Although there are over twenty faculty members from six Departments and two Faculties participating in the Masters in Applied Sustainability program, the following faculty members have responsibility for coordination of the program and delivery of the two core courses: 1) Topics in Applied Sustainability and 2) Applied Sustainability Seminar Series.
Kent Novakowski
Dr. Novakowski and his graduate students conduct research in the areas of fluid flow and contaminant migration in fractured rock. Recent work has focused on the field measurement and numerical simulation of aqueous phase contaminant transport in large discrete fractures which pervade the dolostones and limestones common to the sedimentary basins of North America. Dr. Novakowski also develops semi-analytical and analytical-element models for the simulation of solute transport, the interpretation of hydraulic tests, and the design of capture zones in sparsely-fractured bedrock. Recently, Dr. Novakowski has become involved in collaborative research projects that are focused on understanding sustainable water supply and regional groundwater flow in complex fractured rock environments.
Alireza Bakhshai
Dr. Alireza Bakhshai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and is a member of the Interim Advisory Board for the Queen's Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research (ePOWER). His areas of research interest include high power electronics and applications, renewable energy conversion, and control systems. In addition, he has demonstrated his ability to apply his knowledge in an industrial context, contributing to the application of FACTS Controllers and of New Motor Drive Technologies for a Cold Rolling Mill at the Mobarakeh Steel Company in Iran.
Sadan Kelebek
Dr. Sadan Kelebek is an Associate Professor in the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining. He teaches courses related to methods of mineral separation, process plant design, flotation science and technology as well as mineral processing and the environment. His research focus in on the improved understanding and development of separation methods for minerals and metals in relation to recovery of value added products as well as minimization or elimination of environmental pollution.
Warren Mabee
Dr. Warren Mabee is an Assistant Professor in the School of Policy Studies and holds a joint appointment with the Department of Geography. He is the Director of the Queen's Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy (QIEEP) and is the Associate Director of the Sustainable Bioeconomy Centre (SBC). His research focuses on the interface between renewable energy policy and technologies, with particular emphasis on wood energy and biofuels. His interests also include environmental policy, international approaches to renewable energy development, and commercialization of new products and processes. In particular, he is interested in improving the uptake of new energy technologies, examining policy to support for renewable energy options, and the development of strategies to reduce our reliance upon fossil energy sources.
Gema Olivo
Dr. Gema Olivo is a Professor in the Department of Geological Science and Geological Engineering. As a mineral deposit geologist, her main research interest is to understand processes involved in the genesis of hydrothermal ore deposits, particularly precious metal deposits using a multidisciplinary approach. This involves integrating detailed mapping, petrographic, mineral chemistry, isotopic and fluid inclusion studies, whole-rock geochemistry, and ore and alteration mineral stability investigations. Understanding of these processes will allow for developing more refined genetic models, which will lead to better exploration strategies, improving the odds of success for global mineral exploration.
Brant Peppley, Director
Dr Brant Peppley is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He is the Canada Research Chair in Fuel Cells and is the Director of the Queen's-RMC Fuel Cell Research Centre (FCRC). His research interests include fuel cells, heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, hydrogen production and bio-energy. Fuel cells hold the promise of dramatically reducing our greenhouse gas emissions but there are technical challenges that need to be overcome. At FCRC, he is project leader on two research programs that will help develop the needed technologies. One study is designed to increase the conversion efficiency of biogas to electricity using high temperature fuel cells at landfill and wastewater treatment sites. The second study focuses on improving geographically remote fuel cell power systems, which could provide power in northern Ontario where diesel generators can cause significant environmental damage to sensitive ecosystems.
Jack Jeswiet
Dr. Jack Jeswiet is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. His research interests are in Environmental Design and Manufacturing and metal forming. Current work includes carbon emissions in manufacturing, rapid prototyping with sheet metal; incremental micro-plastic forming, development of friction sensors for metal forming and FEM of PM gear manufacture.
