Home
Hello! My name is Kate Newhart and I am an Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University. I work on the messy, fascinating problems that sit at the intersection of water infrastructure, data, and decision‑making.
My research uses big data, modeling, and process understanding to help water and wastewater systems adapt to new challenges. Recent and ongoing projects focus on data‑driven process monitoring, control, and optimization of water, wastewater, and resource recovery systems—ranging from predicting trace carcinogens in RO‑based water reuse systems,1 to understanding the kinetics of emerging disinfectants in wastewater,2 to improving phosphorus recovery at the largest precipitation reactor in North America.
What I enjoy most about my job is exploring new knowledge with students. My mentoring style is supportive and collaborative. I encourage students to ask good questions early, try ideas that might not work the first time, and build confidence by taking ownership of real pieces of research. In my group, students learn not only how to analyze data or run experiments, but how to think like engineers, communicate their work clearly, and connect technical results to real‑world impact. Undergraduate and graduate students often work side‑by‑side on projects that blend theory, data, and practice.
Beyond research, I care deeply about teaching, mentoring, and building inclusive engineering spaces. I enjoy helping students explore and navigate career paths in academia, industry, and public service, and I am especially excited about projects that connect students with practitioners and decision‑makers in the water sector.
When I am not working on water problems, I enjoy life in Oregon—getting outside by hiking, biking, and skiing, finding a good coffee, and knitting.
If you are a student who likes working with data, cares about water, working with people, and wants to do research that matters beyond the lab, you would likely feel at home in my group! Fill out this form and I will be in touch! https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1HV8zUiW0gS8g0C