About

Julie Zimmerman is the Liliane and Christian Haub Professor of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at Yale University, with additional appointments in the School of the Environment. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and a B.S. from the University of Virginia. Her research applies green chemistry and green engineering principles to the innovative design of products, processes, and systems, with a focus on assessing benign alternative chemicals and materials. She is involved in policy design and analysis for sustainability, particularly related to water use and corporate environmental behavior, and develops water treatment technologies for developing communities. Zimmerman's distinguished career includes election to the National Academy of Engineering in 2025, fellowship in the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2015, and election to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering in 2015. Her numerous awards include the Walter J. Weber Distinguished Lecturer, EPA medals for commendable service, and recognition as a Karman Fellow. Her work emphasizes designing safer chemicals, minimizing aquatic toxicity, and advancing sustainable practices in engineering and environmental sciences.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Business
• Risk analysis (engineering)
• Political Science
• Ecology
• Biochemical engineering
• Chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Environmental science
• Engineering
• Chromatography
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Environmental economics
• Biology
• Materials science
• Management science
• Botany
• Library science
• Agronomy
• Environmental resource management
• Pulp and paper industry

Selected publications

• Effects of commercial unflavored and vanilla-flavored e-liquids on nicotine intake and withdrawal

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2026-01-13

  articleOpen access

  Electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) often contain flavors and solvents that may influence nicotine addiction. In this study, we characterized the dose-response relationship of commercial unflavored nicotine e-liquids and investigated the impact of vanilla-flavored e-liquids on nicotine vapor self-administration (VSA) and withdrawal in rats. Male adolescent Sprague Dawley rats self-administered aerosols generated from commercial e-liquids containing 0, 3, 6, or 12 mg/ml nicotine in a propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (G) vehicle. The vehicle (0 mg/ml nicotine) supported robust VSA, indicating the reinforcing effects of PG/G vapor. 3 mg/ml nicotine did not support VSA, while both 6 and 12 mg/ml nicotine concentrations produced significant reinforcement, with 6 mg/ml yielding the most stable responding. The 6 mg/ml concentration was selected for subsequent comparisons with vanilla-flavored e-liquids. Vanilla flavor (0 mg/ml nicotine) led to maintained VSA behavior, confirming its reinforcing effects. However, the combination of vanilla and nicotine (6 mg/ml) did not alter nicotine intake or withdrawal severity, as assessed by mecamylamine-precipitated somatic signs. Blood nicotine and cotinine levels were similar between nicotine and vanilla + nicotine conditions, indicating that vanilla flavor did not affect systemic nicotine metabolism. Additionally, the PG/G vehicle induced significant somatic signs, suggesting that vapor exposure itself, independent of nicotine, contributes to these physiological responses. These findings provide critical insights into the reinforcing and physiological effects of both nicotine and non-nicotine constituents in e-cigarette aerosols, underscoring the need for future studies and regulatory strategies that consider the abuse liability of flavors and solvents, such as PG/G, particularly among adolescents.

  PublisherDOI

• Correction: Enhanced production of dimethyl carbonate from the alternating polarity electrolysis of methanol and carbon dioxide

  Green Chemistry · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Correction for ‘Enhanced production of dimethyl carbonate from the alternating polarity electrolysis of methanol and carbon dioxide’ by Momoko Ishii et al. , Green Chem. , 2025, 27 , 14513–14521, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5GC02358K.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Global Impact of 60 years of <i>ES</i> <i>&amp;T</i>

  Environmental Science & Technology · 2026-01-08 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  For 60 years, the Environmental Science & Technology research community has helped to define the fields of environmental science and engineering. The research topics have evolved over time to respond to the most pressing societal needs, from treatment technologies and pollution control strategies to address severe environmental pollution, to pollution prevention and industrial ecology to help mitigate emissions, and to defining planetary boundaries for sustainability. Since ES&T launched in 1967, it has helped to create a robust global network of researchers, with researchers from 144 countries now contributing to address critical global environmental and human health challenges. Throughout its six decades, ES&T research has remained highly relevant to understanding, addressing, and advancing solutions to both current and emerging challenges and for developing science-based policies to protect the environment and human health. We are optimistic that the ES&T research community will continue to serve to help shape research and action toward a healthier, resilient, and sustainable planet for all of us in the next 60 years.

  PublisherDOI

• Are There Synergies in Water Consumption and Greenhouse Emissions Reductions in the Green Electricity Transition between Now and 2050?

  Environmental Science & Technology · 2026-04-02

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  Carbon emissions and water consumption are inextricably linked through energy systems, yet the water implications of electricity defossilization remain under-investigated despite their importance for economic and energy security, particularly in water-scarce regions. A considered energy transition can foster reduction synergies in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water consumption. This study quantifies life-cycle GHG and water intensities of national and subnational electricity mixes in the United States, China, and the European Union+ for current operations and systematically projected scenarios through 2050. A novel global-warming-potential-to-water-consumption ratio was introduced to elucidate their relationship and identify synergistic trends. Results show that ongoing electricity defossilization generally lowers both GHG and water intensities, but the magnitude and timing of benefits vary across regions: China's coal-heavy profile sustains higher burdens, while the US sees most gains accrue by 2030 under its current trajectory; however, recent US policy shifts have weakened defossilization incentives, risking elevated regional water stress. Policy, economic, and technological uncertainties in US electricity mixes were further captured by a rigorous Monte Carlo simulation, generating plausible technology-share ranges across regional grids at three-year intervals. By decomposing the drivers of GHG and water intensities, this work offers actionable, region-specific insights to inform low-carbon, water-efficient electricity planning amid global climate and water-security challenges.

  PublisherDOI

• Water addition to e-liquids to reduce flavour aldehyde acetal formation: chemistry and user sensory experience and appeal

  Tobacco Control · 2026-05-20

  article

  BACKGROUND: Aldehydes are common e-liquid flavourants that undergo chemical reactions with the e-liquid solvents propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (G) to form acetals. Some flavour aldehyde PG acetals are respiratory irritants and may have negative user effects. Water-a byproduct of acetal formation-can shift the chemical equilibrium back towards the flavour aldehydes. This study combined chemical and human experiments to assess effects of water addition on acetal formation in laboratory-made e-liquids, commercial products and user experience. METHODS: Acetal content was monitored in laboratory-made e-liquids containing PG and one flavour aldehyde (benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, ethylvanillin and vanillin) and commercial e-liquids based on PG/G with corresponding flavours (Cherry, Cinnamon, Vanilla and Grape as non-aldehyde-containing control) containing 0%-20% water over 28 days. E-cigarette users (n=30, 35.3 years (10.4), 51.7% female) assessed sensory and appeal outcomes of the diluted commercial e-liquids (no-added-water, 5%, 10% and 20%). Mixed-effects models assessed main effects of water, flavour and interactions. RESULTS: Water addition reduced PG-acetal buildup in laboratory-made e-liquids 1.3-38-fold depending on water content (more water was more effective) and flavour aldehyde (vanillin>ethylvanillin>cinnamaldehyde>benzaldehyde). Water addition to commercial e-liquids reversed combined PG/G-acetal content up to 26-fold. Among e-cigarette users, 20% water content (but not 5% and 10%) significantly lowered liking and reward (vs no-added-water). Water addition did not impact sensory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Water appears to have a limited effect on appeal at ≤10%, while reducing flavour aldehyde acetal formation. Therefore, water addition to e-liquids may be an elegant regulatory approach to reduce exposure to potentially harmful flavour aldehyde acetals in e-cigarettes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05257109.

  PublisherDOI

• Solutions-Oriented Science: Combating Fatalism Regarding Climate Change and Health.

  PubMed · 2026-06-01

  editorialOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• 60 Years of <i>ES&amp;T</i> Bridging the Path between Climate and Global Change

  Environmental Science & Technology · 2026-02-03

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• <i>ES&amp;T</i> at 60: Science, Community, and the Facets of Impact

  Environmental Science & Technology · 2026-01-13

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Using Machine Learning for Green Substitution of Industrial Chemicals: Integrating Functionality, Hazard, and Life Cycle Impact

  Chemical Reviews · 2026-01-02 · 4 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  Industrial chemicals are characterized by their substantial production volumes, widespread applications, fugitive release into the environment, and the general lack of full awareness regarding their risks, carrying global unintended adverse effects on human and ecological health. In the ongoing pursuit of more sustainable and less hazardous industrial chemicals, a tremendous body of research has been developed. However, reliance on empirical molecular design based solely on human knowledge and expertise may not be adequate for avoiding regrettable substitution. Recent advances in generative machine learning (ML) technologies, and their applications in ML-assisted molecular design, possess immense promise to bring innovative solutions for green substitution of hazardous industrial chemicals. This review outlines the methodologies of ML-assisted molecular design and proposes design strategies for green alternative chemicals that possess both necessary functionalities and low environmental hazards throughout their life cycles. Additionally, case examples are provided to illustrate the methodologies and highlight areas that warrant further research, including the development of AI agents for both chemical risk management and green substitution. Applications of the methodologies can yield a sustainable and responsible way that both promotes the benefits of industrial chemicals and simultaneously minimizes their adverse impacts on humans and the environment.

  PublisherDOI

• Absence of Sensory Cooling Activity and Cooling Agents from California’s New “Non-Menthol” Cigarettes Marketed in 2025

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-11-19

  preprintOpen access

  Background: Since late 2022, the sale of most flavoured tobacco products has been prohibited in California, including menthol cigarettes. Tobacco companies responded by introducing "non-menthol" cigarettes in which menthol was replaced with WS-3, an odorless synthetic cooling agent to elicit cooling sensations similar to menthol. Legislation enacted in 2024 banned the addition of cooling characterizing flavours in tobacco products in California. However, the industry continues to market "non-menthol" cigarettes in the state, with very similar package designs. It is unknown whether these cigarettes contain a cooling agent. Methods: microfluorimetry of HEK293T cells expressing the human TRPM8 cold/menthol receptor. Chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GCMS). "Non-menthol" and menthol cigarettes marketed in 2023-24 served as controls. Results: Extracts from Newport-branded "non-menthol" cigarettes marketed in California in 2025 did not elicit sensory cooling activity. Chemical analysis confirmed the absence of menthol and any of the major commercial synthetic cooling agents. Conclusions: The tobacco industry removed sensory cooling agents from "non-menthol" cigarettes marketed in California. However, this did not result in the market withdrawal of "non-menthol" cigarettes in the state. "Non-menthol" cigarettes in California continue to be marketed with package designs resembling those of former menthol cigarettes, signaling the potential presence of a characterising flavour.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Design of Safer Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: The Impact of Surface Modifications on Toxicity and Environmental Fate and Transport

  NSF · $330k · 2009–2013

• Collaborative Res: Civil & Environmental Engineering Education(CEEE)Transformational Change: Tools & Strategies for Sustainability Integration & Assessment in Engineering Education

  NSF · $147k · 2007–2012

• BE MUSES: Collaborative Research: Modeling and Analyzing the Use, Efficiency, Value and Governance of Water as a Material in the Great Lakes Region Through an Integrated Approach

  NSF · $726k · 2007–2014

• Targeted Design of Biomaterials for Water Treatment: Arsenic Removal and Recovery

  NSF · $324k · 2009–2013

• Collaborative Research: SusChem: Enabling the Biorefinery: Isolation, Fractionation, and Transformation of Bio-based Feedstocks into Fuels and Chemical Products

  NSF · $201k · 2014–2018

Frequent coauthors

• Bryan W. Brooks

  Baylor University

  125 shared

• Paul T. Anastas

  Yale University

  105 shared

• David T. Allen

  Center for Environmental Health

  94 shared

• Scott J. Miller

  NextFlex

  94 shared

• Paul J. Chirik

  94 shared

• Phillip E. Savage

  Pennsylvania State University

  94 shared

• Deqing Zhang

  Anhui Sanlian University

  94 shared

• Kai Rossen

  94 shared

Awards & honors

• Elected Member, National Academy of Engineering, 2025
• Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, United Kingdom, 2015
• Elected Member, Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineeri…
• Walter J. Weber Distinguished Lecturer, School of Engineerin…
• Finalist, Connecticut Women of Innovation, Research Category…