Meet the new faces of SWIGS
We’re excited to announce the newly elected executive committee of the Society of the Water Institute Graduate Students (SWIGS) for 2025–26! After a successful election this summer, the SWIGS team is ready to bring fresh energy, creativity and leadership to the year ahead.
Leading the team this year is Luana Camelo, a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Water Program), who will serve as Chair.
Luana will work with her fellow executives to create meaningful workshops, networking opportunities, social events and outreach that bring students together and strengthen the water research community on campus.
“This year, we are excited to strengthen the unique role SWIGS plays by fostering collaboration between disciplines and among international students in the Water Program,” said Camelo. “Solving water challenges takes diverse perspectives and strong connections, and our goal is to create spaces—through our workshops, networking, social events and World Water Day—where those connections can truly grow outside the classroom. Our first step will be to focus our limited resources on the events that bring the most value to students, learning from what has worked best in the past and making those experiences even stronger. We will work to improve attendance, strengthen collaboration between students, and ensure each event helps participants gain both professional skills and meaningful connections.
Meet the incoming SWIGS executive team:
Chair
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.
Co-Vice Chair Conference
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!
Co-Vice Chair Conference
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.
Vice-Chair Operations:
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 build a strong foundation to get as many events and initiatives going as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Vice-Chair Outreach:
Nicole Anasis
Earth and Environmental Science
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.
Vice-Chair Academics:
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.
Vice-Chair Social
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.
Congratulations from the Water Institute! We look forward to seeing what you have planned for SWIGS members in the upcoming academic year.