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Angela D. Kent is a Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she also serves as Director of the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology within the School of Integrative Biology. She is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on microbial communities in agroecosystems and natural environments, particularly their roles in nitrogen cycling, soil health, and sustainable bioenergy production. Key research interests include microbial interactions in plant-microbe systems, the impact of genetic variation in crops on microbial processes, and the ecological and biogeochemical implications of soil microbiomes. She has authored over 99 publications and supervised datasets on topics such as denitrification dynamics, rhizosphere microbiome assembly, and microbial contributions to nitrogen retention. Dr. Kent has received the NACTA Educator Award (2012) and has contributed to high-impact studies on topics like microbial community responses to environmental stressors and the application of stable isotopes in bioenergy research. Her work bridges microbial ecology, agronomy, and environmental science, emphasizing practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.

• Microbial Ecology
• Nitrogen Cycling
• Agroecosystems
• +3 more

Dr Santiago Romero-Vargas Castrillon is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, affiliated with the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment and the School of Engineering. He previously held positions at the University of Minnesota and Yale University. His research focuses on membrane technology, environmental nanomaterials, and biofouling mitigation. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (Princeton University), postdoctoral research at Yale, and degrees from McGill University and University of Western Ontario. Research interests include colloid science, membrane separations, and 2D nanomaterial applications. Key projects involve developing novel cleaning processes for water treatment membranes and studying bioadhesion mechanisms using AFM. Recent awards include RSE Young Academy membership and EPSRC funding. He actively supervises PhD students and collaborates with industry partners like Panton-McLeod.

• Membrane Technology
• Environmental Engineering
• Colloid and Interface Science
• +4 more

Du Changwen is a Researcher (Professor) at the Nanjing Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, serving as Deputy Director of the National Engineering Laboratory for Soil Nutrient Management. He supervises doctoral and master's students in soil science and agricultural technology development. His academic journey includes: Bachelor's degree from Huazhong Agricultural University's College of Resources and Environmental Science (1997) Master's degree from Huazhong Agricultural University's Trace Element Laboratory (2000) PhD from Nanjing Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (joint program with Technion - Israel Institute of Technology) (2003) Dr. Du's pioneering research focuses on precision fertilization technologies, particularly polymer-coated controlled-release fertilizers developed through model membrane and water-based reaction film-forming techniques. His work integrates Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR and PAS modes) with engineering mathematics to monitor nutrient release dynamics, soil chemistry processes, and plant nutrition in real-time. This interdisciplinary approach bridges agricultural chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering to optimize fertilizer efficiency while minimizing ecological impact. Analysis of his 2015-2017 publications reveals a consistent emphasis on spectroscopic methods for soil-plant system analysis, with dominant themes in controlled-release fertilizer development, soil organic matter characterization, and in-situ nutrient monitoring. His work demonstrates strong cross-disciplinary integration between agricultural technology, analytical chemistry, and environmental science. His scientific recognition includes: Special Award of the First China Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition First Prize of Jiangsu Science and Technology Award First Jiangsu Youth Entrepreneurship Award Second Prize of Chinese Academy of Sciences Science and Technology Contribution Award First Prize of China Agricultural Science and Technology Award Dr. Du has secured major research funding including National Natural Science Foundation projects (key, general, youth), National '973' Basic Research Program, '13th Five-Year' R&D Plan sub-projects, '863' High-tech Program sub-projects, and Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Support Plan initiatives. His leadership in the National Engineering Laboratory for Soil Nutrient Management drives innovation in fertilizer technology, with significant outputs including 198 academic papers (89 SCI, 35 EI), 6 monographs, 1 international patent, 8 national patents, and 2 software copyrights. His laboratory specializes in advanced spectral analysis of soil-plant systems, utilizing FTIR-ATR and FTIR-PAS technologies for real-time monitoring of nutrient dynamics and polymer membrane reactions. Current research focuses on next-generation controlled-release fertilizers, machine learning-enhanced spectral analysis, and precision nutrient management systems for sustainable agriculture.

• Plant Nutrition
• Soil Fertility
• Soil Spectroscopy
• +3 more

Jeppe Lund Nielsen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Denmark. His research lies at the intersection of microbial ecology, genomics, and environmental biotechnology, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, and environmental monitoring. His primary research interests include Microbial Ecology, Functional Ecology, Genomics, Molecular and Technical Microbiology, Anaerobic Digestion, Metagenomics, and eDNA Metabarcoding . He applies molecular tools to understand microbial community dynamics in engineered and natural systems, particularly in wastewater and marine environments. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, sustainable cities, and climate action. The recent publication trends reflect a strong emphasis on environmental applications of microbiome science, including nitrogen cycling in wastewater, bioaerosol exposure in workers, eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring, and valorization of waste streams through biotechnology. His articles frequently appear in high-impact environmental and microbiological journals and demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, ecology, and public health. Among his notable scientific contributions are leadership roles in significant research projects such as the AAU Bubble Project (Power2Proteins), JAMBO seabed impact study, and investigations into biotechnological pesticides. He has also contributed to public discourse through media engagement on topics like pesticide regulation and environmental innovation. Professor Nielsen has supervised PhD students, including M. Eskeldsen, and is actively involved in grants and collaborative research across Europe. He is a key member of research teams focused on environmental microbiology, wastewater biotechnology, and marine impact assessments. His lab integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental engineering to address pressing sustainability challenges.

• Microbial Ecology
• Functional Ecology
• Genomics
• +10 more

Dr. Laura L. Van Eerd is a Professor of Sustainable Soil Management at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, affiliated with the School of Environmental Sciences. Her research focuses on biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and carbon in agroecosystems, emphasizing cover crops, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. She holds a BSc (Env), MSc, and PhD from the University of Guelph. Her research addresses: (1) cover crop roles in soil health and productivity, (2) nitrogen use efficiency, and (3) mitigating environmental impacts of agricultural practices. Current projects include cover crop nitrogen losses, remote sensing for crop nitrogen deficiency, and pest control product environmental impacts. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including the 2018 Best Paper in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science. Education: BSc (Environmental Science), University of Guelph MSc, University of Guelph PhD, University of Guelph Her awards include recognition as one of Canada’s Influential Women in Agriculture (2020), the Dr. Ron Pitblado Teaching Excellence Award (2016), and the OAC Distinguished Extension Award (2011). Her work bridges research, teaching, and extension to support Ontario’s agricultural sector. Advising and grants: Laura leads research teams at Ridgetown Campus, focusing on vegetable production systems and sustainable soil management. Her grants include funding for cover crop nitrogen dynamics and soil health indicator studies. Labs/teams: Active in Ridgetown Campus’s agricultural research initiatives, collaborating with growers and government to develop practical solutions for soil health and environmental sustainability.

• Sustainable Soil Management
• Agriculture
• Cover Crops
• +3 more

Christopher Lawson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto, affiliated with the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. He serves as Principal Investigator of the Microbiome Engineering Lab and is part of BioZone – the Centre for Applied Bioscience and Bioengineering. His research focuses on engineering anaerobic microbiomes for resource recovery from waste streams using systems biology, synthetic biology, and machine learning approaches. B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc. (University of British Columbia) Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Madison) Postdoctoral Training (Berkeley Lab) Lawson's work addresses the challenge of controlling complex microbial interactions in engineered systems to enable scalable biotechnologies for renewable energy, chemicals, and materials. His lab develops high-throughput methods integrating automation and computational tools to optimize microbiome assembly and metabolic fluxes. Recent publications highlight advancements in metabolic modeling , isotope tracing , and systems-level analysis of anaerobic microbiomes, with applications in wastewater treatment , anammox granules , and bioenergy production . His research bridges fundamental microbiology with industrial-scale bioprocess engineering. Scientific Awards ISME/IWA BioCluster Rising Star Award (2022) Jacobs Engineering Group/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (2020) Wesley Eckenfelder Graduate Research Award (2019) WEF Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship (2018) NSERC Post-Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral (2014) Lawson actively mentors students and postdocs, emphasizing technical rigor, communication skills, and independence. His lab collaborates within BioZone and with industry partners to advance "team science" principles. Current projects focus on creating engineered microbiomes for commercial-scale waste valorization.

• Microbiome Engineering
• Systems Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Ryan Ziels is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science. His research focuses on sustainable biological wastewater treatment and resource recovery through advanced microbial biotechnologies, with affiliations to the BioProducts Institute and Clean Energy Research Centre. Education: PhD and MSE in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington BS in Environmental Resources Engineering, Humboldt State University Research Focus: Ziels pioneers microbial ecology studies in engineered waste treatment systems, employing multi-omics approaches to optimize anaerobic digestion for biomethane production and biological nutrient removal. His work targets recovery of water, nutrients, and bioenergy while enhancing human and environmental health through microbial community engineering. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal intensified focus on metaproteomics for syntrophic metabolism characterization, high-throughput sequencing for microbial community analysis, and wastewater-based epidemiology for pathogen surveillance. His research increasingly integrates ethical frameworks for public health applications while advancing fundamental understanding of microbial processes in anaerobic systems. Academic Engagement: Ziels teaches core courses including Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering (CIVL 204), Environmental Lab Analysis (CIVL 407), and Environmental Biotechnology (CIVL 569). He supervises graduate students in Civil Engineering and Genome Science and Technology programs through UBC's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, directing the EMBERr Lab for microbiome engineering research.

• Environmental Engineering
• Microbial Ecology
• Sustainable Wastewater Treatment
• +5 more

Andrew J. Schuler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of New Mexico, where he has been since 2007. His research focuses on microbial processes in wastewater treatment and bioremediation, with particular emphasis on modeling distributed bacterial states, biofilm dynamics, and integrating molecular methods with environmental engineering. He teaches courses in water/wastewater treatment (CE 335) and biological wastewater treatment (CE 536). Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Berkeley (1998) M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Berkeley (1993) B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder (1987) Dr. Schuler's research addresses critical challenges in biological wastewater treatment , including: Microbial storage products and density effects on solids separation Agent-based modeling of bacterial state distributions Integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) systems Photolytic and microbial degradation of Superfund chemicals His recent publications explore biofilm surface chemistry , algae-based wastewater treatment , and computational modeling of microbial communities . Notable funded projects include NSF CAREER grants, NIEHS Superfund subprojects, and North Carolina Biotechnology Center collaborations. National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2004) Paul L. Busch Award (2008) AEESP/CH2M HILL Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (1999) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellowship (1999) Dr. Schuler leads the Schuler Laboratory , which investigates microbial dynamics in wastewater treatment systems, develops the DisSimulator agent-based modeling tool, and provides practical solutions for activated sludge settling problems through density analysis. Current funding supports advanced research in biofilm optimization and sustainable water reuse technologies.

• Environmental Engineering
• Microbial Ecology
• Biological Wastewater Treatment
• +4 more

David Latulippe is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University. He joined McMaster in 2012 after postdoctoral work at Cornell University and a PhD at Penn State University, focusing on membrane filtration for DNA purification. His industrial experience includes roles at ZENON Environmental (now GE Water) in hollow-fiber membrane design for water treatment. Research interests include Membrane science and technology Bioprocessing of therapeutic viruses Microscale systems for biological applications Environmental engineering solutions for water treatment Current projects involve collaborations with industry partners like Ceapro and Aevitas, and the development of a biomanufacturing automation lab with Sartorius. Recent publications highlight advancements in Nanofiltration and microfiltration for viral vectors Conductive membranes for electrochemical applications Microfluidic systems for DNA analysis Environmental monitoring of biocides and microplastics Scientific recognition includes the Young Membrane Scientist Award (2014). Teaching activities focus on Fluid Mechanics (CHEMENG 2O04) and Industrial Separation Processes (CHEMENG 4M03).

• Membrane Science
• Bioprocessing
• DNA Purification
• +4 more

Shengjie Li is a Researcher in the Department of Biogeochemistry at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPI-Bremen), Germany. Their postdoctoral research focuses on microbial ecology and biogeochemical processes in marine oxygen minimum zones, particularly linking particle properties, microbial communities, and nitrogen-loss dynamics. Li holds a PhD from Peking University (2017-2022) and conducted a guest PhD at the University of Calgary (2020-2021). Research interests include microbial responses to environmental change, nitrogen cycling in aquatic systems, and the interplay between organic carbon, sulfur, and iron in driving nitrate reduction. Key projects explore isotopic signatures of N₂O production, methane dynamics in groundwater, and the role of biochar in stress resistance. Publications highlight contributions to understanding N₂O emissions, cold seep nitrogen-loss mechanisms, and microbial adaptations in fluctuating environments. Ongoing work bridges microbial community analysis with biogeochemical modeling to address global climate impacts.

• Marine Biogeochemistry
• Microbial Ecology
• Nitrogen Cycling
• +3 more

Liu Ye is a Professor at The University of Queensland (UQ) within the School of Chemical Engineering. She leads the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) research program at UQ Urban Water Engineering and has secured over AU$10M in competitive research funding. Her work focuses on achieving net-zero emissions through innovations in urban wastewater systems, with collaborations spanning 15+ water utilities, governments, and technology firms like Suez and Veolia. Research Areas: Greenhouse gas mitigation, sludge minimization, biogas production, advanced biological nutrient removal, online process control, and resource recovery from wastes. Key Awards: Research Innovation Award (Australia Water Association), UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award, EAIT Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Teaching: Courses include CHEE2020 (Process Equipment and Control), CHEE2501 (Environmental Systems Engineering I), CHEE4012 (Industrial Wastewater Management), and thesis supervision. Leadership: Associate Editor for Environmental Science: Water Research and Technology , member of IWA Strategic Council, and contributor to industry peak bodies like WSAA and WaterRA. Recent Articles: Her 2025 publications highlight strategies for balancing energy recovery with GHG emissions, systematic frameworks for N2O quantification, and advancements in phosphorus removal. Earlier works (2024–2022) explore electrochemical iron applications, ferric salt enhancements, and hybrid modeling techniques combining mechanistic and deep learning approaches. Scientific Impact: Her research has driven a 35% reduction in N2O emissions at an Adelaide treatment plant, saving $50M annually, and pioneered free nitrous acid (FNA) technology for biofilm control and sludge reduction.

• Sustainable Environmental Engineering
• Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
• Biological Wastewater Treatment
• +5 more

Dr. Carmen Falagan is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Microbiology at the University of Portsmouth , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Health and the School of the Environment and Life Sciences . Her work bridges microbial ecology, geomicrobiology, and applied environmental biotechnology. Research Interests: Dr. Falagan investigates how microbial communities thrive in extreme environments such as acidic pit lakes and mine drainage sites. Key areas include: Bioleaching and biomining for metal recovery Bioremediation of mining waste Microbial responses to climate change Discovery of novel acidophilic microorganisms Geochemical impacts of microbial activity Recent Research Trends: Her 2024-2022 publications focus on optimizing bioleaching processes, characterizing microbial roles in lithium extraction, and studying nutrient dynamics in acidic environments. Collaborative projects span interdisciplinary topics like planetary health and sustainable metal recovery. Teaching Roles: She teaches Microbiology, Evolution, Biodiversity, and Environmental Microbiology to undergraduates and MSc students, supervising honors projects on acidophilic microbes and antimicrobial resistance. Labs and Collaborations: Dr. Falagan is part of the Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare and Institute of the Earth and Environment , collaborating on EU-funded initiatives like H2020-NEMO. Her work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and computational analysis to address mining environmental impacts.

• Environmental Microbiology
• Geomicrobiology
• Bioremediation
• +5 more

Dwight Houweling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal . His expertise focuses on environmental engineering and wastewater treatment , particularly in nutrient removal, biological processes, and modeling. B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (Queen’s University) Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Polytechnique Montréal) Industrial Postdoctoral Fellow at EnviroSim Assoc. Ltd. Research interests include municipal/industrial wastewater treatment , phosphorus/nitrogen removal , biofilm systems , mechanistic modeling , and sludge densification . His work bridges activated sludge optimization , membrane-aerated biofilms , and green wastewater solutions . Recent publications emphasize modeling frameworks for nature-based solutions , biofilm technology in retrofitting plants , and sludge characterization in lagoons . He collaborates with institutions like EnviroSim Assoc. Ltd. and contributes to the Laboratoire de génie de l'environnement (LGE) at Polytechnique Montréal.

• Environmental Engineering
• Wastewater Treatment
• Biological Nutrient Removal
• +5 more

Silvia Santa Maria Newell serves as Director of Michigan Sea Grant and Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), where she leads critical research on freshwater ecosystems. Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical environmental management through federal partnerships and stakeholder engagement initiatives focused on the Great Lakes region. Education Ph.D. in Geosciences, Princeton University M.A. in Geosciences, Princeton University A.B. in Biogeochemistry, Smith College Newell specializes in nutrient biogeochemistry and microbial ecology, with primary focus on how excess nutrients from agricultural and wastewater sources drive harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems. Her research integrates field studies of nitrogen cycling, mercury methylation processes, and climate change impacts on eutrophication. She develops stakeholder-driven solutions for nutrient reduction in watersheds through interdisciplinary collaboration with farmers, policymakers, and environmental managers. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research themes in Great Lakes HABs mitigation, nutrient cycling dynamics (particularly nitrogen-phosphorus interactions), and emerging contaminants like mercury. Her work consistently connects microbial processes to ecosystem-scale phenomena, with strong emphasis on practical applications for water resource management across North American and international freshwater systems. Scientific Awards Excellence in Grantsmanship (2022) for securing $1M+ research funding AGU Top 10 Most Downloaded Paper (2021) Limnology & Oceanography Outstanding Reviewer (2021) ASTRA Fellow, Estonia Education (2019-2020) Newell actively mentors the next generation of environmental scientists as primary advisor to PhD candidates Berk Durutürk and Ran Jin, and Master's student Monica Woodruff. Her current $1.2M+ research portfolio includes NSF-funded projects on Lake Erie HABs mitigation (DISES CHABS: $150K), mercury-nitrogen cycling interactions (GEOTRACES: $378K), and Ohio wetland monitoring (H2Ohio: $500K). She directs major collaborative initiatives including the Great Lakes Commission HABs Collaboratory and Lake Erie Area Research Network. As Director of Michigan Sea Grant, Newell oversees a federal-state partnership that funds research, outreach, and education programs addressing critical Great Lakes challenges. Her leadership connects university resources with community stakeholders through the Maumee River watershed engagement project and international collaborations studying nutrient pollution impacts from Lake Erie to Lake Taihu in China.

• Nutrient Biogeochemistry
• Microbial Ecology
• Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
• +4 more

Professor Enda Cummins is a faculty member at University College Dublin (UCD), serving as Professor and Deputy Head of the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering. He also holds roles as Head of Teaching and Learning and Visiting Professor at KU Leuven, Belgium. His research focuses on risk assessment, predictive modeling, food safety, and environmental contamination, with an emphasis on chemicals (e.g., acrylamide, nanoparticles) and pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella). He leads a multidisciplinary team and coordinates the EU-funded H2020 ITN project PROTECT, addressing climate change impacts on food safety. Education: BAgrSc, MEngSc, PhD from UCD. Teaching emphasizes problem-based learning and integrates research innovations. He developed the EU-funded Erasmus+ Predictive Modelling and Risk Assessment program and coordinates the MEngSc in Food Engineering. Grants include projects on antimicrobial resistance, nanoparticle toxicity, and urease inhibitor efficacy. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 123 conference papers highlight his work on risk assessment, food safety, and environmental modeling.

• Risk assessment modeling
• Food safety
• Predictive modeling
• +7 more