Engineering student aims to protect drinking water

Jackson Quinn was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month

By Lindsey Osterfeld Email Lindsey

6 minute read November 25, 2025

A passion for math and science in grade school has turned into a career in environmental engineering for Jackson Quinn.

Drawn to the University of Cincinnati by the opportunities awaiting him through the cooperative education (co-op) program as an undergraduate, Quinn made the most of his time as a Bearcat by participating in research, authoring papers and earning a master's degree in tandem with his bachelor's through the ACCEND program.

Quinn was named UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Graduate Student Engineer of the Month. With his degrees, he hopes to improve the environment for a better future.

Why did you choose UC? What drew you here?

Jackson Quinn is earning a master's degree in environmental engineering through the Accelerated Engineering Degree (ACCEND) program. Photo/Provided

I chose the University of Cincinnati due to the co-op program, the strong environmental engineering program, and the opportunities for research here. I joined the Accelerated Engineering Degree (ACCEND) program in 2024 because I knew that a master's degree from UC would take me anywhere I wanted to go and that the resources available for me at the nearby United States Environmental Protection Agency and on campus would allow me to flourish as a researcher. Beyond that, my scholarship made UC very financially accessible, and the urban atmosphere has always been exciting to me.

Why did you choose your field of study?

I originally chose environmental engineering because I enjoyed math and science and wanted to use my engineering skills to help the environment. Four years after making that decision (as an undergrad), I feel confident in my choice and feel very strongly about protecting public health and drinking water through the work I do as an EPA contractor. In the future, I look forward to applying my engineering skills along with my chemistry, biology, and physics knowledge to protect wildlife and the natural environment.

Can you describe your research work?

As a graduate student, I've led two main projects as an EPA research contractor. When I started in 2023, I began a new project investigating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uptake mechanisms in ion exchange drinking water treatment systems. This research was crucial to provide new information about ion exchange resins and assist in modeling efforts for drinking water systems across the United States. This research was also conducted at the same time as the 2024 PFAS regulations were finalized.

In 2024, I transitioned my research efforts to focus on the use of microelectrode sensors for drinking water research. I traveled to the University of Central Florida (UCF) to learn from Woo Hyoug Lee, PhD, and his students, and I brought this knowledge back to the EPA to start my current thesis research studying disinfectant penetration in hot water heater tanks. This research is very meaningful to me as it pertains to the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. Legionella outbreaks caused severe illness and death in Flint, and understanding how disinfectants persist in home plumbing systems is crucial to prevent future outbreaks. Overall, the drinking water research I have led at the EPA has been very fulfilling and makes me feel like I am making a difference in protecting public health in the U.S.

What are some of the most impactful experiences during your time at UC?

Some of my most impactful experiences during my time at UC are without a doubt my work as a research contractor for the U.S. EPA.

This fall, I have been a co-author on two publications about PFAS in drinking water. I also had the opportunity to travel to UCF for training and attend numerous conferences. When the PFAS regulations were announced in April 2024, I and other researchers were photographed for two articles in the Associated Press and our pictures were seen in local newspapers across the country.

While balancing my research and work at the EPA with my schoolwork has been difficult, it's so rewarding and has advanced me as a researcher in ways that I am so grateful for.

What are a few of your accomplishments of which you are most proud?

I am very proud of my two co-author publications, as well as a third that is under review. I was the winner of the 2022 UC IQ E-Pitch Competition in the non-profit category. Overall, I am proud of my ability to maintain a high GPA in my graduate studies while also playing tennis, rock climbing, maintaining strong relationships, and trying new things.

When do you expect to graduate? What are your plans after earning your degree?

I expect to graduate in spring 2026 pending the completion of my MS thesis. After earning my degree, I am looking forward to continuing to do research, although I am currently undecided as to whether that will be in the form of a PhD or a job.

Do you have any other hobbies or involvements you'd like to share?

I'm a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, the Ohio Climbers Coalition, University Honors Program, and UC Club Tennis. Beyond clubs, I love to rock climb, play tennis, and I've been trying to pick up film photography as well (emphasis on trying).

Featured image at top: Jackson Quinn's research aims to protect drinking water. Photo/Pixabay