The Pennell Research Group generates solutions to human health and environmental risks posed by industrial pollution using a complex-systems approach. By clarifying constraints, quantifying uncertainty, and explicitly considering trade-offs, they advance research grounded in both scientific evidence and real-world feasibility.
Kelly Pennell, PhD, PE
Professor, Earl Parker Robinson Chair of Sustainability and the Environment
Research Description
Research Interests
Vapor Intrusion
Computational modeling
Geospatial tools
(Re)defining conceptual models for exposure and mitigation
Novel environmental sampling and analytical techniques
Stakeholder engagement
Education
Post-Doctoral Researcher, School of Engineering, Brown University (2005-2008)
PhD, Civil Engineering (with environmental emphasis), Purdue University (2005)
MS, Environmental Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (2001)
BS, Civil Engineering, Lawrence Technological University (1997)
Appointments
2025-present: Director, Engineering Research Endowments
2021 - present: Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
2025-present, Professor, Epidemiology and Environmental Health (joint appointment), College of Public Health, University of Kentucky
2020 - present: Director, University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center
2016 – 2021: Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
2013 – 2016: Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
2010-2013: Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
2008-2010: Research Faculty, School of Engineering, Brown University
1997-2002: Project Engineer, ARCADIS