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Amir HakamiView profile

Professor

• Air Quality Modeling
• Sensitivity Analysis
• Inverse Modeling
• +4 more

Dr. Amir Hakami is a Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Carleton University , where he leads the Carleton Atmospheric Modelling Group . His research focuses on advanced air quality modeling techniques to inform environmental policy. Degrees: B.Sc. (Polytechnic of Tehran), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Georgia Tech), Postdoc (Caltech) Contact: Office 3454 Mackenzie Building, Phone: 613-520-2600 ext. 8609, Email: amir.hakami@carleton.ca Research Interests: Air quality modeling at multiple spatial scales Adjoint sensitivity analysis for atmospheric response Inverse modeling and data assimilation techniques Uncertainty quantification in environmental systems Interdisciplinary applications in policy, public health, and economics Teaching: Courses include Environmental Engineering Systems Modeling , Contaminant Transport , and Air Pollution & Emissions Control at undergraduate and graduate levels. Research Group: The group includes Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni working on topics ranging from atmospheric chemistry to sustainable energy systems. Members come from diverse backgrounds in engineering, science, and policy disciplines.

• Environmental Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Bioremediation
• +3 more

Andy Ball is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Science at RMIT University, specializing in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. He leads the ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource and has held key roles at institutions including the University of Essex and Flinders University. His research focuses on bioremediation, organic waste treatment, and environmental pollution solutions, with over 300 peer-reviewed publications and significant industry collaboration. Andy's academic career spans 30 years, with roles such as Director of the Centre for Environment and Society at Essex and Director of Flinders Bioremediation. He has attracted >$22M in research grants, particularly in applied environmental microbiology. His awards include the Royal Society of Victoria Medal (2021) and RMIT Research Excellence Award (2018). Research interests emphasize sustainable remediation of contaminated environments, leveraging microbial ecology and biotechnology. His teaching spans environmental science and biotechnology programs at RMIT. Andy advises on projects addressing bioremediation, bioenergy, and pathogen survival, with active collaborations with industries like Shell and Melbourne Water.

Jenny Kao-KniffinView profile

Professor

• Weed science
• Urban ecology
• Rhizosphere biology
• +4 more

Jenny Kao-Kniffin is a Professor in the Horticulture Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University. Her research focuses on the belowground ecology of horticultural landscapes, particularly the ecology and management of invasive plants and weeds in horticultural landscapes, wetlands, and urban ecosystems. She applies concepts from microbial ecology to understand how soil microorganisms impact plant populations both beneficially (aiding in plant growth and fitness) and negatively (keeping populations in check). Dr. Kao-Kniffin's research interests include: Weed science and ecological management of weeds Urban ecology and urban agriculture Rhizosphere biology and plant-microbe interactions Soil microbiome selection and manipulation Ecological approaches to sustainable agriculture Her work centers on three main research areas: selection of rhizosphere microbiomes that modulate plant traits, identifying functional roles of microbiomes that mediate plant growth, and assembly of plant-microbial communities that enhance ecosystem services. She has demonstrated that microbiomes can be manipulated to alter flowering time in plants and has developed ecological approaches for weed management through soil carbon amendments. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on urban soil microbiomes, nitrogen cycling in agroecosystems, and the application of microbial ecology to sustainable agriculture. The research spans from fundamental plant-microbe interaction studies to practical applications in urban agriculture and weed management, with particular emphasis on how soil amendments and microbial communities can be leveraged for ecological management of plant systems. Notable scientific achievements include: The White House Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2019 Weihenstephan Science Award, International Collaboration for Early Career Scientists 2017 Cornell University CALS Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Students in Independent Research 2013 Dr. Kao-Kniffin actively mentors graduate students and has developed extension programs focused on assisting public and private audiences with methods to manage weedy and invasive plants in horticultural landscapes. Her lab has developed a web-based software program that allows users to select weed management methods based on conventional or organic preferences. She teaches PLSCI 4900: Reflection on Plant Sciences Experiential Learning and maintains an active research program with several ongoing projects in urban agriculture, particularly working with New York City farmers to construct clean soil from local materials.

• Environmental Management
• Clean Technologies
• Biorefinery
• +5 more

Olli Dahl is a Professor at Aalto University's Department of Forest Products Technology, specializing in Clean Technologies and Environmental Management. His work focuses on waste valorization, biorefinery processes, and sustainable resource utilization. Key areas include microplastic dynamics in composting systems, biochar applications for heavy metal decontamination, and optimization of mineral processing with recycled water. Research highlights include an international award for biorefinery innovation and groundbreaking studies on nickel recovery in flotation processes. He leads interdisciplinary projects addressing water quality impacts on ore processing and thermochemical conversion of agricultural residues into bioenergy. Dahl's recent work emphasizes closing material loops through circular bioeconomy strategies and advancing sustainable industrial practices. Awards: 2015 International Biorefinery Competition 2nd Place (Ministry of Employment & Economy, Finland) Key Themes: Waste-to-resource systems, industrial water management, bio-based materials, and metallurgical sustainability

Nick PaulView profile

Professor

• Marine Science
• Seaweed Aquaculture
• Functional Foods
• +5 more

Professor Nick Paul is a marine scientist at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), leading applied research in seaweed and algae for sustainable product development. He holds a PhD and BSc (Hons) from UNSW and a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne. His work focuses on seaweed aquaculture innovations, including waste-to-resource biotechnology, functional foods, and environmental remediation. He leads international projects funded by organizations like ACIAR, CSIRO, and Advance Queensland. Research interests include seaweed-based solutions for livestock health, wastewater treatment, and sustainable aquaculture expansion near the Great Barrier Reef. He has pioneered commercial land-based seaweed farming and developed intellectual property in this field. Awards include the 2015 UNAA World Environment Day Award for Sustainable Water Management and the 2015 Queensland Water Innovation Forum Best Paper. He serves on the Asian Fisheries Society Council and Fiji’s National Seaweed Taskforce. Key publications span seaweed cultivation methods, marine genomics, and socio-economic impacts of aquaculture in the Pacific. Grants total over A$3.7 million for projects like diversifying Pacific Island seaweed industries and improving Indonesian seaweed production.

Gregory Michael PeckView profile

Associate Professor

• Tree fruit production
• Hard cider research
• Organic agriculture
• +7 more

Gregory Michael Peck is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Plant Sciences Major at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section. His research focuses on sustainable tree-fruit production, particularly in organic apple systems , cider apple germplasm evaluation , and crop-load management through pollen tube growth modeling . Award-winning educator (2021 Cornell Teaching, Advising & Mentoring Award) 2018 Grower Advocate of the Year (American Cider Association) Active in outreach through field days, extension publications, and social media Peck's work spans tree-fruit physiology , soil health , and mechanization of orchard practices . He co-teaches Cornell's popular cider appreciation course with microbiologist Kathy Arnink, combining apple production science with fermentation expertise. His research explores phenolic development , nitrogen management , and yeast interactions in cider production systems. Recent publications highlight collaborations in rootstock effects , compost applications , and fermentation chemistry . Peck's career has included work in California, Washington, New York, and Virginia, with training spanning horticulture, plant physiology, soil science, and agricultural economics.

Norman Q. AranconView profile

Professor

• Vermicomposting
• Composting
• Soil Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Norman Q. Arancon is an Associate Professor of Horticulture and Director in the College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. He holds a B.S. from Xavier University (Philippines), and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from The Ohio State University. His research focuses on vermicomposting, composting, soil ecology, and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in tropical environments. Dr. Arancon has contributed extensively to understanding the role of vermicomposts in pest suppression, soil health, and crop productivity. His work emphasizes organic agriculture and tropical fruit crop production, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in field settings. Key areas of investigation include the biological control of nematodes, mites, and other pests using vermicompost-derived products, as well as the optimization of waste-to-resource systems for sustainable farming. Dr. Arancon’s academic contributions span peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, reflecting his expertise in integrating ecological principles with agricultural practices. He teaches courses such as Hydroponics and Vegetables (HORT 263), Plant Growth/Development (PPHY 310), and Orchard & Horticultural Crops (HORT 352). His research has been published in journals like Crop Protection , Biocycle , and European Journal of Soil Biology . Dr. Arancon collaborates on initiatives like the Global Agriculture Multidisciplinary International Conference (GAMIC) and contributes to programs within CAFNRM, emphasizing conservation biology and environmental science. His work bridges laboratory research and field applications, fostering sustainable agricultural solutions for tropical regions.

Rene Van AckerView profile

Professor

• Agricultural Sustainability
• Plant Science
• Agroecology
• +8 more

Rene Van Acker is a Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the Ontario Agricultural College (University of Guelph). Currently serving as Interim President of the University of Guelph, he previously held the Dean and Associate Dean External positions at OAC, and chaired the Department of Plant Agriculture. With a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from University of Guelph and a PhD from University of Reading , his leadership has transformed OAC through strategic initiatives like Our Shared Priorities and OAC Space Visioning Plan . Co-founded Arrell Food Institute and Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming Established over 20 externally funded chairs and raised $90M+ for OAC Led creation of B.Sc. in Indigenous Environmental Science and other innovative programs His research focuses on agroecology , organic farming systems , weed science , and temperate forest garden systems . Recent publications examine herbicide effects on crops, microbial community dynamics in agroforestry, and novel crop establishment methods. Key projects include evaluating compost applications and woodchip mulching impacts on apple orchard productivity and soil microbial abundance . As an active faculty member, he supervises graduate students , co-teaches OAC capstone courses , and serves on university committees including Budget Committee and Micro-credentials Committee . Externally, he contributes to Rural Ontario Institute and leads the Deans Council (Agriculture, Food & Veterinary Medicine).

• Environmental Chemistry
• Soil Chemistry
• Green Rusts
• +5 more

Hans Christian Bruun Hansen is a Professor in Environmental Chemistry at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on solid-solution processes governing pollutant fate in soils and sediments with applications in soil and water remediation. His primary research areas include: Engineering and reactivity of iron(II)iron(III) hydroxides ("green rusts") Phosphate bonding in anoxic soils Fate of natural toxins like ptaquiloside and glucosinolates Hansen pioneered critical discoveries in environmental chemistry, including demonstrating green rusts' reducing capacity for nitrate-to-ammonium conversion and dehalogenation of chlorinated compounds. His recent work shows green rusts can form 1 nm thick iron oxide sheets for catalytic applications. His research on natural toxins documented carcinogenic ptaquiloside in soil and elucidated degradation kinetics. Hansen has secured over 35 million DKK in research funding through projects like SupremeTech (phosphorus remediation) and Iron-X (solvent degradation). He teaches environmental chemistry from BSc to PhD levels and has supervised 69 MSc and 25 PhD theses. As Head of the Section for Environmental Chemistry and Physics (40 researchers), he leads initiatives like the EnvEuro MSc program and Sino-Danish Water Research Center. His laboratory focuses on nanoscale remediation materials and natural toxin analysis.

Aziz AmoozegarView profile

Professor

• Environmental Soil Physics
• Water Pollution
• Phosphorus Fate and Transport
• +3 more

Aziz Amoozegar is a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at NC State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research focuses on environmental soil physics, specifically investigating water and pollutant movement through soils, phosphorus dynamics, and soil characterization for agricultural and engineering applications. Research programs include evaluating soil-water interactions in contaminated environments, assessing fertilizer-enhanced phosphorus transport, and developing soil analysis techniques. Key areas of study involve pollutant migration through saprolite, cadmium release kinetics in amended soils, and hydraulic functioning of compacted soils. His work bridges environmental science, agricultural engineering, and soil chemistry. Recent publications cover topics such as phosphate mobility under unsaturated conditions, cadmium release in contaminated soils, and bioenergy grass residue effects on evaporation. He has contributed to methodological advancements in soil testing and remediation strategies for heavy metals like lead. Dr. Amoozegar's research emphasizes practical applications for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. No specific awards or grants are listed in the provided information, but his involvement in USDA and EPA-related programs suggests active collaborative research efforts.

• Political Ecology
• Environmental Justice
• Sustainable Enterprise
• +4 more

Sharon Moran is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). She holds affiliations with Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, including roles as Research Associate Professor in Religion, Affiliated Faculty in Geography, and Co-director of the Certificate of Advanced Study in Sustainable Enterprise (CASSE). Her research focuses on political ecology, sustainable technologies, water policy, and post-communist environmental issues. She earned a Ph.D. in Geography from Clark University (2000), an M.S. in Political Science/Public Policy from MIT, and a B.A. in Chemistry from Boston University. Research emphasizes community engagement with environmental challenges, such as citizen science projects on lake contaminants, urban waterway restoration, and global sanitation equity. Notable collaborations include work on hurricane risk communication and dam removal impacts in Poland. Moran teaches courses in environmental justice, policy, and sustainable enterprise. She advises graduate students in ESF’s Environmental Studies and GPES programs, focusing on topics like circular economies, international environmental policies, and decolonial sanitation practices. Professional memberships include the Association of American Geographers, Society for the Social Study of Science, and International Society for Religion, Nature, and Culture. Her work bridges environmental science with humanities, advocating for interdisciplinary solutions to global sustainability challenges.

Michael W.I. SchmidtView profile

Professor

• Soil Biogeochemistry
• Soil Carbon Cycling
• Climate Change Impacts on Soils
• +7 more

Michael W.I. Schmidt is a Full Professor of Physical Geography in the Department of Geography at the University of Zurich (UZH) . He has been a faculty member since 2002, advancing from Assistant to Full Professor in 2014. His research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, particularly soil carbon cycling under climate change, microbial carbon use efficiency, and the stability of pyrogenic organic matter. Research Interests: His work investigates how deep soils respond to warming, the role of microbes in carbon sequestration, and the long-term fate of biochar in soils. He leads the Swiss National Science Foundation project Deep C: Deep soil carbon cycling in a warming world (2017–2023) and collaborates with international institutions including the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, and Cornell University. Publication Trends: His recent articles (2019–2025) reflect a strong focus on climate change impacts on soil carbon, with frequent publications in high-impact journals such as Nature , Nature Geoscience , and Global Change Biology . Key themes include microbial carbon use efficiency, deep soil warming, peatland carbon dynamics, and the stabilization of organic matter. His work increasingly integrates field experiments, molecular analysis, and global synthesis. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Mercator Fellow, German Research Foundation (DFG), 2021 Teacher of the Hour 2020 (student election) Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, he leads major funded research projects and has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s theses. He has served as Program Director for five Bachelor and Master programs at UZH (2018–2020), indicating strong academic leadership. His research is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and international collaborations. Labs and Teams: He is affiliated with the Department of Geography at UZH and participates in international networks such as the National Hub of the European Joint Program Soil and the Deep Soil Warming Experiment Network. His work involves interdisciplinary teams focusing on soil biogeochemistry, climate change, and sustainable land use.

• Mechanical Engineering
• Tribology
• Systems Engineering
• +3 more

Hannes Hick is a Professor at Graz University of Technology , affiliated with the Institute of Machine Elements and Development Methodology . His research focuses on mechanical development, tribology, and systems engineering for automotive and industrial applications. He actively contributes to engineering education and methodology standardization. Research Interests Hydrogen internal combustion engines System modeling and digital twins Tribology in electric drivetrains Sustainable engineering practices MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) Friction and wear analysis Article Trends His recent work emphasizes hydrogen propulsion systems, model-based approaches for interdisciplinary engineering challenges, tribological optimization for sustainable mobility, and integrating AI with mechanical design workflows. Labs and Teams He leads research at the Institute of Machine Elements, focusing on mechanical validation and development methodologies for advanced powertrain systems.

Neel S. JoshiView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioconjugation Chemistry
• Biomaterials
• Microbial Engineering
• +5 more

Neel S. Joshi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University's College of Science. His research focuses on engineered living materials, microbial engineering, and synthetic biology, with applications in gut therapeutics, bioremediation, and bioplastics. He leads the Joshi Lab, which develops materials from genetically programmed microbial cells, emphasizing self-healing, environmental responsiveness, and scalability. Education and affiliations include Northeastern University's Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems, where he collaborates on imaging tools for disease diagnostics. Notable projects include compostable plastics and probiotic-based therapies for childhood diarrhea. Joshi has been recognized as a TIER1 Awardee for innovative research. His work bridges biomaterials science and synthetic biology, with media coverage highlighting breakthroughs like living materials for space habitats and biodegradable plastics. Awards and grants are not explicitly listed, but his lab's funding supports interdisciplinary projects. He advises students through Northeastern's graduate programs and collaborates with industry and academic partners. The lab also explores applications in wearable X-ray shielding and light-driven chemical production in yeast biohybrids.

Eric RoyView profile

Associate Professor

• Nutrient Biogeochemistry
• Circular Bioeconomy
• Ecological Engineering
• +3 more

Eric Roy is an Associate Professor at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, and Director of the Casella Center for Circular Economy and Sustainability. He is also a Fellow at the Gund Institute for Environment. His research focuses on nutrient cycling, biogeochemistry, and ecological engineering to design sustainable systems for nutrient management in food, waste, and water systems. Education: Ph.D. in Oceanography & Coastal Sciences from Louisiana State University (2013), M.S. in Food, Agricultural & Biological Engineering from Ohio State University (2008), and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University (2006). Research interests include nutrient stewardship, circular bioeconomy, and nature-based solutions. His work integrates lab and field studies with modeling to explore nutrient dynamics in engineered, urban, and agricultural ecosystems. Key themes include improving nutrient use efficiency in food systems, resource recovery, and green infrastructure design. Teaching emphasizes ecological design in water quality, waste management, and food systems. His recent publications highlight advancements in phosphorus retention modeling, floodplain function analysis, and composting system optimization. He leads the Nutrient Cycling and Ecological Design Lab, advancing interdisciplinary solutions for environmental sustainability.