Emil Kunze

Emil Kunze

Home: MCI – The Entrepreneurial School
Host: University of California, Santa Barbara

Topic: „Process Development for the Removal of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Investigation of an Ion-Exchange Resin in Real and Synthetic Waters“

Emil is currently spending a research stay at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he is working on his bachelor’s thesis in the field of water treatment. His project focuses on the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of highly persistent environmental pollutants often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Due to their stability and widespread occurrence, PFAS represent a major challenge for both ecosystems and drinking water safety.

Within the framework of the PFASelect project, Emil is investigating a newly developed ion-exchange material designed to selectively adsorb PFAS from water. The aim is to better understand its adsorption behavior, efficiency, and potential for sustainable large-scale application. The research involves laboratory experiments with both synthetic and real water samples to evaluate performance under different conditions.

His stay at UCSB has been a very valuable experience so far. Working in an international research environment and having access to advanced laboratory facilities allowed him to deepen both his technical knowledge and practical skills. He is especially grateful to Prof. Arturo Keller and his team for their support and for welcoming me into their lab. On a personal level, Emil is also really enjoying my time in the United States and finds it a very exciting place to live and work.

Overall, this opportunity enables him to combine academic research with an international perspective, which he considers extremely valuable for his future career.