Colorado State University PhD Partnership Ushers in New Era of Collaboration
Metro’s new partnership with Colorado State University (CSU) is opening the door to emerging research, fresh perspectives, and long-term innovation while shaping the next generation of clean water professionals.
Through this collaboration, Metro is funding its first PhD student from CSU, Michael Evans, who joined the Technology and Innovation Department (TID) in 2025. A doctoral student in CSU’s College of Engineering, Michael is immersed in a five-year research project focused on treating complex forms of nitrogen and phosphorus, called refractory organic nutrients, that are not removed by Metro’s current treatment processes.
The partnership is designed to benefit both organizations. Michael gains hands-on experience solving real-world challenges in pursuit of his PhD, while Metro gains deeper insight into complex treatment processes that will help guide future planning and decision-making using cutting-edge technologies and newest academic research tools.
Michael’s work represents the next step in Metro’s ongoing efforts to comply with regulatory requirements for these nutrients. Historically, wastewater treatment has focused on ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ortho-phosphorus. Hundreds of organic nutrient compounds exist beyond those, however, each behaving differently within treatment systems. Understanding and addressing these compounds is essential as regulations evolve and treatment expectations continue to rise.
“What I really like about this project is how directly applicable it is,” Michael said. “Being able to work on site, walk around the facility, and connect research with real-world systems makes a huge difference.”
Metro’s facilities offer a uniquely valuable research environment. With decades of operational history, extensive data, and advanced analytical capabilities, Metro’s Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility (RWHTF) provides doctoral students with opportunities to synthesize foundational research and applied practice. Michael is supervised by two principal investigators: Dr. Sybil Sharvelle, a Professor in CSU’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, and Dr. Tanja Rauch-Williams, Metro’s Chief Innovation Officer.
TID has already conducted preliminary research in this area through a pilot project. Michael’s work will help take Metro’s knowledge base to the next level as he explores fundamental questions related to the sources and fate of refractory organic nutrients, characterization of nutrient fractions, and treatment approaches and helps Metro prepare for future regulatory and operational needs.
“It’s really cool to be able to work with gifted students like Michael,” said Jeff Hlad, Senior Wastewater Process Engineering Manager and co-mentor for Michael and his project. “The industry is always rapidly changing, and partnerships like this help us stay connected to emerging ideas and new approaches.”