Environment
Respect for the environment must be at the core of all engineering decisions in the future.
Our Environment has limited resources
How to deal with climate change, waste, sustainable food, land management and safeguard water supplies are real and pressing challenges to the global environment.
Water is essential for life. We use it to drink, produce our food and to keep us clean and healthy. Yet, it is often a wasted resource. Demand for a limited amount of water continues to grow. Pollution threatens supplies.
McMaster engineers are working with governments and industries around the globe to safeguard humanities access to clean water and air while protecting the environment, all while working closely with industry interest to find solutions that are both environmentally friendly and cost effective for deployment.
Challenges: Safe drinking, climate change, reusing wastewater, improved water testing, sustainability, pollution
Related Faculty
Dr. Brian Baetz
Professor (Emeritus)
Sustainable Infrastructure; Sustainable Communities; Resilient Communities; Municipal Solid Waste Management Planning; Green Buildings; Environmental Systems Analysis; Optimization Modelling; Decision Support Systems; Contemplative Pedagogy
Dr. Paulin Coulibaly
Professor
Hydrologic Modelling; Flood Forecasting; Water Resources; Climate Change Impact, Adaptation; Statistical Hydrology; Hydroinformatics; Remote Sensing Hydrology; Data Assimilation; Hydrometric Network Design
Dr. Sarah Dickson
Associate Professor
Hydrogeology; Fractured Rock; Contaminant Transport; Particulate Contaminants; Pathogen Transport; Point-of-Use Water Treatment; Local Water Security
Dr. Peijun Guo
Professor
Geotechnical Engineering, Geologic Materials, Numerical Modelling, Geotechnical Structures, Geomechanics
Dr. Yiping Guo
Professor
Urban Drainage; Stormwater Management; Water Distribution Network; Frequency and Time Series Analysis; Resilience and Uncertainty Quantification
Dr. Sonia Hassini
Assistant Professor
Water resources systems; Urban stormwater management; Rainfall and runoff data analysis; Hydrological modelling; Analytical flood frequency modelling
Dr. Younggy Kim
Associate Professor
Biological Wastewater Treatment; Water Reuse; Physical/Chemical Water Treatment; Nutrient Recovery; Energy Recovery; Water Quality Sensors; Heavy Metal Removal; Anaerobic Digestion; Sludge Pre/Post-Treatment; Numerical Modeling; Microbial Electrochemistry; Ion Exchange Membrane; Salinity Gradient Energy; Point-of-Use Drinking Water Treatment
Dr. Zoe Li
Assistant Professor
Uncertainty Analysis; Risk Management; Stochastic Modelling; Water Resources Management; Climate Change Impacts; Environmental Systems Analysis
Dr. SeonHong Na
Assistant Professor
Computational Geomechanics; Geotechnical Engineering; Poromechanics; Soil Mechanics; Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) Modelling; Micromechanics; Plasticity; Damage and Fracture Mechanics; Constitutive Laws; Inverse Problem
Dr. Stanislaw Pietruszczak
Professor (Emeritus)
Mechanics of Solids; Constitutive Relations in Inelastic Range; Numerical Analysis of Structural and Geotechnical Problems
Dr. Dieter Stolle
Professor (Emeritus)
Geotechnical Engineering; Finite Element Modelling; Numerical Modelling; Highway Materials
Dr. Susan Tighe
Provost and Vice-President, Academic
Transportation; Pavement Engineering and Management; Infrastructure Management; Resilient Infrastructure; Life Cycle Assessment; Geotechnical Engineering; Construction Work Zone Safety; Automated Distress Collection
Dr. Hao Yang
Assistant Professor
Autonomous Driving; Congestion Mitigation; Urban Transportation; Human Mobility; Energy Efficiency
Dr. Benzhong (Robin) Zhao
Assistant Professor
Climate Change Mitigation; Renewable Energy; Water Security; Energy Storage; Carbon Storage; Multiphase Flow; Porous Media; Electrochemistry
December 9, 2020 / Department News
Creating sustainable fuels for a low-carbon future
Researchers at McMaster University are partnering with the National Research Council Canada (NRC) to make Canada’s energy economy more sustainable for generations to come.
November 10, 2020 / Department News
BUILDING LOCAL CAPACITY TO TRACK & FIGHT AGAINST THE COMMUNITY SPREAD OF SARS-COV-2
McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering is co-creating sampling and analytical protocols and providing a roadmap for best practices that could be adopted, with our partners, across the province. This will equip local facilities to detect COVID-19 earlier and more effectively.
November 4, 2020 / Department News
From groundwater to wildfires, Global Water Futures invests $2.4M in McMaster researchers
Five McMaster projects have been awarded a further $2.4M by Global Water Futures (GWF)—the world’s largest university-led freshwater research program.
September 4, 2020 / Department News
In the Media: Pandemic opens up great green opportunities for Great Lakes
The report on Great Lakes restoration efforts that she co-authored with Hartig provides “the empirical proof — investing in the environment creates economic growth,” said Gail Krantzberg, long-time Great Lakes researcher and a professor at McMaster University’s engineering program.
August 21, 2020 / Department News
In the Media: Economic Recovery Via the Great Lakes
In Ontario, as in several American states, the Great Lakes Region is a massive economic engine. With the border mostly closed, during this COVID-19 pandemic, the region is looking for help to bounce back. Gail Krantzberg, W Booth professor, shares her insights.
August 14, 2020 / Department News
Researchers investigate a growing case for distributed smart systems and AI to reduce flooding in cities
As our global climate changes, extreme weather events are growing in frequency in many places, including Southern Ontario. Ontario municipalities experience heavier rainfalls and more extreme storms that frequently overwhelm their sewer infrastructure.
June 19, 2020 / Department News
McMaster Engineering PhD candidate recognized as Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar
Moustafa Naiem is one of 50 recipients of this year’s scholarship awarded by NSERC, and one of five 2020 Vanier Scholars from McMaster University.
May 20, 2020 / Department News
Major investments in Great Lakes restoration and pollution prevention are paying off, report finds
Canadian and American efforts to restore Areas of Concern (AOCs) throughout the Great Lakes – including Hamilton Harbour – have invested $22.8 billion US over the last 35 years, according to a new article in the Journal of Great Lakes Research.
November 27, 2019 / Department News
McMaster researcher warns plastic pollution in the Great Lakes is a growing concern to ecosystems and human health
Research from a leading international expert on the health of the Great Lakes suggests that the growing intensity and scale of pollution from plastics poses serious risks to human health and will continue to have profound consequences on the ecosystem.
October 29, 2019 / Department News
Working with Indigenous communities to improve water quality
Charles de Lannoy’s first year of engineering was also his first year of grad school.
September 27, 2019 / Department News
Meet five McMaster Engineering researchers who study climate change and sustainability
While the world turns its gaze to climate change today, McMaster Engineering continues to work to make our planet a more sustainable and healthier place. Here are five researchers who are tackling climate change or studying it as part of their work.
September 24, 2019 / Department News
Measuring water and climate risk in an uncertain world
Civil Engineer Zoe Li is studying simulation models to offer predictions on water quantity and quality.
August 29, 2019 / Department News
Cleaning up Great Lakes not only possible, but good for the economy
In a summer characterized by toxic algae blooms and high levels of E. coli at Hamilton beaches, a McMaster engineering professor is a co-editor of a hopeful report that shows the economic and community benefits of addressing water pollution around the Great Lakes.
August 22, 2019 / Department News
Strategic Partnership Between City of Hamilton and McMaster on Climate Planning is Critical
The City of Hamilton and McMaster University have a long-standing relationship of collaboration, and this is extending into the next stage of Hamilton’s environmental initiatives under a unified strategy to address climate change.
August 20, 2019 / Department News
Engineering students attend experiential weekend on the Akwesasne reserve
Engineering students gain new perspectives after spending a weekend learning about Indigenous health, water, and culture at the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne.
August 13, 2019 / Department News
New report shows community and economic benefits of Great Lakes cleanup
A new report from the International Association for Great Lakes Research titled Great Lakes Revival, goes in-depth on the cleanup efforts, and tangible and often intangible benefits felt by Great Lakes after cleanup.
July 3, 2019 / Department News
Sharing Sustainability Challenges with the Shad Program
Zobia Jawed was invited to give a Keynote Lecture to high school students in the Shad program at McMaster University.
July 10, 2019 / Department News
Engineering and electrifying the next generation of cars
Top researcher Ali Emadi explains why electrified vehicles are the future and describes his love for mentoring students.
May 28, 2019 / Department News
Big Pharma emits more greenhouse gases than the automotive industry
Greenhouse gas emissions from pharmaceutical companies need to be better monitored and regulated, says Walter G. Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology associate professor Lotfi Belkhir.
April 12, 2019 / Department News
Sessional Faculty Member's Appointment to Conservation Halton Board of Directors
Congratulations to Dr. Zobia Jawed!
April 10, 2019 / Department News
McMaster Engineering announces new faculty appointments spring 2019
We are pleased to announce the following new appointments to the Faculty of Engineering.
March 22, 2019 / Department News
Addressing water security at home and around the world
Sarah Dickson’s passion for water and the environment started at an off-the-grid cottage in the Gatineau Hills.
February 12, 2019 / Department News
Student creates app that predicts snow days
Software Engineering and Management student Joe Crozier has created a flurry of apps, including one for snow day predictions.
January 4, 2019 / Department News
McMaster Engineering announces new faculty appointments
We are pleased to announce the following new appointments to the Faculty of Engineering.
October 1, 2018 / Department News
Fresh Faces: Jennifer Bauman
Welcome to Fresh Faces. In this series, we’re highlighting over 40 engineering faculty members, all hired in the last five years, who are doing interesting and innovative things in the lab and the classroom.
April 18, 2018 / Department News
Clean and safe access to water for health and wellbeing
Sarah Dickson's research focuses on groundwater in the context of water security from a local perspective, particularly in rural, remote, and marginalized communities. She is also the McMaster Director of Water Without Borders.
March 27, 2018 / Department News
How smartphones are heating up the planet
When we think about climate change, the main sources of carbon emissions that come to mind for most of us are heavy industries like petroleum, mining and transportation. Rarely do we point the finger at computer technologies.
March 23, 2018 / Department News
McMaster prof featured at American Chemical Society national meeting
Chemists from around the world gathered in the Crescent City for the 255th ACS National Meeting & Exposition on March 18–22. Emily Cranston The Kavli Foundation Emerging Leader in Chemistry Lecture.
March 8, 2018 / Department News
International Women’s Day: 4 women in engineering who are changing the world
Today, McMaster Engineering celebrates International Women’s Day by honouring four women who are making a big impact on the world through their engineering research.
January 23, 2018 / Department News
Engineering professor and Canada Research Chair Emily Cranston explores exciting possibilities for nanocellulose
When Emily Cranston’s sister found out the McMaster chemical engineering professor had been named the Canada Research Chair in Bio-Based Nanomaterials earlier this year, she decided to poke a little fun at what little is known of her sister’s research area.
January 23, 2018 / Department News
Making water testing more affordable
Ravi Selvaganapathy's sensors will be useful to others outside of First Nations communities: hydrologists who need a way to monitor rivers, watersheds and reservoirs, for example, or mining companies that want to monitor the integrity of their tailing ponds.
December 8, 2017 / Department News
Two McMaster Engineering researchers earn grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
McMaster Engineering researchers were awarded more than $5M in funding to create innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
November 9, 2017 / Department News
Chemical Engineering prof awarded Canada Research Chair
Emily Cranston, associate professor, chemical engineering, is the Canada Research Chair in Bio-Based Nanomaterials (Tier 2). Emily uses biological components to develop environmentally friendly, high-performance and advanced materials from renewable resources like wood pulp with a focus on using na
November 17, 2017 / Department News
7 Engineering Startups to Watch
In honour of Global Entrepreneurship Week, a celebration of innovators and job creators who are changing the world, we’re spotlighting 7 McMaster Engineering startups to watch.
October 27, 2017 / Department News
‘Something for everyone’ at McMaster Water Week 2017
From October 30 to November 3, the McMaster Water Network hosts McMaster Water Week 2017.
September 25, 2017 / Department News
#InsidetheLab: Purifying water with chemical engineering innovation
Fresh water scarcity and safety is an ongoing global challenge. Mohamad Amin Halali, PhD candidate, Chemical Engineering and his colleagues in The de Lannoy Lab are rising to this challenge by using membranes to filter contaminants from drinking water.
August 2, 2017 / Department News
McMaster Education Smooths Transition to Employment
Askhan is currently employed by Exp Services Inc. and works in the Hamilton office as a structural designer on an array of remediation and renovation projects. He believes the McMaster experience helped ensure a smooth transition to work.
August 15, 2017 / Department News
Engineering researchers receive $1.9 million in federal funding
Six McMaster researchers have been awarded more than $1.9 million combined for infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
June 28, 2017 / Department News
#InsidetheLab: New ideas sprout from nanotechnology
Can innovations in nanotechnology improve plant growth for crop-based farming?
August 9, 2017 / Department News
McMaster Engineering start up dares to enter the Lion’s Lair to compete for $160K
Persistence and hard work continue to pay off for Lumago Inc.
May 25, 2017 / Department News
Finding fault key to engineering professor's success
Sitting in a car stuck in traffic in Beijing, idling vehicles billowing out fuel emissions all around him, Saeid Habibi couldn’t help but think about his research.
December 2, 2016 / Department News
McMaster awarded six new CRCs, $8.9M to support research excellence
McMaster has been awarded six new Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) and three renewals, bringing a total of $8.9M in new funding from a federal program aimed at retaining and attracting research leaders.
July 17, 2017 / Department News
McMaster Engineering welcomes nine new faculty
"With the addition of our new faculty members, we will continue to strengthen our reputation as one of the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide while building a brighter world." -Ishwar K. Puri, Dean of Engineering
May 19, 2017 / Department News
Dr. Younggy Kim awarded Early Researcher Award (ERA)
Dr. Younggy Kim awarded ERA for "Heavy Metal Removal Using Microbial Electrochemistry" research.
August 25, 2016 / Department News
Eng Phys Prof to Lead Unique Project in 2017
Dr. Qiyin Fang will develop technology to monitor older patients living with chronic diseases.
July 3, 2014 / Department News
Rafi Kleiman Receives Solar Cell Grant
Federal Grant Lights Up Solar Cell Research at McMaster
March 19, 2014 / Department News
Engineering Physics and McMaster Create a Joint Venture with Jiangsu Delin Environment Protection Co.
McMaster launches a joint venture to tackle the most challenging task in water pollution monitoring: online detection of water-borne bacteria