Michael Sander was born in Hanover, Germany.  His interest in environmental studies stems from environmental tragedies such as acid rain destroying the Black Forest and the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.  His Ph.D. research focuses on soils, specifically the mechanisms of sorption hysteresis of hydrophobic organic compounds in natural and engineered sorbents and the applicability of hysteresis to contaminant sequestration (hysteresis describes the macroscopic phenomenon of greater apparent contaminant affinity for the sorbent in the reverse (desorption) direction than the forward (absorption) direction.  He will be developing a mechanistic explanation of hysteresis in natural organic matter and explore ways in which hysteresis in natural organic matter can be employed to advantage in site remediation.

Mr. Sander received his B.S. in Geoecology in 1997 and Masters in Geoecology in 2000 from the University of Bayreuth (Germany), and a masters in Chemical Engineering (Environmental Engineering) in 2002 from Yale University (United States).

"Mr. Sander's research will provide insight into soil and contaminant physics that is sure to impact the development of effective remediation strategies and the establishment of environmental risk and cleanup standards," said Michael Cagney, EREF president.  He added, "We are pleased to present Mr. Sander with our 2003 scholarship award."

EREF's scholarship program recognizes excellence in doctoral or post-doctoral environmental research and education.  Awards are given in memory of Francois Fiessinger, P.E., Ph.D., a graduate of Rutgers University who was a founding director of the foundation; he passed away at age 53.

In choosing its scholars, the foundation's Scholarship Review Committee, which includes a representative from Francois' family as well as the companies that established the memorial scholarship fund (SITA and Lyonnaise des Eaux (both French)), uses a ten scale scoring matrix.  The scholars selected are highly qualified finalists who are chosen in recognition of their credentials and potential future contributions to the environmental scientific community.

The Environmental Research and Education Foundation is an independent public charity; its funding base is derived from donations from corporations and individuals who are committed to EREF's mission to develop environmental solutions for the future.

Contact:    Ed Repa, Director of Environmental Programs
                    703.299.5139x11 or erepa@erefdn.org