Edward Bouwer, a nationally recognized environmental engineer with expertise in microbial process engineering and contaminant transport and fate, died Oct. 2, 2019. Dr. Bouwer was a professor and researcher at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

Dr. Bouwer joined the JHU Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering in the Whiting School of Engineering in 1985, serving as a professor, mentor and researcher. He was Chair of the Department for 9 years, starting in 2007. In 2016, he led the successful effort to establish the cross-divisional Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, which spanned the Whiting School of Engineering and the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Dr. Bouwer's research focused on identifying and managing environmental risks in drinking water and wastewater treatment processes, and in determining associated risks to human health. In his role as Director of the JHU Center for Contaminant Transport, Fate, and Remediation, he analyzed the effects of contamination in Maryland's urban environments, and communicated his findings to government officials and the public. He consulted on the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, and researched depleted uranium at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. In 2007, he co-authored The Illusion of Certainty: Health Benefits and Risks, a book geared toward educating the general public on making personal health care decisions.

Dr. Bouwer published more than 200 articles and book chapters during his career. He served on several National Academy committees related to ecological and human health. In 2008, he was named the Abel Wolman Professor of Environmental Engineering, a professorship named for the prominent American engineer and Johns Hopkins University professor.

Dr. Bouwer is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia; sons Christopher and Scott; and 2 grandchildren.

Primary Source: Adapted from an obituary written by Lisa Ercolano, published on JHU "HUB" website Oct 9, 2019.

Secondary Source: Baltimore Sun Obituary.