Doctoral Students

Anusha Atmakuri

Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)

Supervisor: Prof. Patrick Drogui

Brief biography

I am a doctoral student at Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), University of Quebec. I received my dual degree in Biotechnology(B.Tech.+M.Tech.) from Amity University, Rajasthan, India. I also received research masters in Biomedical Sciences from University of Glasgow, Scotland. My current research focuses on the treatment of landfill leachate using a combination of biological(microbial polymers) and electrochemical methods such as electrocoagulation. Electrocoagulation is known to treat most of the contaminants present in wastewater, apart from ammonia which it treats partially. Additionally, my research utilizes waste substrates from industry such as waste cooking oil, glycerol, and others to produce microbial polymers(EPS). I have also worked on cancer research, endocrinology, and some aspects of business development. 

Lachi Wankhede

York University

Supervisor: Prof. Satinder Kaur Brar

Brief biography

As a PhD student in sustainability and environment at York University, I bring a strong background in bioprocess engineering and biotechnology, having completed my M. Tech degree in Bioprocess Engineering and a B. Tech degree in Biotechnology where I gained expertise in microbial biotechnology, process optimization and metabolic engineering. My research interests are focused on the development of sustainable bioprocessing technologies to produce biofuels and other high-value products, particularly interested in exploring the metabolic capabilities of oleaginous yeasts and their potential for lipid accumulation using renewable substrates. My research combines experimental techniques with computational modeling to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex biological processes involved. I am passionate about sustainable development and believe that biotechnology can play a critical role in achieving a more sustainable future. So, through my research and community involvement, I hope to contribute towards building a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations.

Oumaima El Hachimi

Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS-ETE)

Supervisor: Prof. Jean-François Blais

Brief biography

Oumaima El Hachimi is a PhD candidate at University of Quebec, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS-ETE). Her research work focuses on the treatment of complex wastewater effluents using chemical and biological processes. Currently, she is particularly interested in studying the integration of membrane bioreactor systems and electrocoagulation in a one-step process for the treatment of landfill leachate.

Reema

York University

Supervisor: Prof. Satinder Kaur Brar

Brief biography

I am an aspiring environmental microbiologist from India. With a foundation in biological sciences, a specialization in microbiology, and a desire to be an explorer, I developed an inclination towards application-based scientific research. By observing the deteriorating state of our planet due to anthropogenic activities, I am motivated to find solutions for the ongoing environmental concerns including waste generation and its consequent pollution. This is an aggravating concern that can potentially be targeted for an exhaustive use and thereby reducing the need for fresh production of numerous products. The environmental microbiome essentially offers a wide range of their applications that can be harnessed for reusing organic waste to generate industrially relevant products or alternative energy sources. I am thus interested in exploring this biological source towards creating an environmentally sustainable biotechnological application.

Quintin Litke

University of Manitoba

Supervisor: Prof. David Levin

Brief biography

One of the driving factors influencing my academic career has been my interest in environmentally sustainable technologies. As an undergrad, I held summer positions helping an M.Sc. student who aimed to use recycled materials as a tertiary wastewater filtration media; and at the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, an evidence-based, environmental non-governmental organization advocating for the health of Lake Winnipeg. While my interest in water remains, my research focus began to pivot to the food sector while I worked on my undergraduate thesis, which aimed to develop anti-mycotoxin feed additives for pigs. This trend continued as I started my M.Sc. working to develop active and intelligent food packaging from biodegradable polymers and natural additives to delay and indicate the degree of spoilage in food through a colourimetric response. After a year as an M.Sc. student, was granted direct entry to the Ph.D. program and have continued working on this project. 

Yeuhyun (Kevin) Kim

York University

Supervisors: Prof. Sylvie Morin and Prof. Stephanie Gora

Brief biography

As environmental pollution poses a major global challenge, state-of-art purification of pollution requires renewable and energy-efficient technology. As a PhD Chemistry Candidate at York University, Kevin’s main research interest lies in catalytic remediation of wastewater to achieve green and sustainable resource recovery. He studied for his Master’s degree in Atmospheric Chemistry at York University and Hons B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Toronto.

His current work focuses on developing effective photo-electro-catalytic nanomaterials for wastewater processing, with a focus on the removal of organic contaminants and resource recovery from wastewater. In order to apply the technology in real-world conditions, his goal is to gain an in-depth understanding and elucidate the interfacial reaction mechanism between a mixture of pollutants with a photocatalyst and develop a new photocatalytic reactor suitable for industrial application.

Zahir Namourah

University of Quebec at Abitibi-témiscamingue (UQAT)

Supervisor: Prof. Ahmed Koubaa

Brief biography

Zahir Namourah is conducting a dual doctorate degree in Civil Engineering with a cooperation between The University of Québec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) in Canada and The University of Minho (UMinho) in Portugal. He studied his master degree in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions (SAHC) at UMinho. Namourah got his Bachelor degree in Civil Building Engineering from Palestine Polytechnic University.

Namourah current research is mainly on materials and structural engineering. He also has experiences and research works in construction, management, quality, and geotechnical engineering. Namourah contributes in publication of two articles in the assessment of seismic retrofitting strategies and emergency planning at the urban scale, and one conference paper and book chapter in the manufacturing and mechanical performance assessment of hybrid composite materials.

Namourah is currently conducting experimental, analytical, and numerical studies on the durability and sustainability of composite materials, namely, polymers, concrete, and wood.