Using the power of microbes for waste reclamation
The vision for the Environmental Biogeochemistry and Biotechnology lab is to expand the known biodiversity of microbes living in contaminated habitats. We balance fundamental and applied research to translate the discovery of novel contaminant cycling pathways into biotechnology that mitigates environmental pollution.
Our current research focuses on microbes that control the fate of valuable and toxic metals in one of Earth’s fastest-growing waste streams, e-waste. This research combines metagenomic sequencing, geochemical analyses, and microbial cultivation techniques to better understand how microbes living in e-waste can be used for waste reclamation. We are also collaborating with Environment and Climate Change Canada to develop regulatory policies focused on making commercially-available microbial consortia safe for use in environmental remediation.
The lab is looking for B.Sc. and M.Sc. students to join the team! We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Learn more about our research and how to join the lab by clicking below.
