Principal Investigator

  • Antonia Tannert Von Baer

    Undergraduate Student-Summer intern
    Antonia, a UNBC undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, joined the MATTER team as a summer intern, working closely with Dr. Banchamlak on ongoing biopolymer research projects. During her placement, she contributed to laboratory work focused on sustainable biopolymer-based materials, gaining hands-on experience in material preparation, testing, and…
  • Liam Sinclair

    Undergraduate Student-Summer intern and Co-Op
    Liam, a UNBC undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry, joined the MATTER team as a summer intern/co-op student, working closely with Dr. Banchamlak on ongoing biopolymer research projects. During his placement, he contributed to laboratory work focused on sustainable biopolymer-based materials, gaining hands-on research experience in material preparation, testing, and data…
  • Amn Hassan

    Graduate Student
    Amn is a graduate student with the MATTER team, working on the development of active and sustainable food packaging materials. Her research focuses on modifying kraft paper with advanced PLA-based coatings and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to improve barrier performance, structural integrity, and functional properties. Through this work, she aims to…
  • Rohan Rajagopal

    Graduate Student
    Hands-on involvement in field studies of biochar application in brownfield sites advancing the use of wastewater-treatment biomass–derived biochar for brownfield reclamation (legacy oil-contaminated soils), gaining real-world experience in environmental science and remediation. Being part of a project that directly addresses environmental sustainability and contributes to the development of innovative waste…
  • Maryam Ghaffarzadeh

    Graduate Student (PhD)
    Maryam joined the MATTER team in September 2025 as a PhD candidate working on a Mitacs-funded collaboration with Canfor Pulp Ltd. Her research focuses on developing sustainable and value-added solutions for British Columbia’s pulp and paper sector by investigating alternative fibre sources, recycling strategies, and innovative product development pathways. Through…
  • Yinchun Guo

    Graduate Student
    Yinchun Guo, an MSc student in analytical chemistry, specializes in developing MOF-based adsorbents for SVOC sampling and measurement. As part of the Matter team at UNBC from 2023 to 2025, she is focused on advancing chemical analysis techniques.
  • Waranya Wataniyakun

    International Visiting Ph.D. Student

    Waranya (Ping) Wataniyakun, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC during Summer 2023, is a Ph.D. candidate in polymer chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. Her diverse academic background spans chemical and biomolecular engineering to food biotechnology.

  • Tina Fathalipour Ardabili

    Graduate Student (PhD)
    Tina holds a BSc and MSc in Physics and began her PhD in Environmental Science at UNBC in September 2025. She is currently a PhD Candidate and a member of the MATTER biopolymers research team. Her research focuses on developing sustainable lignin-based biopolymers using 3D printing and advanced processing techniques,…
  • Sunil Walia

    Mitacs Elevate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Sunil Walia, Ph.D., specializes in material chemistry with a focus on developing novel adsorbents from foam glass for nutrient recovery from wastewater. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2022, he is committed to innovating sustainable water treatment solutions.

  • Sophie Ngo

    Canada Summer Job Intern

    Sophie Ngo, a Canada Summer Job intern in 2022, focused on the development and characterization of novel biodegradable polymers for food packaging purposes, contributing to sustainable packaging solutions.

  • Simisola Idim

    Graduate Student

    Simisola Idim, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on modifying the composting process of chicken manure using natural and Mg-modified zeolite to generate a high-nutrient product, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

  • Shohreh Mohammadi

    Graduate Student (PhD)
    Shohreh is a PhD Candidate working on the project titled “Development and Validation of an Analytical Method for Airborne Chromium Speciation and Field Comparison Study.” Her research focuses on developing and validating a robust analytical method to accurately distinguish and quantify trivalent (Cr(III)) and hexavalent (Cr(VI)) chromium species in airborne…
  • Shaghayegh Naghdi

    International Visiting PhD. Student

    Shaghayegh Naghdi, an international visiting Ph.D. student in 2021, focused on molecular material chemistry, specifically on selective ligand removal to enhance the accessibility of active sites in hierarchical Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), contributing to advancements in materials science.

  • Sebastian Tannert

    Summer Student
    Completing bachelor of science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UNBC, assisting in the NALS laboratory with ICP and EA processes. Also helping Leyla Doudey on her WorkSafe BC project, to determine the feasibility of using DRS to analyze both inhalable and respirable particulate fractions from welding shop fumes.
  • Sarah Wood

    Undergraduate Research Student

    Sarah Wood, an undergraduate research student at UNBC (2023-2024), focuses on developing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for drug delivery, aiming to enhance the efficiency and targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals.

  • Sara Haghjoo

    International Visiting PhD Student

    Sara Haghjoo, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC (2021-2022), focused on material chemistry, specifically developing CFA-derived zeolite for the removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from contaminated media, enhancing environmental remediation techniques.

  • Sakshi Satish

    Summer Student

    Sakshi Satish, an undergraduate intern in 2019, focused her honor thesis on the synthesis of chitosan-coated MIL-100(Fe) for drug delivery, exploring innovative applications in biomedical engineering.

  • Saki Kondo

    Graduate Student

    Saki Kondo, an MSc student at UNBC from 2017 to 2020, focused on developing modified zeolite for phosphate removal from eutrophic lake water, contributing to environmental conservation and water quality improvement.

  • Sahar Ebadzadsahraei

    Graduate Student

    Sahar Ebadzadsahraei, an MSc student at UNBC from 2017 to 2020, focused on environmental PM2.5 air sampling and analyzing their chemical composition, contributing to air quality research and public health studies.

  • Saeed Bagherifam,

    Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Saeed Bagherifam, Ph.D., specializes in environmental chemistry with a focus on arsenic removal from contaminated soil and its potential reuse. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2023, he is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for soil decontamination.

  • Fatemeh Nouroozi

    Graduate Student
    Fatemeh Nouroozi is an NRESi  Ph.D. candidate (environmental science), and her project focuses on MOF
  • Ryan Koyanagi

    Eco-Canada Summer Intern

    Ryan Koyanagi, an Eco-Canada Summer Job intern in 2023, focused on method development for wastewater analysis, aiming to improve techniques for environmental monitoring and safety.

  • Prof. Siavash Nouroozi

    Visiting International Researcher
    Dr. Siavash Nouroozi is a Visiting International Researcher at the MATTER Lab. His research focuses on automated flow analysis, optical sensors, and the development of bio and nanosensors, with a strong emphasis on green analytical chemistry. His work is dedicated to advancing sustainable methodologies in analytical science.
  • Prof. Ali Bumajdad

    International Visiting Researcher

    Ali Bumajdad, an international visiting researcher at UNBC in Summer 2017, is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Kuwait University. His expertise contributes significantly to the field through ongoing research and scholarly activities.

  • Prof. Aderonke O. Oyeyiola

    Research Associate / Post Doc
    Aderonke O. Oyeyiola, Ph.D., a visiting researcher at UNBC (2023-2024), focuses on analytical and environmental chemistry. Her project involves the development, characterization, and optimization of low-cost, environmentally friendly adsorbents for nutrient removal and recovery in wastewater.
  • Oshini Kottagodage

    Summer Student

    Oshini Kottagodage, an undergraduate researcher at UNBC (2023-2024), focuses on developing MOFs for the removal of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) from wastewater, contributing to advancements in water treatment technologies.

  • Navjot Kaur

    Graduate Student

    Navjot Kaur, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on utilizing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capturing and conversion, aiming to advance technologies in carbon management and environmental sustainability.

  • Nasim Ghavidel

    Mitacs Elevate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Nasim Ghavidel, Ph.D., specializes in chemistry and material science with a focus on developing an eco-friendly Styrofoam substitute for sustainable food packaging. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2021, she is dedicated to enhancing eco-friendly packaging solutions.

  • Mya Schouwenburg

    Graduate Student

    Mya Schouwenburg is a current MSc NRES student at UNBC, specializing in Chromium Speciation in Workplace Air. Her research focuses on the environmental and health impacts of chromium exposure in industrial settings.

  • Muhammad Tahir

    Graduate Student
    Muhammad, a Masters student in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), joined the Matter team in 2024. With a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, his research focuses on testing new biodegradable and compostable biopolymers. His work aims to address environmental challenges…
  • Mostafa Marzi

    International Visiting PhD Student

    Mostafa Marzi, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC from 2019 to 2021, focused on nutrient management in soil and water using modified clay and zeolites, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

  • Mohammad Kavand

    Mitacs Elevate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Mohammad Kavand, Ph.D., specializes in chemical engineering with a focus on engineered clay as a novel phosphorus sorbent. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2022, he is dedicated to advancing environmental remediation technologies.

  • Mohammad Hossein Aboonasr Shiraz

    International Visiting PhD. Student

    Mohammad Hossein Aboonasr Shiraz, a visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC during Summer 2019, focused on the facile preparation of porous carbon from a metal-organic framework (MOF) to confine selenium. His project also explored protecting the Se/CZIF composite with an alucone coating through molecular layer deposition (MLD).

  • Melissa Becerril Medina

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Melissa Becerril Medina, a Mitacs Globalink Intern in Summer 2019, worked on air pollution monitoring and control for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), contributing to advancements in environmental health and safety.

  • Maria De La Rosa

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Maria De La Rosa, a bachelor’s chemistry student in Colombia, is a Mitacs Globalink Intern in 2024. She collaborates on a project focusing on air pollution monitoring and control for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) through materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs).

  • Mandeep Kaur

    Graduate Student

    Mandeep Kaur, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on developing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capturing and conversion, contributing to climate change mitigation and sustainable environmental practices.

  • Madeline Clarke

    Canada Summer Job Intern

    Madeline Clarke, a Canada Summer Job intern in 2022 and 2023, worked on two key projects: designing and constructing a rotating air sampler for workplace air quality research in 2022, and developing and characterizing novel biodegradable polymers in 2023.

  • Lon Kerr

    Graduate Student

    Lon Kerr, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on developing zeolite-based antibacterial compounds for water purification, enhancing methods for ensuring cleaner and safer water supplies.

  • Leila Doudey

    Graduate Student
    Leila Doudey, a Master’s student and former international visiting Ph.D. candidate at UNBC (2022-2023), focuses on the valorization of Tunisian dam sediments into zeolitic materials and their environmental applications, exploring sustainable solutions in chemistry.
  • Hossein Zeinalzadeh

    Graduate Student

    Hossein Zeinalzadeh, an MSc student at UNBC from 2021 to 2023, focuses on CO2 capturing and conversion using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), contributing to advancements in sustainable environmental technologies.

  • Hossein Roohollahi

    Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Post-doctorate
    Hossein Roohollahi, Ph.D., specializes in chemical engineering with a focus on plant-based biopolymers for various applications. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2023, he is dedicated to advancing the development of sustainable materials.
  • Hossein Kazemian

    Professor, Environmental Sciences Program, GEES Department, Faculty of Environment
    I lead Northern Analytical Laboratory Services (NALS) and the MATTER Lab at the University of Northern British Columbia, where our team works at the intersection of environmental and materials chemistry. As a team leader, I am passionate about mentoring emerging scientists, supporting collaborative research, and advancing sustainable solutions for environmental…
  • Hoorieh Jahanbani

    Research Associate and Post-doctoral fellow

    Hoorieh Jahanbani, Ph.D., specializes in organic chemistry with a focus on bio-MOF synthesis and applications. As a research associate and post-doctoral fellow at UNBC since 2021, she is dedicated to advancing the field of organic materials for diverse applications.

  • Helena Mirzabeigi

    Graduate Student

    Helena Mirzabeigi, an MSc student at UNBC (2022-2024), specializes in chemical engineering. Her research focuses on the development and characterization of novel biodegradable polymers for food packaging, aiming to advance sustainable packaging solutions.

  • Harsh R Darji 

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Harsh R Darji, a Mitacs Globalink Intern in Summer 2022, worked on using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capturing and conversion, contributing to climate change mitigation through innovative carbon capture technologies.

  • Hanieh Askari

    International Visiting PhD student

    Hanieh Askari, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC (2023-2024), specializes in analytical chemistry. Her research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel nano-structured materials and microspheres, and the preparation of switchable hydrophilicity solvents for the preconcentration and removal of persistent organic po…

  • Habibollah Bahman

    Graduate Student

    Habibollah Bahman, a Master’s student and former international visiting Ph.D. candidate at UNBC (2022-2023), focuses on Polymer Engineering-Color Science and Technology. His research involves using Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) to remove dyes like Malachite Green, Methylene Blue, and Rhodamine B from solutions.

  • Gangbin Yan

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Gangbin Yan, a Mitacs Globalink intern during the summer of 2018, engaged in research that contributed to advancements in his field of study, furthering academic and practical knowledge through international collaboration.

  • Farzana Nargis

    Graduate Student

    Farzana Nargis, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on developing clay-based adsorbents for phosphate removal from eutrophic lake water, contributing to the restoration and maintenance of aquatic ecosystems.

  • Farideh Barghak

    Graduate Student

    Farideh Barghak, a Master’s student and former international visiting Ph.D. candidate at UNBC (2022-2023), specializes in analytical chemistry. Her research involves synthesizing and characterizing modified yolk-shell and core-shell magnetic nanoparticles, with applications in dye and pesticide removal.

  • Emily Brown

    Summer intern
    Emily Brown first joined us as a summer intern in 2021, where she focused on the synthesis and utilization of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for the removal of glyphosate from water, contributing to the development of effective water purification technologies. She returned for the summer of 2022 to work on an…
  • Dr Rabelani Mudzielwana

    Visiting International Researcher
    Dr. Rabelani Mudzielwana is a visiting scholar. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda (South Africa). He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences in 2018 and has since built a vibrant research portfolio focused on…
  • Dorna Sobhani

    Graduate Student

    Dorna Sobhani, an MSc student at UNBC from 2020 to 2023, specializes in environmental science and chemical engineering. Her research focuses on developing a dual-functional adsorbent for the simultaneous removal of cationic and anionic nutrients from contaminated water bodies, contributing to water purification and environmental health.

  • Dominic Reiffarth

    Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Dominic Reiffarth, Ph.D., specializes in natural resources and environmental studies with a focus on solid waste management best practices. As part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2023, he is dedicated to developing cost-effective, sustainable solid waste solutions for rural regions of BC.

  • Diana Carrillo Vazquez

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Diana Carrillo Vazquez, a chemical engineering undergraduate and Mitacs Intern, focuses on a project involving air pollution monitoring and control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).

  • Charles Bradshaw

    Graduate Student

    Charles Bradshaw, an MSc student at UNBC from 2020 to 2023, focuses on nutrient removal and management, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability and water quality through innovative research.

  • Behrad Mahmoudi Saati

    International Visiting Ph.D Student

    Behrad Mahmoudi Saati, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC (2022-2023), is a candidate in Coatings Science and Technology. His research focuses on the antimicrobial applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks and their composites, aiming to enhance protective coating technologies.

  • Banchamlak Bemerw Kassaun

    NSERC industrial Postdoc
    Banchi specializes in polymer chemistry and material science, focusing on developing an eco-friendly Styrofoam substitute for sustainable food packaging. She is dedicated to enhancing eco-friendly packaging solutions.
  • Ariadna López

    Graduate Student

    Ariadna López, a Mitacs Globalink Intern in 2021 and MSc student at UNBC (2023-2025), collaborates on Climate Catalytic research and carbon remediation technologies, enhancing environmental sustainability through innovative solutions.

  • Ann Duong

    Graduate Student

    Ann Duong is a former PhD student with the Matter team at UNBC, focusing on industrial hygiene testing. Her research involved assessing the equivalency of the Disposable Respirable Sampler to the IOM for inhalable and respirable dust and metals sampling.

  • Anara Omarova

    International Visiting PhD Student

    Anara Omarova, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC (2019-2020), focused on the development of MOF-based SPME fibers for measuring volatile organic compounds in air, enhancing techniques for environmental monitoring and analysis.

  • Alfonso Diego Garza Isla

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Alfonso Diego Garza Isla, a Mitacs Globalink Intern in Summer 2019, focused on air pollution monitoring and control for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), aiming to enhance environmental air quality management.

  • Ahmad Jalil

    Graduate Student (PhD)
    Ahmad Jalil is a PhD candidate in the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies program at the University of Northern British Columbia and a long-standing member of the MATTER research team. With an academic background in health sciences and a strong interdisciplinary interest in environmental health, Ahmad’s doctoral research focuses on…
  • Adam Burkitt

    Eco Canada Intern

    Adam Burkitt, an Eco Canada Intern in Summer 2022, focused on nitrogen detection in water and soil samples, validating methods that enhance environmental monitoring and assessment.

  • Aatif Ali Shah

    Mitacs Elevate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Aatif Ali Shah, Ph.D., specializes in advanced materials and chemical engineering with a focus on hydrogen production through water electrolysis combined with wastewater treatment. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2022, he is dedicated to developing innovative energy solutions.

  • Aanchal Alagh

    Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Aanchal Alagh, Ph.D., specializes in nanotechnology with a focus on CO2 reduction and climate change mitigation. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2024, she is dedicated to developing nanotechnological solutions that address environmental challenges.

Current Members

  • Antonia Tannert Von Baer

    Undergraduate Student-Summer intern
    Antonia, a UNBC undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, joined the MATTER team as a summer intern, working closely with Dr. Banchamlak on ongoing biopolymer research projects. During her placement, she contributed to laboratory work focused on sustainable biopolymer-based materials, gaining hands-on experience in material preparation, testing, and…
  • Liam Sinclair

    Undergraduate Student-Summer intern and Co-Op
    Liam, a UNBC undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry, joined the MATTER team as a summer intern/co-op student, working closely with Dr. Banchamlak on ongoing biopolymer research projects. During his placement, he contributed to laboratory work focused on sustainable biopolymer-based materials, gaining hands-on research experience in material preparation, testing, and data…
  • Amn Hassan

    Graduate Student
    Amn is a graduate student with the MATTER team, working on the development of active and sustainable food packaging materials. Her research focuses on modifying kraft paper with advanced PLA-based coatings and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to improve barrier performance, structural integrity, and functional properties. Through this work, she aims to…
  • Rohan Rajagopal

    Graduate Student
    Hands-on involvement in field studies of biochar application in brownfield sites advancing the use of wastewater-treatment biomass–derived biochar for brownfield reclamation (legacy oil-contaminated soils), gaining real-world experience in environmental science and remediation. Being part of a project that directly addresses environmental sustainability and contributes to the development of innovative waste…
  • Maryam Ghaffarzadeh

    Graduate Student (PhD)
    Maryam joined the MATTER team in September 2025 as a PhD candidate working on a Mitacs-funded collaboration with Canfor Pulp Ltd. Her research focuses on developing sustainable and value-added solutions for British Columbia’s pulp and paper sector by investigating alternative fibre sources, recycling strategies, and innovative product development pathways. Through…
  • Shohreh Mohammadi

    Graduate Student (PhD)
    Shohreh is a PhD Candidate working on the project titled “Development and Validation of an Analytical Method for Airborne Chromium Speciation and Field Comparison Study.” Her research focuses on developing and validating a robust analytical method to accurately distinguish and quantify trivalent (Cr(III)) and hexavalent (Cr(VI)) chromium species in airborne…
  • Banchamlak Bemerw Kassaun

    NSERC industrial Postdoc
    Banchi specializes in polymer chemistry and material science, focusing on developing an eco-friendly Styrofoam substitute for sustainable food packaging. She is dedicated to enhancing eco-friendly packaging solutions.
  • Ahmad Jalil

    Graduate Student (PhD)
    Ahmad Jalil is a PhD candidate in the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies program at the University of Northern British Columbia and a long-standing member of the MATTER research team. With an academic background in health sciences and a strong interdisciplinary interest in environmental health, Ahmad’s doctoral research focuses on…
  • Hossein Roohollahi

    Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Post-doctorate
    Hossein Roohollahi, Ph.D., specializes in chemical engineering with a focus on plant-based biopolymers for various applications. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2023, he is dedicated to advancing the development of sustainable materials.
  • Tina Fathalipour Ardabili

    Graduate Student (PhD)
    Tina holds a BSc and MSc in Physics and began her PhD in Environmental Science at UNBC in September 2025. She is currently a PhD Candidate and a member of the MATTER biopolymers research team. Her research focuses on developing sustainable lignin-based biopolymers using 3D printing and advanced processing techniques,…
  • Yinchun Guo

    Graduate Student
    Yinchun Guo, an MSc student in analytical chemistry, specializes in developing MOF-based adsorbents for SVOC sampling and measurement. As part of the Matter team at UNBC from 2023 to 2025, she is focused on advancing chemical analysis techniques.
  • Prof. Aderonke O. Oyeyiola

    Research Associate / Post Doc
    Aderonke O. Oyeyiola, Ph.D., a visiting researcher at UNBC (2023-2024), focuses on analytical and environmental chemistry. Her project involves the development, characterization, and optimization of low-cost, environmentally friendly adsorbents for nutrient removal and recovery in wastewater.
  • Prof. Siavash Nouroozi

    Visiting International Researcher
    Dr. Siavash Nouroozi is a Visiting International Researcher at the MATTER Lab. His research focuses on automated flow analysis, optical sensors, and the development of bio and nanosensors, with a strong emphasis on green analytical chemistry. His work is dedicated to advancing sustainable methodologies in analytical science.
  • Fatemeh Nouroozi

    Graduate Student
    Fatemeh Nouroozi is an NRESi  Ph.D. candidate (environmental science), and her project focuses on MOF
  • Hossein Kazemian

    Professor, Environmental Sciences Program, GEES Department, Faculty of Environment
    I lead Northern Analytical Laboratory Services (NALS) and the MATTER Lab at the University of Northern British Columbia, where our team works at the intersection of environmental and materials chemistry. As a team leader, I am passionate about mentoring emerging scientists, supporting collaborative research, and advancing sustainable solutions for environmental…
  • Leila Doudey

    Graduate Student
    Leila Doudey, a Master’s student and former international visiting Ph.D. candidate at UNBC (2022-2023), focuses on the valorization of Tunisian dam sediments into zeolitic materials and their environmental applications, exploring sustainable solutions in chemistry.
  • Dr Rabelani Mudzielwana

    Visiting International Researcher
    Dr. Rabelani Mudzielwana is a visiting scholar. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda (South Africa). He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences in 2018 and has since built a vibrant research portfolio focused on…
  • Sara Haghjoo

    International Visiting PhD Student

    Sara Haghjoo, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC (2021-2022), focused on material chemistry, specifically developing CFA-derived zeolite for the removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from contaminated media, enhancing environmental remediation techniques.

  • Sarah Wood

    Undergraduate Research Student

    Sarah Wood, an undergraduate research student at UNBC (2023-2024), focuses on developing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for drug delivery, aiming to enhance the efficiency and targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals.

  • Sebastian Tannert

    Summer Student
    Completing bachelor of science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UNBC, assisting in the NALS laboratory with ICP and EA processes. Also helping Leyla Doudey on her WorkSafe BC project, to determine the feasibility of using DRS to analyze both inhalable and respirable particulate fractions from welding shop fumes.
  • Shaghayegh Naghdi

    International Visiting PhD. Student

    Shaghayegh Naghdi, an international visiting Ph.D. student in 2021, focused on molecular material chemistry, specifically on selective ligand removal to enhance the accessibility of active sites in hierarchical Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), contributing to advancements in materials science.

  • Simisola Idim

    Graduate Student

    Simisola Idim, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on modifying the composting process of chicken manure using natural and Mg-modified zeolite to generate a high-nutrient product, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

  • Sophie Ngo

    Canada Summer Job Intern

    Sophie Ngo, a Canada Summer Job intern in 2022, focused on the development and characterization of novel biodegradable polymers for food packaging purposes, contributing to sustainable packaging solutions.

  • Sunil Walia

    Mitacs Elevate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Sunil Walia, Ph.D., specializes in material chemistry with a focus on developing novel adsorbents from foam glass for nutrient recovery from wastewater. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2022, he is committed to innovating sustainable water treatment solutions.

  • Waranya Wataniyakun

    International Visiting Ph.D. Student

    Waranya (Ping) Wataniyakun, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC during Summer 2023, is a Ph.D. candidate in polymer chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. Her diverse academic background spans chemical and biomolecular engineering to food biotechnology.

  • Madeline Clarke

    Canada Summer Job Intern

    Madeline Clarke, a Canada Summer Job intern in 2022 and 2023, worked on two key projects: designing and constructing a rotating air sampler for workplace air quality research in 2022, and developing and characterizing novel biodegradable polymers in 2023.

  • Mandeep Kaur

    Graduate Student

    Mandeep Kaur, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on developing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capturing and conversion, contributing to climate change mitigation and sustainable environmental practices.

  • Maria De La Rosa

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Maria De La Rosa, a bachelor’s chemistry student in Colombia, is a Mitacs Globalink Intern in 2024. She collaborates on a project focusing on air pollution monitoring and control for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) through materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs).

  • Melissa Becerril Medina

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Melissa Becerril Medina, a Mitacs Globalink Intern in Summer 2019, worked on air pollution monitoring and control for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), contributing to advancements in environmental health and safety.

  • Mohammad Hossein Aboonasr Shiraz

    International Visiting PhD. Student

    Mohammad Hossein Aboonasr Shiraz, a visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC during Summer 2019, focused on the facile preparation of porous carbon from a metal-organic framework (MOF) to confine selenium. His project also explored protecting the Se/CZIF composite with an alucone coating through molecular layer deposition (MLD).

  • Mohammad Kavand

    Mitacs Elevate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Mohammad Kavand, Ph.D., specializes in chemical engineering with a focus on engineered clay as a novel phosphorus sorbent. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2022, he is dedicated to advancing environmental remediation technologies.

  • Mostafa Marzi

    International Visiting PhD Student

    Mostafa Marzi, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC from 2019 to 2021, focused on nutrient management in soil and water using modified clay and zeolites, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

  • Muhammad Tahir

    Graduate Student
    Muhammad, a Masters student in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), joined the Matter team in 2024. With a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, his research focuses on testing new biodegradable and compostable biopolymers. His work aims to address environmental challenges…
  • Mya Schouwenburg

    Graduate Student

    Mya Schouwenburg is a current MSc NRES student at UNBC, specializing in Chromium Speciation in Workplace Air. Her research focuses on the environmental and health impacts of chromium exposure in industrial settings.

  • Nasim Ghavidel

    Mitacs Elevate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Nasim Ghavidel, Ph.D., specializes in chemistry and material science with a focus on developing an eco-friendly Styrofoam substitute for sustainable food packaging. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2021, she is dedicated to enhancing eco-friendly packaging solutions.

  • Navjot Kaur

    Graduate Student

    Navjot Kaur, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on utilizing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capturing and conversion, aiming to advance technologies in carbon management and environmental sustainability.

  • Oshini Kottagodage

    Summer Student

    Oshini Kottagodage, an undergraduate researcher at UNBC (2023-2024), focuses on developing MOFs for the removal of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) from wastewater, contributing to advancements in water treatment technologies.

  • Prof. Ali Bumajdad

    International Visiting Researcher

    Ali Bumajdad, an international visiting researcher at UNBC in Summer 2017, is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Kuwait University. His expertise contributes significantly to the field through ongoing research and scholarly activities.

  • Ryan Koyanagi

    Eco-Canada Summer Intern

    Ryan Koyanagi, an Eco-Canada Summer Job intern in 2023, focused on method development for wastewater analysis, aiming to improve techniques for environmental monitoring and safety.

  • Saeed Bagherifam,

    Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Saeed Bagherifam, Ph.D., specializes in environmental chemistry with a focus on arsenic removal from contaminated soil and its potential reuse. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2023, he is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for soil decontamination.

  • Sahar Ebadzadsahraei

    Graduate Student

    Sahar Ebadzadsahraei, an MSc student at UNBC from 2017 to 2020, focused on environmental PM2.5 air sampling and analyzing their chemical composition, contributing to air quality research and public health studies.

  • Saki Kondo

    Graduate Student

    Saki Kondo, an MSc student at UNBC from 2017 to 2020, focused on developing modified zeolite for phosphate removal from eutrophic lake water, contributing to environmental conservation and water quality improvement.

  • Sakshi Satish

    Summer Student

    Sakshi Satish, an undergraduate intern in 2019, focused her honor thesis on the synthesis of chitosan-coated MIL-100(Fe) for drug delivery, exploring innovative applications in biomedical engineering.

  • Farideh Barghak

    Graduate Student

    Farideh Barghak, a Master’s student and former international visiting Ph.D. candidate at UNBC (2022-2023), specializes in analytical chemistry. Her research involves synthesizing and characterizing modified yolk-shell and core-shell magnetic nanoparticles, with applications in dye and pesticide removal.

  • Farzana Nargis

    Graduate Student

    Farzana Nargis, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on developing clay-based adsorbents for phosphate removal from eutrophic lake water, contributing to the restoration and maintenance of aquatic ecosystems.

  • Gangbin Yan

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Gangbin Yan, a Mitacs Globalink intern during the summer of 2018, engaged in research that contributed to advancements in his field of study, furthering academic and practical knowledge through international collaboration.

  • Habibollah Bahman

    Graduate Student

    Habibollah Bahman, a Master’s student and former international visiting Ph.D. candidate at UNBC (2022-2023), focuses on Polymer Engineering-Color Science and Technology. His research involves using Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) to remove dyes like Malachite Green, Methylene Blue, and Rhodamine B from solutions.

  • Hanieh Askari

    International Visiting PhD student

    Hanieh Askari, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC (2023-2024), specializes in analytical chemistry. Her research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel nano-structured materials and microspheres, and the preparation of switchable hydrophilicity solvents for the preconcentration and removal of persistent organic po…

  • Harsh R Darji 

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Harsh R Darji, a Mitacs Globalink Intern in Summer 2022, worked on using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capturing and conversion, contributing to climate change mitigation through innovative carbon capture technologies.

  • Helena Mirzabeigi

    Graduate Student

    Helena Mirzabeigi, an MSc student at UNBC (2022-2024), specializes in chemical engineering. Her research focuses on the development and characterization of novel biodegradable polymers for food packaging, aiming to advance sustainable packaging solutions.

  • Hoorieh Jahanbani

    Research Associate and Post-doctoral fellow

    Hoorieh Jahanbani, Ph.D., specializes in organic chemistry with a focus on bio-MOF synthesis and applications. As a research associate and post-doctoral fellow at UNBC since 2021, she is dedicated to advancing the field of organic materials for diverse applications.

  • Hossein Zeinalzadeh

    Graduate Student

    Hossein Zeinalzadeh, an MSc student at UNBC from 2021 to 2023, focuses on CO2 capturing and conversion using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), contributing to advancements in sustainable environmental technologies.

  • Lon Kerr

    Graduate Student

    Lon Kerr, an MSc student at UNBC from 2019 to 2022, focused on developing zeolite-based antibacterial compounds for water purification, enhancing methods for ensuring cleaner and safer water supplies.

  • Anara Omarova

    International Visiting PhD Student

    Anara Omarova, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC (2019-2020), focused on the development of MOF-based SPME fibers for measuring volatile organic compounds in air, enhancing techniques for environmental monitoring and analysis.

  • Ann Duong

    Graduate Student

    Ann Duong is a former PhD student with the Matter team at UNBC, focusing on industrial hygiene testing. Her research involved assessing the equivalency of the Disposable Respirable Sampler to the IOM for inhalable and respirable dust and metals sampling.

  • Ariadna López

    Graduate Student

    Ariadna López, a Mitacs Globalink Intern in 2021 and MSc student at UNBC (2023-2025), collaborates on Climate Catalytic research and carbon remediation technologies, enhancing environmental sustainability through innovative solutions.

  • Behrad Mahmoudi Saati

    International Visiting Ph.D Student

    Behrad Mahmoudi Saati, an international visiting Ph.D. student at UNBC (2022-2023), is a candidate in Coatings Science and Technology. His research focuses on the antimicrobial applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks and their composites, aiming to enhance protective coating technologies.

  • Charles Bradshaw

    Graduate Student

    Charles Bradshaw, an MSc student at UNBC from 2020 to 2023, focuses on nutrient removal and management, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability and water quality through innovative research.

  • Diana Carrillo Vazquez

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Diana Carrillo Vazquez, a chemical engineering undergraduate and Mitacs Intern, focuses on a project involving air pollution monitoring and control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).

  • Dominic Reiffarth

    Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Dominic Reiffarth, Ph.D., specializes in natural resources and environmental studies with a focus on solid waste management best practices. As part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2023, he is dedicated to developing cost-effective, sustainable solid waste solutions for rural regions of BC.

  • Dorna Sobhani

    Graduate Student

    Dorna Sobhani, an MSc student at UNBC from 2020 to 2023, specializes in environmental science and chemical engineering. Her research focuses on developing a dual-functional adsorbent for the simultaneous removal of cationic and anionic nutrients from contaminated water bodies, contributing to water purification and environmental health.

  • Emily Brown

    Summer intern
    Emily Brown first joined us as a summer intern in 2021, where she focused on the synthesis and utilization of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for the removal of glyphosate from water, contributing to the development of effective water purification technologies. She returned for the summer of 2022 to work on an…
  • Aanchal Alagh

    Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Aanchal Alagh, Ph.D., specializes in nanotechnology with a focus on CO2 reduction and climate change mitigation. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2024, she is dedicated to developing nanotechnological solutions that address environmental challenges.

  • Aatif Ali Shah

    Mitacs Elevate Industrial Post-doctorate

    Aatif Ali Shah, Ph.D., specializes in advanced materials and chemical engineering with a focus on hydrogen production through water electrolysis combined with wastewater treatment. Part of the Matter team at UNBC since 2022, he is dedicated to developing innovative energy solutions.

  • Adam Burkitt

    Eco Canada Intern

    Adam Burkitt, an Eco Canada Intern in Summer 2022, focused on nitrogen detection in water and soil samples, validating methods that enhance environmental monitoring and assessment.

  • Alfonso Diego Garza Isla

    Mitacs Globalink Intern

    Alfonso Diego Garza Isla, a Mitacs Globalink Intern in Summer 2019, focused on air pollution monitoring and control for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), aiming to enhance environmental air quality management.