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

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

Kim, J., Nason, J.A., and Lawler, D.F., "Influence of Surface Charge Distributions and Particle Size Distributions on Particle Attachment in Granular Media Filtration," Environmental Science and Technology, 42(7): 2557-2562, 2008.

Nason, J.A., and Lawler, D.F., "Particle Size Distribution Dynamics During Precipitative Softening: Declining Solution Composition," Water Research, 43, 2, 303-312, 2009.

Greenlee, L.F., Lawler, D.F., Freeman, B.D., Marrot, B., and Moulin, P., "Reverse Osmosis Desalination: Water Sources, Technology, and Today's Challenges," Water Research, 43, 9, 2317-2348, 2009.

Russell, C.G, Lawler, D.F., Speitel Jr., G.E., and Katz, L.E., "Effect of Softening Precipitate Composition and Surface Characteristics on Natural Organic Matter Adsorption," Environmental Science and Technology, 43, 20, 7837-7842, 2009.