New dissertation within One Health: We congratulate Sanne Smith!
Last changed: 05 October 2023
Sanne Smith successfully defended her thesis during September. We took the opportunity to ask her some questions.
What is "the big idea" about your research and how does it relate to One Health?
"My PhD research was about removing PFAS from contaminated water. PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that have become very widespread in the environment, which is worrying because they hardly break down naturally and some PFAS are toxic. Human health can be protected most effectively by treating PFAS-contaminated water, for example, industrial effluents, before it reaches the environment".
What problem does your research help to solve in the short and long term?
"My research helps to protect the environment, animals and humans from PFAS exposure".
How can your research contribute to a more sustainable world, what impact at the societal level can the results contribute to?
"Most existing methods for PFAS treatment use a lot of energy. My research also looked into the energy efficiency of alternative technologies, to find more sustainable solutions. By implementing these technologies, people can be protected from PFAS exposure without using excessive amounts of energy".
What is your plan for the near future?
"I already started a new job as Assistant Professor Physicochemical Treatment Processes for Industry Water at TU Delft, in the Netherlands".
We wish Sanne the best of luck in her future career!