From the University of Colorado Boulder, Karl Linden is a professor of environmental engineering and the Mortenson Professor in Sustainable Development. His expertise involves novel water and wastewater treatment systems, including advanced and innovative ultraviolet systems for inactivation of pathogens and degradation of organic and other emerging contaminants. Linden also researches sustainable implementation of water and sanitation technologies globally. While at the UW, he collaborated on ultraviolet-related research for contaminant degradation, as well as sanitation solutions for marginalized communities. He also taught a series of classes on water reuse, gave a research seminar and met with various research groups and students.

From the Technical University of Berlin, Timo Hartmann is a professor of systems engineering. He oversees the teaching program of the Civil Systems Engineering department and manages research on complex infrastructure system management and circular economy for the built environment, which is a model of production and consumption that involves reusing materials. While at the UW, Hartmann conducted research on how the increased use of digital technologies is affecting minorities within the engineering workforce. He also taught a class on integrated collaborative engineering practice as well as a Ph.D. seminar titled “The Role and Future of Civil Engineering as a Profession.”