Jose Cerrato
Research  |  2020-21

Spain

Project Title: Development of Electrochemical Sensors to Detect Metal Contaminants in Water Affected by Mining

Dr. José Cerrato’s research interest is related to biogeochemical processes at the interface of water and energy that affect the cycle of metals and radionuclides in the environment. He leads the E-H2O Research Group which applies spectroscopy, microscopy, aqueous chemistry, and molecular biology tools for the study of complex environmental interactions. Dr. Cerrato was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Washington University in St. Louis. He has been a recipient of the OAS-LASPAU-Fulbright Scholarship, National Science Foundation (NSF) Integrative Graduate Education Research Traineeship (IGERT), Oak Ridge Associated Universities Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, the University of New Mexico Faculty of Color Research Award, and the NSF CAREER Award.

With the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Research Award, Dr. Cerrato traveled to Spain to investigate electrochemistry methods to detect metal contaminants in water near mining sites.

"My Fulbright experience was truly transformative because it enabled me and my PhD student Tybur C. Driovinto to develop collaborations with colleagues from the University of Alicante develop innovative electrochemical methods to detect metal contaminants in water. My family and I also benefited tremendously from experiencing the rich culture and history of Spain."