Oliver Terna Iorhemen

Dr. Oliver Terna Iorhemen is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), joining in August 2021. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) from the University of Calgary, an MSc from the University of Leeds, and a B.Eng. from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. His research focuses on biological wastewater treatment, resource recovery from wastewater, and rural water supply solutions. He has participated in collaborative projects with municipalities, industries, and universities.

Education

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering), University of Calgary (2019)
• MSc(Eng) in Environmental Engineering & Project Management, University of Leeds (2011)
• B.Eng. in Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University (2008)

Research Interests

Dr. Iorhemen’s work emphasizes aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology for wastewater treatment and resource recovery, including phosphorus removal, contaminants of emerging concern (CEC), and biofilm processes. His current projects explore AGS applications in brewery wastewater treatment, biofilter systems for rural communities, and constructed wetlands in cold climates. He integrates machine learning and data-driven models to optimize bioreactor performance.

Scientific Awards

Recipient of prestigious awards such as the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, Teaching Achievement Award (UCalgary), and multiple scholarships including the Eyes High International Doctoral Scholarship.

Advising & Collaborations

Supervises Master’s students in areas like curdlan recovery, xanthan gum extraction, and cold-climate wetland performance. Collaborates with industry partners and municipalities on applied research projects. His team includes researchers like Erik Groenenberg (MASc) and Manveer Kaur (MASc).

Labs & Teams

Hosts an active research team at UNBC focusing on AGS bioreactors, biofilm dynamics, and sustainable water solutions. Facilities include advanced wastewater treatment setups and analytical laboratories.