Dr. Petros Gikas is a distinguished professor and leading authority in environmental engineering with a specialization in waste and wastewater management systems. He currently serves as Professor at the School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Crete where he also directs the Design of Environmental Processes Laboratory. His academic leadership extends to his role as head of the union committee of academic staff at the Technical University of Crete elected in 2012. Dr. Gikas has been instrumental in shaping environmental engineering education through his instruction of undergraduate courses including Environmental Processes and Environmental Impact Assessment and Physical Chemistry as well as postgraduate courses in Advanced Wastewater Treatment.
Dr. Gikas's research focuses on innovative approaches to municipal industrial and agricultural waste and wastewater management with particular emphasis on designing novel treatment processes that optimize efficiency and sustainability. His work on municipal wastewater treatment for M2 Renewables Inc. in California and the development of the Water Management Plan for the Aegean Islands demonstrates his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions for complex environmental challenges. As an Associate Editor for the Journal of Environmental Management and member of editorial boards for several other prestigious journals he has significantly influenced the direction of environmental research globally. His technical expertise extends to improving energy efficiency in water supply and sewerage systems as evidenced by his study for the Municipality of Rethymno.
Beyond his academic contributions Dr. Gikas has played a vital role in professional organizations serving as an elected member of the council of the Technical Chamber of Western Crete from 2010 to 2013 and as vice member of the steering committee. His research interests continue to evolve with the growing global need for sustainable water resources focusing on water reclamation and reuse municipal solid waste management with energy production and integrated water resources management. Through his leadership in the Design of Environmental Processes Laboratory he mentors the next generation of environmental engineers who are addressing pressing sustainability challenges. Dr. Gikas remains at the forefront of environmental engineering research with his current work poised to make significant contributions to sustainable water management practices worldwide.
