CAWT Research Team

JENNIFER ANDERSEN

Manager

Jennifer Andersen’s background is in environmental science research, having received a M.Sc. in the Environmental and Life Sciences graduate program from Trent University. She has experience in all aspects of the research and development process, and her portfolio includes several publications in refereed journals as well as presentations at national conferences. As the Manager of the CAWT, Jenn is responsible for overseeing all projects, their execution, scheduling, budgets, and communication of results. Jenn works with CAWT partners and clients to secure funding (if applicable) and ensure that their project’s needs are met.

BARBARA SIEMBIDA-LÖSCH, PH.D, P.ENG.

Research Scientist / Engineer

Dr. Barbara Siembida-Lösch brings 15 years of broad (inter)national experience from both the private and academic sector, having worked in the field of water/wastewater engineering. Barbara holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Environmental Engineering; she completed her Ph.D. at the Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany in wastewater treatment. In her Postdoc role with the University of Waterloo, Barbara undertook detailed optimization of full-scale drinking water treatment facilities. Her scientific expertise translates to helping clients looking to innovate, overcome barriers, and develop a deeper understanding of how their technology works.

JAMES HIGGINS, PH.D., P.ENG.

Research Engineer

Dr. James Higgins is a professional engineer with background and expertise in areas such as conventional and natural wastewater treatment, constructed wetlands, engineered bioreactors, site remediation, phytoremediation, risk assessment and the clean up of soils and waters contaminated with metals, metalloids and hydrocarbons. He is the developer of the Eco-Engineered Bioreactor (EEB) ecotechnology and initiates, organizes, and participates in EEB pilot-and demonstration-scale test projects and R&D at test facilities such as those at the CAWT.

AL MATTES, PH.D.

Research Scientist

Dr. Al Mattes is an ETDC associate and a Principal of Nature Works Remediation, Corp. (Nature Works), and a part-time Research Scientist at the CAWT. He completed a Ph.D. degree in Geomicrobiology at the University of Guelph, with special emphasis on the chemistry and biochemistry of arsenic. Al’s research activities have been focused on the management of metals in contaminated soils and water; with significant research on remediation technologies, especially in relation to mine wastes, tailings, and wastewater.

SHAN SHAN LI

Laboratory Technologist

Shan Shan Li works with our industry partners to choose suitable analytical methods necessary for reaching the project’s goals. Shan Shan has been a key player in obtaining and maintaining the ISO/IEC 17025 certification in multiple commercial labs over the past decade. She also has extensive experience in method development and method validation in both the Mineral and Environmental sectors. Shan Shan holds a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Tianjin University and an M.Sc. in Environmental Practice from Royal Roads University.

MARCUS SHEPPARD

Research Technologist

Marcus Sheppard has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University and a diploma from the Environmental Technology Program at Fleming College. Marcus has extensive analytical lab skills and field experience gained through leading bench- and full-scale pilot studies for the purposes of R&D in the water and wastewater technology sector. He has spearheaded the NSF 350 (greywater re-use) verification program offered by the CAWT and is currently focused on the testing and verification of advanced treatment systems (residential wastewater).

CAYLA AUSTIN

Research Technologist

Cayla Austin holds an M.Sc in Environmental and Life Sciences from Trent University, and has years of experience in ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited laboratories. She is experienced in a diverse array of field and laboratory techniques ranging from fermentation microbiology to environmental monitoring but specializing in water and wastewater monitoring and treatment.

JOY ZHU

Laboratory Instrumentation Specialist

Joy Zhu is the CAWT’s instrumentation specialist. She has a M.Sc. in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition from University of Guelph and a BSc.(Agr) in Soil Chemistry from China Agricultural University. Before joining the CAWT in 2011, Joy had over 10 years work experience in both research and commercial agricultural/environmental labs. She has extensive knowledge and skills in lab analysis, method development, instrumentation maintenance and troubleshooting.

NSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges

REZA MOSLEMI, PH.D., P.ENG.

NSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges, Predictive Water Analytics

Dr. Reza Moslemi has over 15 years of academic and industrial experience in the field of civil and environmental engineering, having served in various roles including university professor, research associate, and engineering consultant. He received his Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from McMaster University. As the NSERC Industrial Research Chair, he currently leads an applied research program at Fleming College focusing on predictive water network analytics.