CMU engineering faculty member named to national '40 Under 40' list

Dr. Mohamed Awad, a fixed-term faculty member in Central Michigan University’s School of Engineering and Technology, has been named a recipient of the 2026 40 Under 40 Recognition Program Award from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES).

This award celebrates rising leaders under the age of forty who have made significant contributions to the fields of Environmental Engineering and Environmental Science. Recipients are selected by a panel of past awardees who evaluate professional achievements, research innovation, and civic engagement.

“Winning this award is a tremendous honor and a meaningful milestone in my professional journey, which has taken me across many countries before bringing me here to the United States,” said Dr. Awad. “It recognizes not only my individual efforts but also the collaborative work of mentors, colleagues, and students who share the same passion for protecting our environment.” 

Dr. Awad’s research since joining CMU in 2023 has focused on developing and optimizing constructed wetlands for pollutant removal, enhancing anaerobic digestion systems for bioenergy production, and advancing nanomaterial-based treatment systems for animal wastewater containing veterinary antibiotics and microplastics. His work examines the fate, transport, and removal mechanisms of emerging contaminants, aiming to deliver practical, low-cost, and scalable solutions for sustainable wastewater treatment.

“These efforts contribute directly to improving water sustainability, environmental protection, and resource efficiency, key objectives that align closely with the mission of this award,” Awad explained. His recent work also integrates environmental monitoring, process modeling, and advanced analytical techniques to enhance pollutant degradation and resource recovery.

Since joining CMU, Dr. Awad has published over twenty articles in high-impact journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and environmental protection. He credits much of his success to the supportive environment at CMU and the mentorship of Dr. Rod Lammers, as well as the collaboration of colleagues Drs. Goksel Demirer and Itzel Marquez. “I’m deeply grateful to my mentors, colleagues, and students, whose guidance and collaboration have shaped my professional path,” he said.

Beyond his research, Dr. Awad remains actively engaged in service and outreach. He mentors students and early-career researchers, serves as a reviewer for more than thirty peer-reviewed journals, and participates in committees that evaluate research proposals. He also leads community outreach efforts promoting clean water awareness, sustainability education, and responsible waste management practices.

“This honor strengthens my commitment to advancing sustainable technologies, supporting environmental education, and working toward a cleaner, healthier future for all,” he said. “I’ve always believed that hard work, continuous learning, and being surrounded by a supportive environment like CMU would help me shine. I’m grateful to see that belief come true.” 

For more information about the AAEES 40 Under 40 Recognition Program, visit their website.