From supporting renewable, low-carbon emitting energy methods, discovering greener ways to manufacture steel, transforming agriculture food waste into high value bioproducts and inspiring the next generation of eco-leaders, McMaster Engineering faculty, alumni and students are leading the way in creating a more sustainable future.
This Earth Day, we’re celebrating the members of our Fireball Family who are at the forefront of engineering a brighter planet. Here are the top stories over the past year:
Professor Gail Krantzberg receives $1.5M grant to investigate effects of urban migration due to climate change
As climate change continues to impact livelihood and drive populations to seek better opportunities, a new research project is exploring the challenges faced by climate migrants and host communities in key urban areas.
Seas of change: Scaling up CO2 removal using the oceans a crucial part of addressing the effects of climate change
Reducing CO2 emissions is part of the public discourse on addressing climate change, but what are we doing to remove CO2 that’s already been emitted? The de Lannoy Lab in McMaster Engineering is exploring how the oceans can be used to sustainably remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Graduate student from Botswana motivated to create change in clean energy and engineering representation
Mechanical engineering graduate student Mercy Budu reflects on the importance of women in engineering and clean energy research.
McMaster engineers are advancing automotive and nuclear technologies for a sustainable future
Professor Joey Kish is part of a team engaging in applied research to enhance structural materials performance in automotive applications small modular reactors.
Forging a greener future: Leili Tafaghodi’s research puts steel sustainability in the spotlight
Associate Professor Leili Tafaghodi and her team of students are exploring greener ways to make iron and steel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Transforming agri-food waste into high-value bioproducts
Shakirudeen Salaudeen, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is the recipient of a grant that will be leveraged to advance his research in agri-food waste.
Sustainable energy and the promise of metal-water reactors
Keena Trowell, a professor of mechanical engineering, is tackling the big question of how we can easily store and transport renewable energy so it can get to communities in need.
Alumni Blueprints: Improving access to clean water
Mac Eng alum, Aidan Ritchie-Dickinson, is improving access to clean drinking water for First Nations communities across Ontario.
McMaster Engineering research project aims to help trucking fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles
A new initiative led by McMaster’s Institute for Transportation and Logistics (MITL) seeks to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) within Canada’s trucking industry.
Inaugural Climate Action Research Scholars turn up the heat on decarbonization
and Mary Pangowish
The inaugural cohort of Climate Action Research Scholars are working with energy experts and graduate students to develop skills to tackle climate change.
Community Energy Transition Workshop unites nationwide partners and researchers for dialogue on energy security in northern and remote communities
As Canada and First Nations look to a future of achieving safe, reliable and zero-emission energy, collaboration with residents from northern and remote communities is key to exploring viable and long-lasting solutions. The need to build relationships and mutual understanding inspired a two-day Community Energy Transition Workshop at McMaster.
McMaster takes another step toward campus decarbonization with federal support
McMaster University is cutting its carbon footprint with two decarbonization projects that are expected to reduce campus emissions by nearly 4 per cent, with help from mechanical engineering professor Jim Cotton. Supported by $1.4 million in government funding, the environmental benefits are equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road each year.
Putting it into Practice featuring Gopal Uppalapati
Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology student Gopal Uppalapati applied his passion for sustainability and technological skills to address crop yield concerns in Eastern Uganda.
McMaster researchers create predictive AI models to protect cities from climate damage
Using ‘digital twins’ technology, a McMaster team created an evolving virtual model of Calgary based on real data, which accurately predicted the catastrophic 2013 flood, allowing them to suggest ways the city could have mitigated its impact.
Closing the loop: Creating a circular vinyl economy requires academic and industry collaboration
It’s highly flexible, light weight, low cost to manufacture and serves multiple functions. The ubiquity of polyvinyl chloride – or PVC – in our day to day lives points to an abundance of applications. What’s sorely lacking are adequate practices for recycling and reuse.