Bio-decontamination Using Plasma Professors and Supervisors

Amarjeet BassiView profile

Professor

Western UniversityCanada

Dr. Amarjeet Bassi is a Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at Western University. He holds a Ph.D. and is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng). His research group has made significant contributions to environmental engineering, particularly in developing the world's first circulating fluidized bed ion exchange chromatography system. Dr. Bassi has established strong industry partnerships, including with Renix Inc. for commercializing his UIX technology and with Stanton Farms for phycoremediation research. Dr. Bassi's research interests focus on innovative environmental and bio-separation technologies. His work spans micro-algal applications for clean water and value recovery, integrated technologies for water refining and nutrient and energy recovery using biological systems, bio-separations, and biosensors. His research group pioneered the circulating fluidized bed ion exchange chromatography system (UIX), which is now being commercialized by Renix Inc. He has also developed significant expertise in phycoremediation, particularly for treating wastewater from dairy farms and greenhouse industries. Dr. Bassi's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on sustainable water treatment technologies, bioenergy production, and biodegradation of plastics. His recent work shows increasing attention to microplastic pollution, hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae for bio-crude oil production, and innovative approaches to wastewater treatment using microbial systems and phycoremediation. Distinguished Speaker Award from IChE (2007) Engineering Science Prize for Outstanding Teaching at Western University (2000) SPIE Optics East Best Paper Award (2006) Dr. Bassi has graduated over 45 highly qualified personnel (PhDs, M.E.Sc and PDFs/Research Associates) and supervised more than 50 undergraduate research students. His research has been supported by significant grants from Canada Foundation for Innovation, NSERC Strategic Project grants, OMAFRA New Directions, and other funding agencies. He has served in leadership roles including President of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (2014-2015) and as Associate Editor for the Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. Dr. Bassi leads an active research group focusing on innovative environmental technologies. His lab has developed the world's first circulating fluidized bed ion exchange chromatography system and has established successful industry partnerships, particularly with Renix Inc. for commercializing the UIX technology. His research group maintains strong collaborations with Stanton Farms for phycoremediation research and works with various industry partners on wastewater treatment and bioenergy projects.

Official University Profile

Christine CampagneView profile

Professor

National School of Arts and Textile IndustriesFrance

Christine Campagne is a full professor at ENSAIT since 2010, affiliated with the Multifunctional Textiles and Processes Group. Her research activities focus on advanced textile functionalization and polymer surface modification techniques, with significant contributions to sustainable textile technologies and smart materials development. Professor Campagne's research interests span multiple cutting-edge areas of textile science. Her primary focus involves physical surface treatments using atmospheric plasma technology for textile functionalization, chemical surface treatments to impart antibacterial, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic properties to textiles, and 3D printing applications for textile innovation. She also specializes in surface nanostructuration for self-cleaning textiles, physico-chemical characterization of polymer surfaces, and processing of polymer nanocomposites including conductive and antibacterial multifilaments. Her work extends to the characterization and study of climatic ageing of textile materials, ensuring durability in various environmental conditions. Analysis of Professor Campagne's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward sustainable and multifunctional textile development. Her work increasingly focuses on bio-based solutions (like milk casein for antimicrobial textiles), eco-friendly processing techniques (plasma treatments replacing chemical mordants), and multi-functional applications where single textile systems provide multiple benefits (UV protection, water detection, chemical hazard protection). The research demonstrates growing integration of nanotechnology with traditional textile processes and increasing emphasis on circular economy principles in textile development. Professor Campagne serves as Principal Investigator or co-PI on several significant research projects including Autonotex, MA(T)TISSE, Phototex, Autotherme, Duratex, and MONI2TEX. Her teaching portfolio encompasses advanced topics in polymer science including physico-chemical properties of polymers , polymer functionalization , ageing mechanisms of polymers , biopolymers , and surface characterization of textile materials , reflecting her comprehensive expertise across both fundamental and applied aspects of textile science.

Official University Profile

Michael WaringView profile

Professor

Drexel UniversityUnited States

Michael Waring serves as Professor and Department Head of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at Drexel University, where he has advanced building science research since joining in 2009. His work bridges environmental engineering and architectural design to create healthier indoor environments through innovative air quality solutions. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2009) M.S.E. in Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2006) B.S.E. in Architectural Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2005) B.A. in English (Special Honors) and Economics, University of Texas at Austin (2000) Waring's research centers on indoor air quality dynamics, focusing on aerosol formation, chemical transport, and sustainable building systems. He investigates how indoor environments affect human exposure to pollutants and pathogens, with particular emphasis on modeling particulate matter behavior and developing evidence-based ventilation strategies. His work demonstrates that optimizing building operations can simultaneously enhance occupant health, productivity, and energy efficiency—addressing critical societal challenges through engineering innovation. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: airborne pathogen control (including far-UVC disinfection and aerosol containment devices), indoor chemical processes (particularly secondary organic aerosol formation), and advanced modeling of particle dynamics. These efforts integrate environmental engineering, public health, and computational science to solve real-world problems in residential, educational, and healthcare settings. His scientific recognition includes: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2011) ASHRAE New Investigator Award (2012) ASHRAE Willis H. Carrier Award (2011) ASHRAE Transactions Paper Award (2011) University of Texas Harrington Dissertation Fellowship (2008-09) ASHRAE Graduate Student Grant-in-Aid (2008) National Science Foundation IGERT Trainee Fellowship (2006-08) As principal investigator of the NSF CAREER project on secondary organic aerosol formation, Waring directs substantial research funding while mentoring emerging scholars. His work informs building standards through collaborations with ASHRAE and government agencies, translating complex aerosol science into practical ventilation guidelines that balance energy use with occupant protection—especially critical during pandemic conditions. Current projects examine real-time indoor chemistry monitoring and advanced filtration systems for public transit. Waring leads Drexel's indoor environmental quality research through computational modeling and experimental facilities, contributing to national initiatives like the Modelling Consortium for Chemistry of Indoor Environments (MOCCIE). His team develops predictive tools that simulate indoor air chemistry from molecular to room scales, directly influencing building codes and public health policies worldwide.

Official University Profile

Igor TimoshkinView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of StrathclydeUnited Kingdom

Dr Igor Timoshkin is a Reader in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic leadership, with expertise in high voltage engineering, pulsed power technology, and non-thermal plasma applications. He supervises PhD students and leads multiple research projects funded by industry and government bodies. His educational background includes: MPhys in Physics, Moscow State University, Russia PhD and DIC (Diploma of Imperial College), Imperial College London, UK PgCert in Advanced Academic Studies, University of Strathclyde, UK Dr Timoshkin's research focuses on high voltage systems, pulsed power, and plasma applications in environmental and biomedical contexts. His work spans fundamental studies of dielectric breakdown in gases, liquids, and solids, as well as practical applications in air and water decontamination, insulation coordination, and sustainable dielectric materials. He is particularly interested in replacing SF6 with eco-friendly alternatives in high voltage systems and in developing transient plasma technologies for microbial decontamination. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining electrical engineering with environmental science, materials science, and bioengineering. Key themes include underwater and atmospheric plasma discharges, dielectric behavior of biodegradable fluids, and high voltage insulation in extreme conditions. These works emphasize energy characterization, breakdown mechanisms, and practical system design. His scientific recognition includes: Rolls-Royce Award to Inventors (2008) Multiple Strathclyde Teaching Excellence Award nominations (2013, 2016, 2019) Senior Member of IEEE Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy Member of IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society and Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society Dr Timoshkin actively supervises MSc and PhD students and has served as an external examiner and advisor for institutions including Cardiff University and Chile's ANID. He leads or co-leads multiple funded research projects, including those with MBDA UK, UK Space Agency, and BP. He also contributes to professional service as a Subject Editor for IET Nanodielectrics and editorial board member for MDPI Energies, and participates in international conference committees such as IEEE ICDL and Gas Discharges and Their Applications. He is a key member of the High Voltage Technology (HVT) Research Group at Strathclyde and collaborates extensively with academic and industrial partners worldwide, including institutions in China under articulation agreements.

Official University Profile