CEST strives to be a catalyst for environmental research and education on the Missouri S&T campus. It brings together under a common umbrella faculty from different departments as senior investigators and research associates representing some 11 engineering and science disciplines. Conceptually, CEST has operated as a center without walls. It brings together an array of laboratories on the campus. In addition, CEST strives to interact synergistically with other research centers and institutes within the University of Missouri System and throughout the world.

Advanced Process Simulation Laboratory(Chemical Engineering)applies standard chemical engineering concepts to complex systems that are difficult to simulate.

Biochemical Process Institute(Chemical Engineering)promotes instruction and research in processes involving biochemical separations, bioreactor systems, and microbial and enzymatic technology; has extensive capabilities in affinity and perfusion chromatography, adsorption, and freeze-drying.

Coatings Institute(Chemistry)educates industrial personnel in coatings science; produces a forum for the introduction of new technology; develops technologies that reduce waste and solvent use.

Combustion Diagnostic Laboratory(Mechanical Engineering)The combustion laboratory is the newest laboratory at CEST. The laboratory is set up to examine both laminar and turbulent flames. The lab is equipped with state of the art monitoring equipment for both particulates and emissions from the flames. The use of the laboratory will advance the basic science of combustion in the country. The laboratory is also engaged in designing a high-pressure combustion system to study new turbine combustors for the next generation gas turbines and jet engines.

Generic Mineral Technology Center for Pyrometallurgy(Metallurgical Engineering)carries out fundamental research in the development of new metallurgical processes and/or the improvement of existing processes with the view of reducing waste and, if possible, the use of hazardous chemicals.

Groundwater Laboratory(Geological Engineering)contains permeameter equipment for determining hydraulic conductivity (permeability) of porous media samples, as well as equipment for characterizing groundwater and contaminant properties and for field testing water levels in wells.

Hydraulics Laboratory(Mines and Metallurgy)currently set up for solid-liquid transport behavior (slurry pipelines, drilled cuttings transport, etc.). The system is used for environmental studies, including the investigation of the efficiency of horizontal well bores to remove contaminants from soil.

Recycling/Remediation Laboratory(Mechanical Engineering & Chemistry)engages in developing alternative uses for discarded products such as automobile tires; develops low energy techniques for regeneration of activated carbon and coal desulfurization; applies remediation techniques for removal/destruction of polychlorinated aromatics and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.

Laboratory for Renewable Recourse Based Composites(Mechanical Engineering).The laboratory is engaged in the development of new natural product based composites for producing advanced materials. The laboratory includes facilities for resins preparation and fibers recovery. The laboratory can perform mechanical tests on a variety of composite materials. The laboratory is equipped with state of the art pultrusion machines for the production of engineering shapes.

Separations/Mass Spectroscopy Research Laboratory(Chemistry)Earned international recognition for development of innovative separation tools and research in the environmental chemistry of chlorinated organics, as well as the development of trace analytical methodologies.

Bio-analytical Laboratory(Chemistry)Developed novel spectroscopic methods for detection of single molecule in single cell. Involved in detection and monitoring of glycoproteins.

Toxicology Laboratory(Biological Sciences)The Toxicology Laboratory is engaged in research in several areas. One project is concerned with new NPDES discharge permits and the use of the very sensitive test organism --

Ceriodaphnia dubiain standard WET (Whole Effluent Toxicity) tests required of the lead industry. An interdisciplinary team is studying the possible effects of lead on the developing immune system of very young children. Another team is trying to develop appropriate test procedures and indicator organisms for determination of water quality in wetland environment.