Dr. John Pichtel's Vita Dr. John Pichtel teaches courses in solid and hazardous waste management, site remediation technologies, and environmental assessment. He advises the department’s Environmental Protection option. His research addresses the management of hazardous wastes and the remediation of sites contaminated with hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other hazardous materials. Dr. Pichtel also studies reclamation of mined lands and other severely disturbed environments.