معرفی
Deborah Roberts serves as the inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), bringing over 30 years of interdisciplinary expertise bridging microbiology and environmental engineering. A licensed Professional Engineer with EGBC, she holds leadership positions in multiple engineering and scientific societies while maintaining active research programs.
Her academic foundation includes a BSc and PhD in Microbiology from the University of Alberta, complemented by immersive engineering training during her tenure as Assistant and Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Houston. She played a pivotal role in establishing the School of Engineering in Kelowna before joining UNBC, where she integrates her dual expertise in biological systems and engineering design.
Dr. Roberts' research program focuses on developing innovative biological treatment solutions for extreme environmental challenges, with particular emphasis on microbial fuel cell technology for waste-to-energy conversion, arsenic removal from mine drainage, and sulfur-oxidizing microbial processes affecting concrete infrastructure. Her laboratory trains students in advanced microbiological techniques, analytical chemistry methodologies, and the development of novel contaminant analysis protocols for water, soil, and air remediation.
Recent publication trends reveal a strategic shift toward bioelectrochemical systems for sustainable wastewater treatment, with significant contributions to understanding microbial fuel cell performance in winery and food waste applications. Her work increasingly incorporates advanced sensing technologies, including microwave-based biosensors for real-time water quality monitoring and bacterial growth analysis, demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation across environmental engineering and analytical chemistry domains.
- Professional Engineering license with EGBC
- Member of multiple engineering and scientific societies
- Supervisor for MSc and PhD students in environmental engineering
- Active research collaborations across North America
Dr. Roberts leads the Faculty of Science and Engineering while maintaining an active research laboratory focused on sustainable solutions for contaminated media. Her team develops practical applications for microbial processes in extreme environments, with particular attention to industrial wastewater challenges and resource recovery opportunities. Current projects emphasize scalable technologies for agricultural waste streams and mining-impacted waters, reflecting her commitment to translating fundamental research into field-deployable environmental solutions.
