Meet Team SWIGS for 2025-26 school year
Luana Camelo
Civil and Environmental Engineering
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.
Kushani Abesekara
Civil and Environmental Engineering
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.
Jordan Li
Earth and Environmental Science
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!
Cory Barstow
Biology
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.
Ben DePetris
Geography
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. Before starting my Master’s degree, I completed a Bachelor's degree in Geography at UWaterloo, where I was strongly involved with my undergraduate student association. In my role as Vice-chair operations, I hope to keep Water Students informed about all of the great events SWIGS will be running.
Michael Chislett
Civil and Environmental Engineering
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 Social role.
Madeline Ho
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 filtration systems. Before coming to Waterloo, I completed a Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Urban Studies at the University of Toronto. As Vice-Chair Outreach, I look forward to creating opportunities for students to connect and engage with SWIGS and the broader community.
Keira Hum
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.