An assistant professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the Cullen College of Engineering has been recognized as a rising star in environmental engineering and science, thanks to his research on electrochemical carbon capture.
Mim Rahimi is part of the 2025 cohort for the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists’ 40 Under 40 Recognition Program. Founded in 1955, the AAEES has more than 3,000 members and is one of the preeminent organizations for environmental engineers and scientists.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized with this prestigious award,” Rahimi said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my research team and the support I have received throughout my career.”
According to the AAEES, the program was introduced to recognize talented individuals who have been responsible for helping to advance the fields of Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering in a demonstrable way within the last 12 months. A nominee must be under 40 at the end of the calendar year in which they are nominated. The distinction dates back to 2022, and this is the first time a University of Houston professor has been recognized.
Earlier this year, Rahimi received an NSF CAREER award for his research into electrochemical carbon capture. His research proposal, “Leveraging Liquid-Liquid Interfaces for Innovative Electrochemical Carbon Capture,” was selected for $537,719 in funding. He also provided insight into carbon dioxide removal for the University of Houston’s Energy magazine, Energy @ Scale.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible research team, especially my Ph.D. students, whose dedication and innovation make achievements like this possible,” he said. “I also extend my sincere thanks to Professor Roberto Ballarini, our department chair, for nominating me for this honor, and to Professor Hanadi Rifai for her invaluable mentorship and guidance throughout my academic journey.”
Rahimi joined the faculty of the College in 2021. Previously, he was a postdoctoral associate at MIT and he completed his doctorate in Chemical Engineering at Penn State. For more information about his research or potential openings in his lab, visit his research website.