Loretta Li

Dr. Loretta Li is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science, specializing in Environmental Systems Engineering, Geo-Environmental Engineering, and Geotechnical Engineering. She joined UBC in 1995 and established the UBC Cluster for Microplastics, Health and the Environment in 2021, leading interdisciplinary research on emerging contaminants and sustainable remediation technologies.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Soil Science, Queen's University
• M.Sc. in Environmental Soil Science, Queen's University
• M.Eng. in Geo-environmental Engineering, McGill University

Dr. Li's research focuses on emerging contaminants and microplastics, with significant contributions to understanding contaminant fate and transport in water-soil-sediment systems. Her work spans environmental assessment, stormwater management, mine leachate treatment, and waste-to-resources conversion. She pioneers sustainable remediation technologies for landfill leachate, sewage sludge, and water distribution systems, emphasizing circular economy principles.

Her recent publications (2022-2023) reveal a strong trend toward microplastics research, sewage sludge valorization, and life-cycle assessment of environmental technologies. Key themes include developing sludge-derived activated carbon for contaminant removal, evaluating bioenergy production from waste streams, and addressing PFAS/PBDE contamination through innovative remediation approaches.

Dr. Li's scientific awards include:

• R.A. McLachlan Memorial Award (2020) from Engineers and Geoscientists BC
• Killam Faculty Research Fellowship (2009-2010)
• Geoenvironmental Award (2006) from Canadian Geotechnical Society
• Multiple Japan Society for Promotion of Science Fellowships
• ALCAN Fellowship and Queen's University graduate awards

She secures major research funding through collaborations with UNIDO, Stockholm Convention, Environment Canada, Health Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and BC Ministry of Environment. Her work directly informs policy decisions on contaminated sites and emerging chemicals, with applications in major infrastructure projects including Sea-to-Sky Highway and Okanagan Lake Bridge. Dr. Li founded the UBC Microplastics Cluster to coordinate multidisciplinary research on plastic pollution impacts and solutions.