Kurban (Kurby) Sitterley is a water treatment expert and has worked on the nexus of water and energy systems for more than 10 years. Prior to joining NREL in 2021, his research focused on strategies and technologies for more sustainable approaches for produced water management.

At NREL, his core research includes technoeconomic modeling and analyses of different water treatment systems, the integration of solar thermal power and desalination technologies, and membrane characterization under dynamic operating conditions (e.g., wave-powered desalination).

Research Interests

Water-energy nexus

Water and wastewater treatment

Education

Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder

M.S., Environmental Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder

B.S., Environmental Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder

B.A., International Relations, North Carolina State University