Overview
Wiesner's research interests include membrane processes, nanostructured materials, transport and fate of nanomaterials in the environment, nano plastics, colloidal and interfacial processes, and environmental systems analysis.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
·
2015 - Present
Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
·
2006 - Present
Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor in the Division of Environmental Natural Sciences
·
2024 - Present
Environmental Natural Science,
Nicholas School of the Environment
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society
·
2017 - Present
Duke Science & Society,
University Initiatives & Academic Support Units
Recent Publications
Environmental degradation and fragmentation of microplastics: dependence on polymer type, humidity, UV dose and temperature
Journal Article Microplastics and Nanoplastics · December 1, 2025 Depending on the environmental compartment, plastics are subjected to various stressors, including UV light, water, microbial exudates (enzymes), and temperature. Among these, stress on plastics from photo-chemical processes was identified as a leading exp ... Full text CiteUV aging induces colloidal-like behavior in microplastics, mediating contaminant fluxes across interfaces.
Journal Article Journal of hazardous materials · December 2025 Microplastics (MPs) are often regarded as pollutants vectors, yet they undergo substantial physicochemical transformations in aquatic environments. Here, we reveal how photo-oxidation (UVs) and mechanical stress transform polyethylene-based-MPs into reacti ... Full text CiteUsing boundary layer theory to improve the accuracy of air release factors in environmental exposure estimations.
Journal Article Environmental toxicology and chemistry · December 2025 A realistic release estimation is key when assessing whether the use of a chemical can be considered environmentally safe. For practically all industrial, professional, and consumer use patterns, air emission measurements are absent or available for only o ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Duke University Program in Environmental Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences · 2019 - 2029The other plastic problem: weathering and plastic additives synergize to impact organismal health
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. · 2025 - 2028NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr)
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Johns Hopkins University ·
1985
Ph.D.
University of Iowa ·
1980
M.S.
Coe College ·
1978
B.A.