Svetoslava Todorova

Environmental Engineering Program Director, Professor of Practice

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Link 335C

stodorov@syr.edu

315.443.2557

Degrees:

  • PhD, Civil Engineering, Syracuse University
  • MPA, Environmental Policy and Administration, Syracuse University
  • MS, Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University
  • BS/MS, Civil Engineering, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Bulgaria

Lab/ Center/ Institute affiliation:

  • Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE)
  • Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict Resolution (PARCC)

Areas of Expertise:

  • Transport, cycling, and bioaccumulation of metals in aquatic environments
  • Sustainable engineering practices in built and natural environments
  • Urban stormwater management
  • Smart sensing for monitoring water and air quality
  • Science for policy formation and effective implementation

One aspect of my research focuses on using field and analytical approaches to study the fate and transport of mercury in aquatic ecosystems and develop technologies to mitigate mercury contamination. I am also working on creating low-cost sensors and passive sampling methodologies to help disadvantaged and underfunded communities, as well as developing countries, monitor water and air quality.

My previous engineering practice included designing urban water infrastructure, landfills, and assessing contaminated sites. I was part of a team addressing contaminant issues from the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. Additionally, I am involved in international policymaking related to the sound management of chemicals and wastes through the UNEP Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Professional Registrations and Certifications:

  • EnvisionTM Sustainability Professional (ENV SP), 2014
  • Board Certified Environmental Engineering Member (BCEEM), 2024

Honors and Awards:

  • Roster of Scientists (nominated and selected), UN Minamata Convention on Mercury, developing monitoring guidance for evaluation of the convention, 2022- current
  • Member Scientists (nominated and selected), UN Environment (UNEP), Ad hoc Working Group on Future Science-policy Panel under the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, 2022- current
  • Expert Member (nominated and selected), Working Group on Management of Contaminated Sites, UN Minamata Convention on Mercury, 2018-2019
  • Teaching Excellence Award, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Syracuse University, 2015
  • Member scientist, United Nations Environmental Program Mercury Partnership, 2011- current
  • New York State Water Environment Federation, N.G. Kaul Memorial Award for achievements in water quality, 2011

Selected Publications:

Yoshimura, K., Todorova, S., and Biddle, J. 2020. Mercury geochemistry and microbial diversity in meromictic Glacier Lake, Jamesville, NY. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 12(2): 195-202.

UN Environment, Chemicals Branch, Guidance Document on Management of Contaminated Sites, Geneva, Switzerland, July 2019, Report, contributing author

Todorova, S. Using Simulation as an Experiential Learning Tool for Enhancing Students Learning in Environmental Engineering. Proceedings of the 2019 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), p. 1412.

Todorov, D., Driscoll, C. T., Todorova, S., and Montesdeoca. 2018. Water quality function of an extensive vegetated and an impermeable, high-albedo roof. Science of the Total Environment 625: 928-939.

Martinez, G., McCord, S., Todorova, S., Driscoll, C.T., Wu, S., Araujo, J., Vega, C., and L. Fernandez. 2018. Mercury contamination in riverine sediments and fish associated with artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Madre de Dios, Peru. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15(8).