Current students

Denitrification is a vital microbial process within the nitrogen cycle, where nitrate (NO3⁻) is reduced to nitrogen gas (N2), thereby alleviating nitrogen pollution in aquatic environments. Traditionally, organic carbon sources have been recognized as the primary electron donors for denitrification. However, recent research has underscored the significance of sulfur compounds as alternative electron donors, especially in settings where organic carbon is scarce. The current paradigm acknowledges the coexistence of heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrifiers in completing the denitrification pathway.
Facultative sulfur-driven denitrification represents an innovative biological process that integrates sulfide oxidation with denitrification, providing a dual solution for wastewater treatment. This process leverages specific heterotrophic bacteria capable of oxidizing sulfide while concurrently reducing nitrates, effectively eliminating both sulfide and nitrogen compounds from wastewater. The facultative nature of these bacteria enables them to adapt to fluctuating oxygen levels, thereby enhancing the process's flexibility and efficiency. This presentation will delve into recent advancements in facultative sulfur-driven denitrification, with a focus on its application in engineered systems such as wastewater treatment plants and bioreactors. By exploring the mechanisms and benefits of this process, we aim to highlight its potential for improving wastewater management and contributing to sustainable environmental practices.

The Chemical Engineering Department is hosting a special graduate lecture on Optimization and simulation-based approaches to manage logistics of trucks and ships in large supply chains.

Please find attached the invitation with our new date, Thursday, Feb. 5^th. All are welcome but you must register to attend!

Even if you had previously registered, you must re-register, so we know how much delicious pizza we need to order for the new party date.

Hope to see you there!

Battery Workforce Challenge party

The Chemical Engineering Department is hosting a special graduate lecture on Optimizing Experiments: From Data-Driven to Intrusive Model-Based Methods. 

Abstract :

Humanity faces multiple converging crises such as pandemics, climate change, ecosystem degradation, and environmental pressures from rising global prosperity. We urgently need transformative solutions. At the same time, the past three decades have also witnessed sterling advances in genomics, synthetic biology, and computation, which have re-cast living systems as programmable platforms for innovation. Biology has now matured into a form of infrastructure - an enabling layer upon which solutions to health, the energy transition, material de-fossilization and the circular economy can be built.

Just as physical infrastructure underpinned the industrial age and digital infrastructure drives the current information age, biological infrastructure now offers the foundation for a sustainable one. Engineered biological systems can facilitate a more rapid response to emerging threats, enable sustainable resource recovery, as well as upcycle waste into high-value products. In this sense, biology is no longer confined to the laboratory; it is becoming the scaffolding of a new industrial paradigm where living and designed systems work in concert to sustain civilization.

Join us for a CERC Research Lecture by:
Professor Ruibing Wang PHD, FRSC
Wednesday, November 19th 1:30-2:30pm
PSE 7th Floor – 7303

Please join us for a Chemical Engineering Grad Fair on Thursday, October 23rd in PSE in the 1st Floor Ideas Clinic.

The event runs from 10:00am-12:30pm.

Come and learn about the exciting and innovative research happening in our department!

✅ Chat with profs about cutting-edge research
✅ Learn how you can get paid to do a research-based degree
✅ Discover how domestic students pay less than undergrad tuition
✅ Find out how you can finish a course-based Master’s in just 1 year
 

Did you know our researchers are making new feedstocks from algae, using machine learning to solve real-world problems, making biodegradable plastics from food waste, creating synthetic vascular grafts for bypass patients, and more.

Come and chat with us and stay for the candy bar! We'd love to see you there!

The Chemical Engineering Department is hosting a special graduate lecture on Polymeric Applications of Waste Mussel Shell. 

The Chemical Engineering Department is hosting a special graduate seminar on Materials and interfaces for the next generation batteries.