Elizabeth A. Edwards

Elizabeth A. Edwards is a University Professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, with cross-appointments to the Department of Cell & Systems Biology. As Director of BioZone and Canada Research Chair in Anaerobic Biotechnology, she leads groundbreaking research in microbial bioremediation of groundwater pollutants and industrial wastewater treatment through anaerobic digestion.

• Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (Stanford, 1993)
• M.Eng. and B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering (McGill, 1985/1983)
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)

Her research focuses on anaerobic microbial communities that degrade pollutants like chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons. Using advanced molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and biochemical pathway analysis, her lab investigates functional interactions in microbial consortia and translates discoveries to commercial applications such as the KB-1® bioproduct. Recent studies examine enzyme activity, lignocellulose degradation, and granulation dynamics in anaerobic reactors.

Scientific Recognition:

• 2020 Killam Prize in Engineering
• 2016 Canada Research Chair (Tier 1)
• 2014 Royal Society of Canada Fellow
• 2011 Canadian Academy of Engineering Fellow
• 2011 AAAS Fellow
• 2008-2010 Killam Research Fellowship

She supervises extensive graduate student projects spanning enzyme discovery, bioremediation optimization, and microbial consortium analysis. Her lab collaborates with GeoSyntec Consultants and SiREM Labs for field implementation of bioremediation strategies.