Who We Are

The Center for Hazardous Substance Research (CHSR) was established in 1989 and is part of the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at Kansas State University. For more than three decades, CHSR has served as a trusted partner to communities, Tribal Nations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry, providing expertise at the intersection of environmental science, community engagement, and sustainable development.

CHSR has participated in more than $89 million in research, technology transfer, and community engagement funding and has contributed to more than 600 professional publications and 150 graduate theses and dissertations. The Center has led and supported nationally recognized programs, including EPA Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB), the National Tribal TAB Program, Technical Outreach to Superfund Communities (TOSC), Technical Outreach Services to Native American Communities (TOSNAC), Shared Air/Shared Action, and the AGU Thriving Earth Exchange Indigenous Land Revitalization Hub.

Our work is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to helping society address environmental challenges while creating opportunities for healthier, more resilient futures.

What We Do

At the Center for Hazardous Substance Research (CHSR), we address complex challenges through collaborative problem-solving and innovative environmental, social, and economic solutions. We bring together research, technical expertise, education, outreach, and applied innovation to advance environmental stewardship, strengthen society, and support thriving communities.

CHSR connects university expertise with the knowledge, experience, and priorities of the people and organizations we work with. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we translate research into practical solutions, build capacity, and help partners navigate evolving environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Our work includes:

• • Environmental Research and Innovation – Advancing research and practical solutions related to environmental contamination, remediation, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and resilience.
  • Technical Assistance and Applied Problem-Solving – Providing expertise, tools, and guidance to Tribal Nations, governments, organizations, and other partners addressing complex environmental and development challenges.
  • Tribal Engagement and Partnership – Working alongside Tribal Nations to support environmental programs, land stewardship, resource management, and locally driven priorities through respectful, culturally responsive collaboration.
  • Education, Training, and Capacity Building – Sharing knowledge and building skills through training, technical assistance, outreach, and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  • Technology Transfer and Knowledge in Practice – Moving research and innovation beyond the laboratory by translating knowledge into accessible tools, resources, technologies, and approaches that can be applied in real-world settings.
  • Sustainable Development and Economic Vitality – Advancing approaches that connect environmental stewardship with social investment and economic opportunity, helping transform challenges into opportunities for long-term prosperity.

At CHSR, we believe lasting solutions emerge when people, planet, and prosperity are considered together. By integrating these priorities, we help advance solutions that are scientifically sound, socially responsive, economically meaningful, and adaptable to changing needs.