Superfund Research Center
The Pennell Research Group generates solutions to human health and environmental risks posed by industrial pollution using a complex-systems approach. By clarifying constraints, quantifying uncertainty, and explicitly considering trade-offs, they advance research grounded in both scientific evidence and real-world feasibility.
Vapor Intrusion
Computational modeling
Geospatial tools
(Re)defining conceptual models for exposure and mitigation
Novel environmental sampling and analytical techniques
Stakeholder engagement
Post-Doctoral Researcher, School of Engineering, Brown University (2005-2008)
PhD, Civil Engineering (with environmental emphasis), Purdue University (2005)
MS, Environmental Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (2001)
BS, Civil Engineering, Lawrence Technological University (1997)
2025-present: Director, Engineering Research Endowments
2021 - present: Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
2025-present, Professor, Epidemiology and Environmental Health (joint appointment), College of Public Health, University of Kentucky
2020 - present: Director, University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center
2016 – 2021: Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
2013 – 2016: Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
2010-2013: Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
2008-2010: Research Faculty, School of Engineering, Brown University
1997-2002: Project Engineer, ARCADIS
