"'Busy, busy, busy...' is what a Bokononist whispers whenever he thinks about how complicated and unpredictable the machinery of life really is." From CAT'S CRADLE, by Kurt Vonnegut
My name is Josh Kearns and I hold bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and environmental engineering from Clemson University and a master’s degree in environmental biogeochemistry from the University of California-Berkeley. I am currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Colorado-Boulder in environmental engineering, and a visiting researcher at North Carolina State University. My research explores the applicability of locally produced biomass char (biochar) as a low-cost adsorbent for drinking water treatment in developing communities.
I have previously studied and worked in the fields of ecological economics and sustainability science, both within academia and in the non-profit/NGO sector. A desire to promote health, livelihood security, environmental and economic sustainability, and local self-reliance led me to found Aqueous Solutions in 2007 – a non-profit organization dedicated to research, development and deployment of appropriate technologies in water and sanitation. As a founder's prerogative, I gave myself the vaguely important-sounding title, "Director of Science."
My work allows me to learn from-and-with elite level University research scientists on the one hand, as well as dedicated, creative, and brilliantly competent field practitioners of public health, rural livelihood security, sustainability and social justice, on the other. For this I am inexpressibly fortunate and grateful.
As far as hobbies go, I enjoy trail running, cycling, swimming, backpacking and bicycle touring. I am an enthusiastic beer homebrewer, and an equally enthusiastic craft beer drinker. Rumor has it that I am also a fair-to-middlin' bluegrass mandolin player.
Most of all, I like to spend time with my wife, Rachael, who is training to be a farm animal veterinarian.
If you like, you can follow me on Facebook.
