Kerry McPhedran

Kerry McPhedran is a Professor and Saskatchewan Centennial Enhancement Chair in the Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Engineering. She also serves as the Graduate Chair for her department. Her research focuses on municipal and environmental engineering challenges, particularly Indigenous water projects, wastewater treatment optimization, stormwater management, and biochar-based contaminant remediation.

Education:

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Windsor (2006–2012)
• MSc in Biology, University of Windsor (1999–2001)
• BSc (Honours) in Biology, University of Windsor (1994–1999)
• BASc in Environmental Engineering, University of Windsor (2002–2005)
• BSc in Biology, University of Western Ontario (1995–1996)

Research Interests: Dr. McPhedran’s work addresses critical environmental issues such as municipal wastewater treatment innovations, biogas production enhancement, and the fate of emerging contaminants like PFAS and pharmaceuticals. She develops sustainable technologies using biochar and advanced oxidation processes, with a focus on cold-climate applications. Her Indigenous-focused projects emphasize equitable water infrastructure solutions.

Public Health Contributions: Her recent work uses wastewater surveillance to track SARS-CoV-2 variants and inform public health strategies, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact. She also explores viral distribution in wastewater systems and antibiotic resistance mitigation.

Infrastructure and Policy: Dr. McPhedran advocates for socially inclusive infrastructure, particularly for Indigenous communities, and evaluates the economic and environmental costs of water systems in First Nations regions.