Research Interests
Jen completed her MSc examining the occurrence and seasonal variability of pharmaceuticals in drinking water supplies in southern Ontario. Her research focused on the presence of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals in both raw and treated water from municipal drinking water facilities. Her MSc research was recognized with the Dean of Science Award (Biology).
Using solid phase extraction (SPE) and LC-MS/MS analysis, she detected a range of compounds, including lipid regulators, anti-inflammatories, and other commonly used pharmaceuticals at low concentrations. Her work showed that while conventional treatment processes did not fully remove some compounds, advanced treatment methods such as ozonation and granular activated carbon were more effective at reducing their presence.
She went on to complete her PhD in Germany with Thomas Ternes, where she studied iodinated X-ray contrast media in hospital wastewater and their fate in the environment, expanding her work on emerging contaminants and water treatment.