Interests
Dr. Lawler's research interests focus on physical/chemical treatment processes for drinking water and wastewater, with a special emphasis on particle removal processes; the experimental measurements and mathematical modeling of changes in particle size distributions have long been a hallmark of his research. Recent work has focused on improving membrane treatment processes, including the effects of fouling on low pressure membranes and improving recovery from high-pressure membranes used for desalination.  Other interests include interactions among treatment processes, resource conservation and pollution prevention in industrial settings, and appropriate technology for developing countries. Dr. Lawler has won ten teaching awards, is a member of UT's Academy of Distinguished Teachers, and received the A.P. Black Award from the American Water Works Association for significant contributions to research on drinking water over an extended time period.  His paper on flocculation with M.Y. Han (JAWWA, 84, 10, 79-91, 1002) was recognized with the 2005 AEESP Outstanding Publication Award from the Association of Envinronmental Engineering and Science Professors as one that has withstood the test of time and influenced environmental engineering practice.

Education
B.S., Notre Dame, Civil Engineering, 1968
M.S., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Environmental Engineering, 1975
Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Environmental Engineering, 1980

Kweon, J.H., and Lawler, D.F., “Investigation of membrane fouling in ultrafiltration using model organic compounds," Water Science & Technology, 51, 6-7, 101-106, 2005.

Lawler, D.F., and Nason, J.A., “Integral Water Treatment Plant Modeling: Improvements for Particle Processes," Environmental Science & Technology, 39, 17, 6337-6342, 2005.

Kalscheur, K.N., Gerwe, C.E., Kweon, J., Speitel, G.E. Jr., and Lawler, D.F., "Enhanced Softening: Effects of Source Water Quality on Natural Organic Matter Removal and Disinfection By-Product Formation," Journal American Water Works Association, 98, 11, 93-106, 2006.

Kim, J., Nason, J.A., and Lawler, D.F., "Zeta Potential Distributions in Particle Treatment Processes," Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology--AQUA, 55, 7-8, 461-470, 2006.

Worrel, L.S., Morehouse, J.A., Shimko, L.A., Lloyd, D.R., Lawler, D.F., and Freeman, B.D., "Enhancement of Track-etched Membrane Performance via Stretching," Separation and Purification Technology, 53, 1, 71-80, 2007.