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Four adults pose at a conference table. One person sits centered at the table wearing a dark suit and tie, smiling toward the camera, while three colleagues — two standing behind on the left and center and one standing on the right —s tand close together, all wearing conference lanyards and smiling. The table in front has microphones, a water pitcher and glasses, small potted plants, and name placards indicating chair roles. Behind them, a large banner reads “3rd International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology” with the hashtag “#ICARST2025.”

ESF Chemistry Students Present Research at International Conference

01/20/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Jan. 21, 2026 — Three chemistry students from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) presented their research at an international conference in Vienna, Austria.

The students attended the Third International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST-2025) alongside more than 800 scientists from around the world. They were accompanied by Dr. Mark Driscoll, professor in ESF’s Department of Chemistry.

Driscoll chaired a session on radiation treatment of pollutants and presented his research on how ionizing radiation affects water-saturated lignin. He also received a plaque recognizing his contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Each student presented a poster on their research:

  • Dilara Turkel Agacik, a Ph.D. candidate, shared her work on using electron beam irradiation to treat wastewater. Her research, funded by the New York State Water Resources Institute, explores how this technology can remove emerging contaminants and its potential for municipal wastewater systems.
  • Liz McDaniel, a Ph.D. candidate, presented research on improving cellulose solubility using gamma irradiation and sodium hydroxide. Her work aims to reduce reliance on petroleum-based products and make better use of waste cellulose for products like ethanol.
  • Andy Palm, a Ph.D. candidate in chemical engineering, discussed his study on electron beam dosimetry at low-energy levels. His research could improve accuracy in medical treatments and device sterilization.

Agacik and McDaniel also competed in the Young Professional Poster Competition and participated in mentoring sessions with industry experts.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.