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ESF at the Forefront of PFAS Research, Innovation, and Clean Water Solutions
Faculty experts and the NYS Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions join regional leaders to advance science-based solutions, strengthen partnerships, and help shape the future of water quality and environmental health in Central New York.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sept. 23, 2026 – The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) participated in a regional convening focused on PFAS research, technology innovation, and industry collaboration hosted by Onondaga County in September.
Hosted at the OnCenter, the daylong forum featured presentations and discussions on PFAS science, monitoring and detection technologies, regulatory developments, destruction methods, and innovation pathways that will help shape future management strategies for emerging contaminants. The event brought together researchers, environmental professionals, legal experts, government leaders, and industry representatives committed to advancing science-based solutions.
Representing ESF at the convening were Dr. Deepak Kumar, associate professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, and Dr. Lee Newman, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry. Their participation highlighted ESF's multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to addressing PFAS challenges through research, innovation, education, and collaboration.
The New York State Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions, co-chaired by ESF and Clarkson University, was also represented during the event. The Center brings together academic institutions, industry, government agencies, and community partners to advance innovative water technologies and solutions that improve water quality, strengthen environmental resilience, and support economic development throughout New York state.
“We are grateful to Onondaga County for convening this important conversation and creating opportunities for collaboration among researchers, industry, government, and community leaders,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “ESF is proud to contribute our expertise in research, innovation, and workforce development as we work alongside our partners to address PFAS and other emerging environmental challenges. Events like this demonstrate the power of collaboration and reinforce Central New York's position as a leader in developing practical, science-based solutions that protect public health, strengthen environmental stewardship, and support economic growth.”
ESF's participation reflects the College's leadership in environmental engineering, water resources, chemistry, environmental health, and applied research. Through cutting-edge research programs, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships, ESF is helping advance understanding of PFAS occurrence, detection, treatment, and management while preparing the next generation of environmental professionals and innovators.
“ESF's faculty and researchers are at the forefront of addressing today's most complex environmental challenges through groundbreaking research, innovation, and community partnerships,” said Provost Lindi Quackenbush. “The participation of ESF faculty and the New York State Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions reflects the exceptional expertise that exists across disciplines throughout the College. By connecting scientific discovery with practical applications, our faculty are advancing solutions to PFAS and other emerging contaminants while helping to build the knowledge, technologies, and workforce needed to create a healthier and more sustainable future.”
Throughout the forum, participants discussed opportunities to accelerate innovation, share research findings, and strengthen collaborative approaches to addressing PFAS challenges facing communities, utilities, manufacturers, and regulators. Attendees heard presentations from researchers affiliated with Cornell University, Clarkson University, and ESF/Jacobs, as well as leaders in environmental law and wastewater management.
As environmental regulations evolve and demand grows for advanced monitoring, treatment, and remediation technologies, ESF continues to serve as a trusted regional resource. Through groundbreaking research, workforce development programs, and partnerships with industry, government agencies, and community organizations, the College helps translate scientific discovery into practical solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.
“ESF's mission is rooted in solving society's most pressing environmental challenges,” Mahoney added. “Through our partnerships with government, industry, community organizations, and fellow research institutions, we are helping create the innovation ecosystem needed to deliver cleaner water, healthier communities, and a more resilient economy for the region.”
ESF extends its appreciation to Onondaga County and County Executive J. Ryan McMahon for bringing together scientists, engineers, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to advance dialogue and partnerships around one of today's most pressing environmental challenges. The event underscored the importance of aligning science, innovation, and economic development to address emerging contaminants and support responsible growth across Central New York.
By bringing together expertise from academia, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector, the County is helping build the partnerships needed to advance scientific understanding, protect public health, strengthen environmental stewardship, and support sustainable economic growth throughout Central New York.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is one of the nation's premier colleges focused on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future. ESF’s Mission is to educate future environmental leaders of all backgrounds, advance knowledge, and skills necessary to promote scholarship and stewardship of the natural to designed environments, and act both locally and globally to Improve Our World. ESF’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni make a global impact on improving and sustaining the environment. ESF offers a world-class education among a close-knit community of more than 2,000 scholars with common values and a shared sense of purpose. ESF’s tight-knit community is centered alongside Syracuse University in the heart of Central New York and has a system of properties spanning 25,000 acres that broadly represent New York state’s rich ecological diversity for scientific study and instruction. To learn more, visit suny.edu.