Dr. Pepper is an environmental microbiologist whose research has focused on the fate and transport of pathogens in air, water, soils and municipal wastes. More recently he has investigated the potential for real-time detection of contaminants in water distribution systems. He also teaches a graduate level laboratory class on Environmental Microbiology, and an undergraduate class on Pollution Science. His latest adventure is the development of the Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center (WEST), a new 22000 square foot laboratory complex which focuses on the water:energy nexus.