Walk with Wente: Kyana Young

More about Kyana Young:

Associate Professor of Engineering

Young’s research focuses on water treatment, water quality and working with communities to improve water infrastructure, locally and globally. Before joining Wake Forest in 2019, she was a postdoctoral research fellow at Marquette University’s Global Water Center. She holds an associate in science degree from Mesa Community College, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Arizona and a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Young won the 2023 Faculty Service Award from the Office of Civic and Community Engagement and the 2024 URECA Faculty Award for Excellence in Mentored Scholarship. Young is the co-founder of the Water and Health Committee and a Governing Councilor in the Environment Section of the American Public Health Association. Young co-founded the “Girls as Citizen Scientists” program, which engages local middle school students in research. She is currently working on a collaborative research project titled “Use of Meltblown Nonwoven Fabric for Stormwater Runoff Treatment,” with colleagues at Auburn University, Michigan State University, North Carolina State University, and the University of South Alabama. Young is an affiliate faculty member in biology and African American Studies, and serves on the Advisory Council for the Piedmont Environmental Alliance.