Craig Sheridan

Professor Craig Sheridan is a full Professor in the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he holds the prestigious Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Water Research. He is the Founder and Director of the Centre in Water Research and Development (CIWaRD), a hub for cross-disciplinary water research in South Africa. Previously, he was affiliated with the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, reflecting his strong background in chemical engineering.

Education:

• BSc(Eng), University of the Witwatersrand
• MSc, University of the Witwatersrand
• PhD, University of the Witwatersrand
• PrEng (Professional Engineer)
• Fellow, Institute of Chemical Engineers

Craig Sheridan's research is centered on water treatment and environmental sustainability, with a strong focus on acid mine drainage (AMD), industrial and agricultural effluents, and constructed wetlands. His work integrates principles of chemical engineering, environmental science, and sustainable development. He explores innovative solutions such as phytoremediation, resource recovery from waste, and bioenergy production. His recent publications emphasize the development of sustainable technologies for treating high-strength wastewater and remediating contaminated soils.

His extensive publication record includes high-impact studies in journals like Geoderma, Environmental Pollution, and Science of the Total Environment. The trends in his recent work (2022–2024) highlight a strong commitment to addressing South Africa's water challenges through interdisciplinary, applied research that bridges engineering, ecology, and policy. Key themes include the mobility of rare earth elements and arsenic in AMD-impacted soils, the use of indigenous grasses and co-cropping for remediation, and the optimization of constructed wetland systems.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Water Research
• Professional Engineer (PrEng)
• Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers

Craig Sheridan leads a dynamic research group and has secured significant funding through his chair and CIWaRD initiatives. He advises postgraduate students in environmental and chemical engineering, though specific names are not listed. His work has practical implications for mining, agriculture, and urban water management sectors in South Africa and beyond.

He is actively involved in research through CIWaRD, which fosters collaboration across disciplines to develop sustainable water solutions. The center supports projects on wastewater valorization, mine water remediation, and sustainable sanitation systems, positioning it as a key player in South Africa’s water research landscape.