Oliver T. Iorhemen

Dr. Oliver T. Iorhemen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), where he has been contributing since August 1, 2021. He is actively engaged in research, teaching, and graduate supervision in the field of environmental and wastewater engineering.

His educational background includes a PhD in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering specialization) from the University of Calgary, an MSc in Environmental Engineering and Project Management from the University of Leeds, UK, and a B.Eng in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.

Dr. Iorhemen's research focuses on biological wastewater treatment, resource recovery from wastewater and biosolids, nutrient removal, removal of emerging contaminants, and rural water supply and sanitation. His work emphasizes sustainable technologies such as aerobic granular sludge (AGS), biofiltration, and constructed wetlands, especially in cold climates. He leads a dynamic research team involving multiple MASc students and interns.

The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on AGS technology, resource recovery (e.g., xanthan, curdlan, amino acids), hybrid treatment systems, and data-driven modeling of bioreactors. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with practical engineering applications, aiming at scalable and resilient water treatment solutions.

Dr. Iorhemen teaches courses including ENGR 210 (Material and Energy Balances), ENGR 358 (Water and Wastewater Systems), ENVE 310 (Environmental Engineering Processes), and ENGR 498/798 (Advanced Treatment Processes). He has also taught graduate-level biological processes at the University of Calgary.

He actively supervises graduate students and has led collaborative projects with municipalities and industry. His research team includes current MASc students working on oily wastewater, resource recovery from AGS, biofilters for rural water, and constructed wetlands in cold climates. Past undergraduate and intern researchers have contributed to AGS bioreactor development and nutrient removal studies.