Training opportunities - please apply
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is important to the success of my research group. Individuals interested in pursuing graduate studies (or as undergraduate assistants) are encouraged to contact me (kelvin.ng@uregina.ca). I specifically encourage underrepresented groups in STEM field to join my research group, including but not limited to visible minorities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, Black people, Indigenous people, and persons with disabilities.
Arash Gitifar
PhD student (Sept 2023-present).
Arash Gitifar is a PhD student at the University of Regina. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran. He decided to pursue his graduate studies at a reputable university. He has published four papers (one journal article written in English, two journal articles written in Persian and one conference article written in English) and worked on various projects as co-author so far. His passion for research, driven by involvement in multiple projects, guided him toward this academic path. He enjoys playing online games and watching technology-related videos in his free time.
Prety Debnath
PhD student (Jan 2025-present).
Prety Debnath has completed her B.Sc. and M.S. in Environmental Science from University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. She has published her undergraduate project in Heliyon journal entitled “Drinking water quality of Chattogram city in Bangladesh: An analytical and residents' perception study”. Her M.S. thesis topic was on surface water quality of Bancharampur upazila in Brahmanbaria district, Bangladesh. After completing post-graduation she joined at a multinational company in sustainability department. There, she has worked on Science based Target Initiatives (SBTi), solar project, zero release of microfiber project. She is interested to research in wastewater treatment, solid waste management and environmental sustainability.
Chidiebere Kelvin Udeorji
PhD student (Jan 2025-present).
Chidiebere Kelvin Udeorji is an academic specializing in soil and water engineering within Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering. He earned his first degree with distinction from Imo State University in 2012, focusing on the bioremediation of crude oil-contaminated soil using Chromolaena odorata leaves and sawdust. In 2019, he completed his second degree in Water Resources Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Owerri. Since 2014, Udeorji, has held roles as Graduate Research Assistant, Assistant Lecturer, and currently as Lecturer II at Imo State University, with research interests in water quality management and environmental sustainability.
Fahima Islam Triptee
PhD student (Jan 2025-present).
Ms. Fahima is an environmental researcher specializing in soil, water, and environmental science. Before coming to U of R, she’s held BSc in Soil, Water, and Environment and MSc in Environmental Science from Dhaka University in Bangladesh. With experience in collaborative research on waste management, pollution control, and sustainability; she is passionate about solving critical environmental issues. Through her Ph.D., she aims to contribute to global environmental sustainability and create a better future for generations.
Omole Olayemi Olusola
PhD student (May 2025-present).
Olayemi earned her bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Her interest in environmental engineering blossomed early in life while working with an NGO on developmental projects in rural communities in Nigeria, which ultimately informed both her undergraduate and master’s thesis on the comparison of some assessment metrics in the pulp and paper industry in Nigeria and CO2 capturing using biomass, respectively. She has published one journal and co-authored two others. She is passionate about improving solid waste management systems, thereby inspiring her pursuit of a doctorate degree fully focusing on environmental system engineering.
Patience Adjo Darko-Budu
MASc student (Sept 2024-present).
Patience obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Her undergraduate thesis was "Suitable Sites for Integrated Composting and Recycling Plant in the Greater Kumasi, Ghana." Before coming to Regina, Patience worked as an Environmental Officer at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mines, Ghana, where she aided in conducting environmental monitoring activities for air, water, blast and meteorology. Her research interests are solid waste management, air pollution, and wastewater treatment.
Md Shahreer Jamil
MASc student (Sept 2024-present).
Md Shahreer Jamil pursued his BSc in Civil Engineering from BUET. After graduation, he completed a Govt. funded project as researcher related to wet weather maintenance technique of roads using PMB. Later he joined as a Research Officer (Technical) in a project funded by Bangladesh Climate Change Trust which is related to use of waste poleythene and other waste polymers for sustainable road development. These projects motivated him to pursue his future in solid waste management. He also has more than 4 years of teaching experience at a reputed private university of Bangladesh. His focus is on best use of solid waste, its management and economics related to it.
Abul Hossain Nayan
MASc student (Sept 2024-present).
Abul Hossain Nayan joined University of Regina as a master’s student in Environmental Systems Engineering. He completed his bachelor’s in Leather Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). During his bachelor’s, he worked on a research paper regarding heavy metals impact on soil, plants, and wastewater near the industrial area of Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. This helped and motivated him to work on waste. Now he is very interested in research in solid waste management, wastewater treatment, and waste to energy conversion.
Nicole Kistanov
MASc student (Jan 2026-present). Co-supervised with Dr. D. J. (Dave) Sauchyn.
Nicole Kistanov is continuing her studies at the University of Regina as a master’s student in Environmental Systems Engineering. She completed her Bachelor’s of Applied Sciences in Environmental Systems Engineering from the University of Regina. During her bachelor’s and into her master's program, she has continued her work as a Research Assistant at Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC). Her research interests focus on environmental sustainability, climate risk, and climate adaptation.
Sayma Chowdhury
MEng student (May 2025-present).
Sayma Chowdhury joined the University of Regina as a Master's student in Environmental Systems Engineering. She completed her Bachelor's in Environmental Science and Disaster Management from Daffodil International University (DIU), Bangladesh. During her Bachelor's she did research in detecting microplastics in river water and worked as a junior lab assistant. She worked for a Healthcare Projects company in facilitating research on the environmental impacts of hospital construction/waste management projects doing environmental assessments, and ensuring sustainable compliance. She aims to combat pollution by focusing on solid waste management research and development.
Ishan Bahadur Pradhan
MEng student (Jan 2026-present).
Ishan Bahadur Pradhan completed his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Swami Vivekanand University (SVN). He worked as an engineer and later became managing director of a construction and consulting engineering firm in Kathmandu, Nepal. During his tenure, he worked with various INGOs, government bodies and housing developers. Seeing the pollution of rivers, degradation of air quality index caused by unmanaged waste from residential and industrial areas in his hometown Kathmandu, his interest and motive to specialize in solid waste management got stronger.
Rumpa Chowdhury
Research Associate (Jan 2026-present).
Rumpa Chowdhury is a civil and environmental engineer specializing in nuclear and radioactive waste management and an alumna of the Waste Management System Design (WMSD) Lab at the University of Regina, Canada, where she earned her MASc in Environmental Systems Engineering with Dean’s Honours. She also holds an MSc and a BSc in Civil Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Her research leads advances in low-level radioactive waste disposal, nuclear fuel inventory analysis, and cross-jurisdictional sustainability across medical, agri-food, textile, plastic, and other solid waste systems. She has published extensively in leading peer-reviewed journals and received multiple academic and sustainability awards.
Abolfazl Gharaei, PhD
Postdoctoral fellow (Sept 2025-present).
Dr. Abolfazl Gharaei is a researcher with three postdoctoral fellowships in operations and project management, optimization, and sustainable systems at the University of Regina and Dalhousie University. He completed his PhD thesis at Kharazmi University in Iran. His current research will focus on sustainable waste management, where a key area of his work is the identification and ranking of potential sites for low-level waste (LLW) treatment and disposal facilities in Saskatchewan. Dr. Gharaei integrates data-driven decision-making and advanced modeling tools to deliver practical, sustainable solutions for waste management challenges.
Kumuduni N. Palansooriya, PhD
Postdoctoral fellow (Sept 2025-present).
Dr. Kumuduni N. Palansooriya is a researcher in the field of soil science and environmental remediation. She holds a PhD in Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering from Korea University and has expertise in biochar applications, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. With research experience across Canada, China, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, she integrates field and laboratory studies to develop sustainable strategies for improving soil health, controlling pollution, and enhancing climate resilience through environmentally responsible land management practices.
Alumni
Graduate students, RAs, and PDFs
Graduate students, RAs, and PDFs completed their training under my supervision/co-supervision:
Ms. Sharmin Jahan Mim, "Indicator-based assessment of post-consumer textile waste management in regional and cross-national contexts", MASc thesis (05/2023-12/2025) -Recipient of the 2025 Graduate Student Excellence Award (Innovation and Research); Nominated for Graduate Awards at the University of Regina.
Dr. Amy Richter, "End-of-life clothing and textile waste management", Postdoctoral Fellow (July 2023- Nov 2025)
Ms. Rumpa Chowdhury, "A Cross-Jurisdictional Framework for Radioactive Waste Management Integrating Nuclear Fuel Inventory and Low-Level Waste Disposal", MASc thesis (May 2023 -Aug 2025) - Nominated for Graduate Awards at the University of Regina.
Ms. Anika Tahsin Abha , "Improper Disposal and Collection of Hazardous Waste at Household Level", MASc thesis (Sept 2023 -Aug 2025)
Ms. Hillary Adu-Darko, "COVID-19 and Municipal Solid Waste: A Comparative Analysis Across Pandemic Phases", MEng Project (May 2023 - Apr 2025)
Dr. Nima Karimi, "Siting of deep geological repositories (DGRs) in Saskatchewan", Postdoctoral Fellow (Sept - Dec 2024)
Ms. Anica Tasnim, "Integrating stewardship and resource recovery: A dual-faceted analysis of e-waste and used oil management practices of Canadian provinces", MASc thesis (May 2023 - Nov 2024)
Ms. Tahlima Tasnim Sithi, "Contributions to the Ministry of Energy and Resources", MEng Coop (Sept 2022 - Aug 2024)
Mr. Farzin Naghibalsadati , "The Role of Modular Construction and BIM Technologies in Sustainable Construction and Demolition Waste Management", MASc thesis (Sept 2023 - Aug 2024) - Nominated for Graduate Awards at the University of Regina.
Mr. Sagar Ray, "Assessing construction and demolition waste generation rates using satellite imagery", MASc thesis (Sept 2022 - Mar 2024)
Mr. Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, "An evaluation on electronic waste management and product stewardship programs in North America", MASc thesis (Sept 2022 - Dec 2023)
Mr. Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud, "Effects of a global pandemic on the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste", MASc thesis (Sept 2021 - Apr 2023) - Nominated for Graduate Awards at the University of Regina.
Ms. Rafsan E Jeenat, "Analysis of Paint Waste Management in Canada", MEng project (Jan 2021 - Apr 2023)
Mr. Kenneth Kwaaboadu Adusei, "Modeling of Municipal Waste Disposal Behaviors related to Meteorological and Astronomical Seasons using Recurrent Neural Network Models", MASc thesis (May 2021 - Aug 2022)
Mr. Monasib Ahmed Romel, "Forecasting Waste Volume and Identifying Barriers of Canadian Photovoltaic Waste Management", MASc thesis, co-supervised with Dr. G. Kabir (Sept 2020 - Aug 2022)
Mr. Derek Mensah, "Assessment of Waste Management System Efficiencies and Waste Business Characteristics of Canadian Provinces", MASc thesis (Jan 2021 - July 2022)
Dr. Nima Karimi, "Developing Canadian solid waste management system at a regional level with the integration of remote sensing satellite imagery, machine learning tools, and GIS network analysis", PhD thesis (Apr 2022) - Nominated for Graduate Awards at the University of Regina.
Ms. Sanaalsadat Eslami, "Prediction of Waste Generation and Disposal Using System Dynamics Modeling", MASc thesis, co-supervised with Dr. G. Kabir (Dec 2021)
Mr. Abhijeet Ghosh, "Temporal and spatial analysis of landfills and transfer stations in Saskatchewan", MASc thesis (Dec 2021)
Dr. Hoang Lan Vu, "Application of machine learning approaches for prediction of municipal solid waste during COVID-19", Postdoctoral Fellow (Sept 2020-May2021)
Dr. Amy Richter, "Improving Data Driven Canadian Waster Management Policy Using GIS, Remote Sensing, and Other Advanced Techniques", PhD thesis (Apr 2021). Recipient of the President's Distinguished Graduate Student Award.
Mr. Damien ErnSyl Jon Bolingbroke, "Using Waste Diversion Indicators To Understand The Diversion Efficiency and the Materials Handled Efficiency of Canadian Solid Waste Management Systems", MASc thesis (Apr 2019)
Dr. Hoang Lan Vu, "Advanced numerical modeling techniques for Modern Waste Management Systems", PhD thesis (Dec 2018)
Mr. Senthuran Surendran, "Life cycle assessment of the use of beverage containers on cruise ships", MEng project (Dec 2018)
Ms. Conglian Pan, "Hydrochemical Assessment and Modelling of Groundwater Quality of an Urban Aquifer near a Sanitary Landfill", MASc thesis (Aug 2018)
Ms. Amy Richter, "Investigating the Nova Scotia Waste Management Model: Business and Financial Aspects", MASc thesis (Aug 2017)
Mr. Nathan Bruce, "Seasonal k and Independent Carbon Dioxide Approaches For First Order Decay Landfill Gas Modelling", MASc thesis (Dec 2016)
Ms. Aklima Zerin Asha, "Analysis and Comparison of Solid Waste Management Systems and Diversion Practices in Alberta and British Columbia", MASc thesis (Dec 2015)
Ms. Asma Akter Chowdhury, "An Analysis on Non-hazardous Waste Diversion and Recycling Trends in Ontario, Canada", MEng project (Aug 2015)
Mr. Rajesh Shrestha, "Ontario Waste Recycling Policies and Programs on MSW Management", MEng project (Aug 2015)
Ms. Meherun Nesha, "Design Principles and Regulatory Requirements for Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Gas Extraction and Leachate Collection Systems in Western Canada", MEng project (Apr 2015)
Ms. Yu Wang, "Non-hazardous Waste Generation Characteristics and Recycling Practices in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada", MEng project (Dec 2013)
Dr. Asha Srinivasan, "Removal of oil from water using fungal biosorption", PhD thesis, co-supervised with Dr. T. Viraraghavan (Jan 2012)
Mr. Muhammad Azam, "Land Applications of Bio-solids", MEng project, co-supervised with Dr. Y-C Jin (Sept 2011)
Mr. Khalid A. Zeinelabdin, "The Use of Electrical Conductivity Surveys for Long Term Monitoring of Saskatchewan Highway", MEng project, co-supervised with Dr. Y-C Jin (Jun 2011)
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Ms. Achwek Torki, University of Monastir, Tunisia. Mitacs GRI Project ID 46730, "End-of-life clothing and textile waste management" (06-08/2025)
Ms. Preeti Kumari, B.I.T. Sindri, India. Mitacs GRI Project ID 29638, "Modeling of municipal solid waste generation during COVID-19" (05-07/2023)
Ms. Amal Ben Abdallah, National Engineering School of Monastir, Tunisia. Mitacs GRI Project ID 20901, "Quantification of clothes and textile wastes generation and recycling behaviors" (06-08/2022)
Ms. Rihab Ben Amor, National Engineering School of Monastir, Tunisia. Mitacs GRI Project ID 20901, "Quantification of clothes and textile wastes generation and recycling behaviors" (06-08/2022)
Ms. Meriem Meskini, Mediterranean School of Business, Tunisia. Mitacs GRI Project ID 20901, "Quantification of clothes and textile wastes generation and recycling behaviors" (06-08/2022)
Mr. Mayank Singh, Delhi Technological University, India. Mitacs GRI Project ID 23621, "Modeling of municipal solid waste generation during COVID-19" (07-09/2021)
Ms. Zeineb Behi, Ecole National d’Ingénieur de Monastir, Tunisia. Mitacs GRI Project ID 17133, “"Smart campus and solar intensity assessment" (06–08/2019)
Ms. Yitong Chen, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China. Mitacs GRI Project ID 17110, "Cigarette butts, the World’s number 1 litter" (07–09/2019)
Ms. Priscila Dickinson, University of Regina, "CB littering and designed smoking areas on campus" (06–08/2017)
Mr. Ivan Hue, University of Ottawa, "Cigarette butt litters and indoor smoking policy" (05–08/2016)
Ms. Amy Richter, University of Regina, "Diversion practices in Eastern Canada" (05–08/2015)
Ms. Rafaela Mayumi Kawata, University of Regina, "Solid waste management industry in Eastern Canada" (04–08/2014)
Mr. Penghui Dai, University of Regina, "Solid waste management industry in Western Canada" (05–08/2014)
Final-year capstone design project students
BASc students completed their capstone design projects under my supervision/co-supervision:
Ms. Emma Grimsrud and Ms. Nicole Kistanov, "Green Infrastructure Pilot Project for the City of Regina" (04/2025). Recipients of the 2025 RCE Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Award - Honorable Mentions.
Ms. Josephine Craig Penner, Mr. Tommy Lien, Mr. Justin Peterson, "Pilot Project: Design of soil farm for Mosaic Belle Plaine" (04/2022). Recipients of the 2022 RCE Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Award.
Ms. Aimen Ejaz, Ms. Anukaranjit Bharthi, Ms. Ayesha Zahid, Ms. Tinsae Alemu, "Designing a compost system using styrofoam" (04/2021). Recipient of the 2021 RCE Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Award.
Mr. Mauz Asghar, Mr. Jungtaek Lee, Mr. Jay Ramler, Mr. Ghebrehiwet Zeremariam, "Design of a Conceptual Water Distribution System for the Village of Meath Park" (04/2020). Recipient of the 2020 RCE Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Award.
Mr. Matthew Bachelu, Mr. Bryan Kelly, Mr. Ethan Reoch, “Highway 2 Passing Lane Warrant and Design” (04/2019)
Ms. Nicole Cripps, Mr. Brady Eurich, and Mr. Brett Thomas, "Utilizing Landfill Waste Heat as a Heat Source for a City of Regina Facility" (04/2019). Recipient of the 2019 RCE Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Award.
Mr. Kelly Kovach, Mr. Romana Anmoaldeep, and Mr. Harley Barrett, "Sustainable Alternative Daily Cover for the City of Regina Landfill" (04/2018)
Ms. Keneni Debia and Mr. Jaime Cabrera-Melendez, "Feasibility study on anaerobic digester at Regina landfill" (04/2018) – a joint project with ISE (Students: Ms. Jasmyne Barton and Mr. Brennan Nguyen; Supervisor: A. Aroonwilas). Recipient of the 2018 Regina Engineering Society Project Day Award.
Mr. Dane Bueckert and Mr. Justin Baril, "Determining feasibility of small-scale methane bioreactors" (04/2017)
Mr. Brandon Purdue, Mr. Parker Shupe and Mr. Graem Johnston, "Placement and feasibility of Solar Powered Waste Disposal on University of Regina Campus" (04/2016). This project is selected and supported by the Sustainability and Community Engagement Fund, U of R.
Mr. Hussain Faris, Ms. Proyanka Kaura, and Mr. Lee Mackenzie, "Study on Waste Plastics Processing and Treatment in the City of Regina" (04/2016)
Ms. Cristina Isaza-Villegas and Ms. Hebly Soraya Cushicondor, "Conceptual Design of a Dewatering Facility for Storm-water Residuals and Hydro-excavation Material for the City of Regina" (04/2016)
Mr. Penghui Dai, Ms. Camille Jensen, and Mr. An Zhang, "Placement and Design of Recycling Systems in Riddell Centre at University of Regina" (04/2015)
Mr. Pablo Jaramillo, Ms. Minsoo Cho, Mr. Andres Palma and Mr. Jeeshan Ahmed, "Design of the University of Regina composting system using a decision matrix" (04/2015). This project is selected and supported by the Sustainability and Community Engagement Fund, U of R.
Mr. Evan Adler, Ms. Sarah Hudson, Mr. Evan Bahr, and Mr. Chad Bosgoed, "Operational Design and Economic Analysis for the Expansion of BEST landfarm’s Compost Facility" (04/2014).
Ms. Megan Semeniuk, Ms. Hilary Steinbach, and Ms. Nicole Spencer, "Alternative Methods for Disposing of Horizontal Drilling Waste" (04/2014)
Mr. Nathan Bruce and Ms. Milagro Vaquerano, "Designing a Lab Section of ENEV 422" (04/2014)
Ms. Erica Klein and Mr. Nikolaus Felsing, "University of Regina Organic Waste Composting" (04/2013)
Mr. Ying Shi and Mr. Qun Gu, "Leachate Collection System Design for landfill of Regina" (04/2013)
Mr. Ferozuddin Azizi and Mr. Kun Guo, "Design of a curbside recycling program for the City of Regina" (04/2013)
Mr. Damien Bolingbroke, Mr. Reid Lustig and Mr. Levi Paul, "Design of a Food waste composter at the RCMP Repot" (04/2012)
Mr. Yongzhe Yang and Mr. Yao Zhao, "Design of a Versatile Weighting System for Landfill Sites" (04/2011)
Mr. Matthew Stephenson and Mr. Kyle Grimard, "Modern Roundabout Design for Balgonie, Saskatchewan" (04/2011)
Ms. Brittany Fellner and Ms. Claire Amundsen, "Design Optimization of a community Gardens Composting System" (04/2011)
Ms. Na Ding and Mr. Zhuodan Feng, "Expansion of Regina Sanitary Landfill" (04/2010)
Mr. Mmoloki Masole and Ms. Chris Richards, "Integrated solid waste management model (ISWM) for the Education Building, U of R" (04/2010)
Mr. Xinren Chen, Mr. Xia Zhong, and Mr. Minfei Xiao, "Integrated Food Waste Management Plan at University of Regina" (04/2010)