Profiles

Geography

bdepetri@uwaterloo.ca  

I am a Master’s student in Geography (Water Program), working within the Biogeochemistry Lab. My research involves investigating nutrient dynamics and transport at a watershed scale. I focus particularly on the legacy of various phosphorus fractions within the Grand River watershed and its contributions towards eutrophication. During last year's SWIGS Council, I served as Vice Chair Operations. In my role as Chair, I hope to maintain and build upon many of the great events and opportunities SWIGS has to offer to students interested in water on campus.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

lcamelo@uwaterloo.ca

I’m a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Water Program), where I study how wetland hydrology affects their ability to retain nutrients. My research looks at how water flow patterns shape residence times, uses machine learning to predict nitrogen and phosphorus exports, and connects these insights to improve wetland restoration and design. I like bringing together hydrology, biogeochemistry, and environmental modeling, with a focus on developing nature-based solutions to tackle water pollution. Before starting my PhD, I earned a master’s degree at the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering in Brazil.  

Civil and Environmental Engineering

klabesek@uwaterloo.ca

I am a Master’s student in the Civil & Environmental Engineering (Water) program. My research focuses on drinking water treatment, specifically using biofiltration to remove cyanotoxins produced by harmful algal blooms.  In this process, naturally occurring microorganisms break down the toxins, making biofiltration a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable treatment method.  With a strong background in biological sciences and chemistry from my bachelor’s degree in Sri Lanka, I bring an interdisciplinary perspective bridging biology and engineering to improve drinking water quality. 

Biology

cbarstow@uwaterloo.ca

I am a Master’s student in Biology (Water) with the StrEAMS Lab. For my research, I study the capacity of stream periphyton to take up and transform phosphorus during nutrient pulse events. Before coming to Waterloo, I completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at the University of Guelph, where I gained a strong interest in aquatic ecosystem science. I am excited to organize the upcoming World Water Day to showcase students’ research and host engaging speakers as Co-Vice Chair Conference.  

Earth and Environmental Science

j2374li@uwaterloo.ca  

I’m a Master’s student in the Earth and Environmental Science (Water Program). My research focuses on restored agricultural wetlands and their potential as nature-based solutions. I study the factors that shape their capacity to store carbon and release greenhouse gases. Before starting my Masters, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science at UWaterloo. As someone who has attended World Water Day since my undergraduate years, I’m excited to be Co-Vice Chair of this year’s conference to help organize the event, educate attendees on the importance of water, and highlight the interconnectedness of water research in driving sustainable solutions for both people and the environment! 

Civil and Environmental Engineering

michael.chislett@uwaterloo.ca 

I'm a PhD student in Civil Engineering (Water), conducting research with the River Hydraulics Research Group. Originally from Newfoundland & Labrador and having spent many summers “on the water,” I'm passionate about the intersection between fluvial systems and their impacts on (or impacts from) people and society. My current research focuses on process-based river restoration approaches to predictably induce the formation of pool-riffle morphologies; an essential ecological and hydraulic bedform. Before coming to the University of Waterloo, I studied Water Resources Engineering at the University of Guelph. I'm excited to foster meaningful, genuine connections and bring a community together through the Vice-Chair Academic role.

Earth and Environmental Science

nanasis@uwaterloo.ca

I’m a PhD Student in Earth Science (also in the Water Program). My research is in the accumulation of nitrogen in the subsurface, specifically in groundwater. I hope to model concentrations of nitrate across landscapes and to use this insight to evaluate human health exposure risk resulting from consumption. I completed my Master’s and undergrad at UofT Scarborough and then worked in the field as a hydrogeologist in training for a few years before deciding to expand my horizons and return to academia. With my stint in industry I can share a different perspective and hope to bring working world experience to the university and to community connections.  

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Earth and Environmental Science

parrumugam@uwaterloo.ca

I am a Master's student in the Earth and Environmental Sciences program, where I study groundwater and surface water connectivity on a regional scale. Using the results of numerical modelling and machine learning, my research looks into which areas have a significant amount of groundwater contributing to surface water, and vice versa. This research will help conservation authorities know which rivers are at higher risk of drying up due to groundwater extraction, and how to better protect native fish species that rely on a constant flow of water in the rivers they live in.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

oschowdhury@uwaterloo.ca 

I am a PhD Candidate in the Civil and Environmental Engineering program. My research interest revolves around drinking water treatment. I have worked with microbiological contaminant removal for a project during my undergrad and took a deep dive into microplastics in drinking water treatment to understand how and when they could pose potential health concerns. Currently, my research is focused on managing drinking water reservoirs to reduce the impacts of algae on raw water. Outside of school I enjoy running and doing music with friends. I love to play table tennis and spend the summer playing in the cricket league when I am not doing field work.

I'm a Master's student in Civil & Environmental Engineering (Water Program) with the WaterSTP Group. My research focuses on drinking water treatment, specifically on the impacts of wildfires on biofouling in membrane systems. Before coming to Waterloo, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Urban Studies at the University of Toronto. As Vice-Chair Operations, I look forward to engaging our graduate community through SWIGS events, updates, and opportunities.

I'm a Master's student in the Earth Science (Water) program, completing my research in the Ecohydrology Research Group. My research involves conducting field and lab experiments to evaluate the degradation potential of common and biodegradable plastics using hydrolytic enzymes. Before beginning my Master's, I completed my Honours BSc in Integrated Science, concentrating in Earth and Environmental Sciences, at McMaster University. As the Collaborative Water Program (CWP) Cohort 13 Representative, I hope to help the SWIGS team create a supportive community among graduate students and ensure there is clear communication with the CWP.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

azi.zebarjadian@uwaterloo.ca

I am a PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Water Program) at the University of Waterloo. My research focuses on hydrological modeling, reservoir operations, and water resources management under uncertainty. I am particularly interested in developing optimization approaches that incorporate practical operational constraints to support more realistic and implementable water management decisions. Before joining the University of Waterloo, I completed both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Civil Engineering at the University of Tehran, where my research explored climate change impacts and machine learning applications in hydrology. I enjoy combining hydrology, modeling, and decision-making tools to improve the sustainability and resilience of water systems.