encourage others to believe that too.

Another strength I rely on is being organized and detail-oriented in everything. I like keeping things structured, whether it’s experiments, workflows, or personal life because it makes problem-solving more efficient and helps me to stay on track. Paying attention to the small details is important, especially in analytical research, where precision matters. I believe that having a well-organized approach not only improves accuracy but also makes the research process smoother and more productive.

What are the biggest challenges you encounter in your work?

There are challenges in my work, it’s inevitable. I think all of us face obstacles now and then, but when I look back, I sometimes feel like I was fortunate, persistent, or just determined enough to push through. Somehow, I found solutions, and once those problems were behind me, they didn’t seem as big as they once did. Maybe the biggest challenges are still ahead!

But if I’m being honest, finding a balance between work and life and not letting personal struggles affect my work has been one of the biggest challenges. While research comes with its difficulties, I’ve realized that personal challenges can be even harder to manage. After moving here, something happened to my mom, and being far from her and my family was tough. I had to figure out how to stay focused and not let personal hardships get in the way of my work. It hasn’t always been easy, but over time, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, discipline, and keeping sight of my goals. No matter what’s going on, I remind myself why I started this journey, and that helps me stay motivated and keep moving forward.

Do you anticipate your research eventually evolving into other areas of focus?

Yes, I believe research is always evolving, and I hope to expand my work beyond PFAS destruction to broader issues in environmental remediation and sustainable treatment technologies. My work has led me to think more about policy and regulatory challenges, and I’d love to contribute to bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world decision-making. Over time, I hope to work on solutions that not only remove pollutants but also prevent them from entering the environment in the first place.

That said, I’m open to where research takes me. Science is full of unexpected directions, and I’m excited to see how my work continues to grow.

You’re pursuing your doctorate from Philadelphia’s Temple University after earning your master’s from the Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran. What’s the transition of coming to America been like for you?

The transition to America has been both exciting and deeply challenging. Coming from Iran, where I earned my BS and MS degree, to pursuing my PhD at Temple University in Philadelphia was a big shift, not just academically, but personally as well. The education system, research environment, and daily life were all different, and it took time to adjust.

Leaving my family behind was one of the hardest parts of this transition. Being an immigrant comes with challenges, navigating a new language and culture, building a support system, and adapting to a different way of life. But it has also been an opportunity for growth, independence, and resilience as I learned to face challenges on my own and stay focused on my goals.

When I arrived in the United States, it was during the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising in Iran. Watching such a historic movement unfold from afar was incredibly emotional. It was a moment of pride, pain, and reflection, seeing the courage of people, especially women, standing up for their rights while I was thousands of miles away, unable to be there. It made me appreciate the freedom and opportunities I have here, but also reinforced my responsibility to use my voice, my work, and my education to contribute to meaningful change in whatever way I can.

On the academic side, Temple University has given me incredible opportunities to work on cutting-edge research in environmental engineering. I’ve had access to advanced facilities, brilliant mentors, and a diverse research community, which has broadened my perspective. Though the journey hasn’t always been easy, I feel fortunate to be here, learning, growing, and working toward something that matters, not just for science but for the future I hope to see.

You’re also working as a teaching assistant at Temple, in addition to your laboratory work. What challenges do you encounter in each environment, and do you anticipate concentrating on one rather than the other as your career progresses?

I was a teaching assistant for a while, and classroom dynamics can be challenging. Encouraging participation, keeping students motivated, and making sure they feel comfortable asking questions takes effort. Some students struggle with foundational knowledge, so I had to adjust my approach to support them without overwhelming them. Research has its challenges. There are times when you get stuck, and finding a way forward requires patience, persistence, and trying different approaches.

I genuinely enjoy teaching and mentoring, but for now, I see myself continuing to work in a research-focused role. I want to gain more experience, contribute to meaningful work, and make an impact in my field. Maybe in 10 or 15 years, if I’ve gained enough knowledge and experience that could benefit young researchers, I’d love to return to teaching in some capacity.

Among your many accomplishments is earning a certificate naming you a “Master in HPLC Technique.” What did that entail, and is that something you’d recommend other students and laboratory professionals consider? Why?

From the beginning of my projects, I’ve tried to learn as much as I can about liquid chromatography (LC), and I’m grateful to my advisor for sharing his knowledge and guidance. Along the way, I’ve also explored online courses and other available resources, but I still feel like there’s so much more to learn, LC is a complex and evolving instrument.

If I had any advice, it would be to learn from as many sources as possible and, most importantly, from the experiences of others. I’ve found that talking to experienced researchers and troubleshooting challenges with my advisor has been incredibly valuable. There’s always more to improve on and being open to learning from different perspectives makes a big difference.

What research can we look for from your group in the future?

Currently, ongoing projects in our lab focus on understanding and addressing emerging environmental contaminants. One project investigates 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), a common rubber antiozonant used in vehicle tires, and its impact on urban waterways. Understanding its fate, transport, and ecological effects is an important part of the research.

Another ongoing study explores the interactions between microplastics (MPs) and PFAS. While both contaminants have been widely studied individually, little is known about how they behave together in environmental systems. This research aims to uncover their potential synergistic effects, transport mechanisms, and impact on ecosystems, providing deeper insight into their persistence and risks in water bodies.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in a lab dedicated to tackling these pressing environmental challenges, and I hope the outcomes of these projects will lead to meaningful advancements in pollution management and environmental protection.

What are your ultimate career goals?

My ultimate career goal is to make a real impact in environmental science and public health by developing effective solutions for contaminant removal and water treatment. While my research has focused on PFAS destruction and remediation, I am most passionate about applying scientific advancements to real-world industry challenges. I want to be part of something that goes beyond the lab, where the solutions I work on are not just studied but implemented at scale, solving real environmental problems. This is why I see myself continuing in research and development within industry, where I can contribute to practical, innovative treatment technologies and help bridge the gap between research and application.

At the same time, I recognize that science alone doesn’t drive change, policy, regulation, and legal frameworks shape how environmental solutions are applied. While my primary focus is on applied research, I’ve also considered the possibility of pursuing environmental law in the future, especially after gaining more real-world experience. Understanding the regulatory landscape could help me be more effective in ensuring that scientific advancements translate into impactful solutions. Whether or not I take that path, I want to be in a position where I can bridge the gap between research, industry, and policy, helping to develop solutions that are not only effective but also practical and widely implemented.

What are your feelings about being honored with the Young Chemist Award at this point in your career?

I am truly grateful to Metrohm for this recognition and for supporting young researchers in advancing scientific innovation. It’s a recognition that reassures me that the work I’m doing matters, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward. At the same time, I see this not just as a personal achievement but as an encouragement to keep learning, growing, and contributing to the field. There is still so much more to discover and improve upon, especially in tackling environmental challenges like PFAS contamination and water treatment technologies. This award reinforces my commitment to meaningful research, and I look forward to continuing my work to develop solutions that address pressing environmental challenges.

Elham Akbari is a PhD candidate in Environmental Engineering at Temple University. Originally from Iran, Akbari earned degrees in mining and chemical engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic). Her research focuses on PFAS removal and water treatment technologies, with a strong interest in developing practical solutions for environmental challenges.