Anika Azme
Graduate Student CIVE-PhD Lincoln Environmental Engineering - Advisor: Nirupam Aich University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Contact
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aazme2@huskers.unl.edu
Anika Azme is a Ph.D. student in Environmental Engineering whose research centers on the development of advanced nanomaterials and biotechnologies for the remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water systems. Her work integrates nanomaterial synthesis and photocatalytic treatment strategies to address PFAS remediation. In addition to her primary research, she contributes to collaborative projects on phytoremediation and bioremediation. Anika has presented at several national and international conferences and received multiple awards for her work. She is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and science outreach, with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and access to clean water technologies.
Education
Academic Degrees
· Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA, Spring 2023- Present
· M.S. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA, 2022
· B.S. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh 2020
Employment History
· University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), January 2023- Present
· Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), August 2021- December 2022
· Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Research Assistant (RA), April 2021- July 2021
Area of Research and Professional Interest
· PFAS remediation using two-dimensional photocatalyst nanomaterials
· Bio and phyto-techniques approach for PFAS remediation
· Nanomaterial synthesis and characterization for environmental applications
Research Experience
· Transformation of Photo-catalytic 2D Nanomaterials for PFAS Remediation, National Science Foundation, Spring 2023- Present
· Leveraging the Metabolic Versatility of R. palustris Towards the Bioremediation of Forever Chemical Pollutants ‘PFAS’, University of Nebraska Collaboration Initiative Grant Application, Fall 2024- Present
· A Novel Synthetic Biology Approach for Enhanced Bioremediation of National Priority Pollutant PFAS, University of Nebraska Collaboration Initiative Grant Application, Fall 2023- Fall 2024
· Co-transport Behavior Between Microplastics and Heavy Metal in the Aquatic Environment, SIU, Fall 2021- Fall 2022
Teaching Experience
· GTA, CIVE/BSEN 321 (Principles of Environmental Engineering), Fall 2024
Publications and Presentations
· Azme, A., Escobar, I. C., Tsyusko, O., & Aich, N. (2025). Effects of two wet exfoliation strategies on the yield and colloidal behavior of 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets. Nano Express. http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2632-959X/adad05
· Azme, A., Escobar, I. C., Tsyusko, O., Aich, N., Impact of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Exfoliation on Contaminant Degradation, American Chemical Society Fall National Meeting 2024, August 18- 22, 2024, Denver, CO (UNL)
· Azme, A., Escobar, I. C., Tsyusko, O., Aich, N., Effects of Wet Exfoliation Strategies on the Yield and Colloidal Behavior of 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets, (24AE) Nanotechnology Convergence for Sustainable Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Health: A US-Africa Conference, July 14-18, 2024, Casablanca, Morocco (UNL)
· Azme, A., Escobar, I. C., Tsyusko, O., Aich, N., Effects of Wet Exfoliation Strategies on the Yield and Colloidal Behavior of 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets, 12th Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) Conference, November 10- 12, 2023, Marina Del Rey, CA (UNL)
· Azme, A., Shams, M., Co-transport Behavior Between Microplastics and Heavy Metal in the Aquatic Environment, ACS Fall 2022 Conference, August 21-25, 2022, Chicago, IL (SIUC)
· Azme, A., Mamtaz, R., Performance of Rice Husk and Sawdust in Removing Chromium from Water Using Adsorption Process, 8th International Conference on Water and Flood Management, March 29-31, 2021, Dhaka, Bangladesh (BUET)
Service
· Mentor, Summer NSF-REU Fellow at UNL, Summer 2025
· Poster judge, 2nd Symposium on Sustainable Construction Materials, UNL, May 05, 2025
· Volunteer, University of Nebraska Celebration, UNL, November 01, 2024
· Volunteer, Great Plains PFAS Initiative Symposium, UNL, September 5-6, 2024
· Poster judge, Nebraska Student Research Program Symposium, UNL, August 06, 2024
· Poster judge, 1st Symposium on Sustainable Construction Materials, UNL, May 08, 2024
· Poster judge, Nebraska Student Research Program Symposium, UNL, August 03, 2023
· Co-mentor, Summer REU Fellow at UNL, Summer 2023
Honors and Awards
· Milton E. Mohr Fellowship award (2025-26 academic year)
· Honorable mention engineering graduate student poster award at UNL Student Research Days 2024
· UNL CEE James Jirsa Professional Development Graduate Travel Award, Spring 2024
· Finalist at UNL Student Research Days 2024: Research Slam
· 3rd Poster Presentation Award, 12th Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization Conference, 2023
· 1st Poster Presentation Award, North South University Civil Fest, 2016