Ph.D. candidate Helen Salako’s research was recently featured as a Technical Article in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Utah Section’s March newsletter, highlighting innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture in arid environments.

Her article, “Utah’s Soil Future: How Biosolids Support Healthier Soils and Sustainable Agriculture,” explores how biosolids—treated organic materials from wastewater—can be repurposed to improve soil health, increase organic matter, and support long-term agricultural productivity in Utah’s arid climate. By reframing biosolids as a valuable resource rather than waste, her work addresses both environmental and economic challenges, offering a practical solution for farmers facing rising fertilizer costs and soil degradation, while also helping municipalities manage wastewater byproducts responsibly.

Originally from Nigeria, Salako’s passion for environmental solutions began early, shaped by firsthand observations of waste management challenges. Now pursuing research in environmental toxicology as an environmental engineering doctoral candidate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah, she is also committed to science communication and community engagement, serving as a STEM Ambassador and sharing her work with broader audiences.

In addition to her ASCE feature, Salako was recently highlighted in the University of Utah’s Humans of the U series, recognizing both her research impact and dedication to making science accessible.

“I love to communicate science. I love telling people about what I do,” Helen says.

By advancing research that bridges environmental sustainability and practical application—and by actively sharing that knowledge with diverse audiences—Salako is contributing not only to healthier soils in Utah, but also to a broader conversation about responsible resource use and environmental stewardship.