NSERC CREATE Annual Conference
2026
“Training in Applied Biotechnology for Environmental Sustainability (TABES)”
Lachi Wankhede, Khyati Joshi & Tsai-Ping Liao (Hannah)
Graduate Student Research Excellence Awards
2026
Gaurav Bhardwaj
1st Place
Gurpreet Kaur
2nd Place
Juviya Mathew
3rd Place
For innovative and rigorous work on microplastics in wastewater treatment systems, advancing mechanistic understanding of their interactions with biological processes. Their research provides critical insights that inform more effective and sustainable wastewater treatment strategies, supported by an outstanding publication record (including 9 first-author peer-reviewed journal papers in high-impact journals), leadership, and mentorship.
For innovative research on coupling geothermal heating with BTEX bioremediation, advancing understanding of temperature-dependent biodegradation processes. Their work introduces a novel and sustainable framework for enhancing subsurface remediation with strong implications for engineering practice, supported by an impressive publication record (2 review articles, 3 research articles and 3 book chapters).
For strong contributions to microplastics detection in wastewater systems through the development of robust and sustainable analytical workflows. This work demonstrates notable methodological innovation, supported by an impressive publication record, including in Chemical Communications. The Nature Index–recognized publication underscores the global relevance and scientific impact of this approach to sustainable microplastic detection.
62nd Central Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research
2026
“Biodegradable vs. Conventional Microplastics: Impacts on Biological Wastewater Treatment”
Gaurav Bhardwaj
Maintenance, Engineering and Reliability (MER) Society Ed Patton Scholarship
(2025–2026)
This award from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum recognizes Khyati’s research excellence on the biomining of critical metals from industrial waste.
Khyati Joshi
Featured Research: Human Exposure and Health Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics
Our recent publication, featured on the cover of Applied Sciences (Vol. 15, Issue 16), explores critical human exposure pathways, distribution, and health implications of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). The study highlights how these pervasive plastic particles enter the body via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption, and details their potential toxic effects including oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. This work aims to advance understanding of the risks posed by MNPs and supports ongoing research to close existing knowledge gaps in environmental health.
Gaurav Bhardwaj, Khyati Joshi, Lachi Wankhede
York Region Research and Innovation Student Challenge
2025
Khyati Joshi
1st Place
Anastasiia Bolshakova
2nd Place
Gaurav Bhardwaj
3rd Place
Teaching Assistant Student Choice Award
2025-2026
Behnam earned the highest number of nominations from undergraduate students, reflecting his dedication to student learning. Students highlighted his accessibility, clear communication, and consistent support in helping them navigate the course material.
Behnam Nayebi
Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship
2025-2026
Awarded by the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, this prestigious scholarship recognizes outstanding graduate research that advances the Institute’s core themes of planetary health, global health and humanitarianism, and global health foresighting. Gaurav Bhardwaj received the 2025 DGHGS for his pioneering work on the fate and transport of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants, addressing critical challenges in planetary health.
Gaurav Bhardwaj
Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association University Scholarship
2025
This competitive scholarship, awarded by the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA), supports university students pursuing studies relevant to the onsite wastewater industry. Valued at $3,000, it recognizes academic excellence and commitment to environmental fields such as wastewater treatment, public health, and civil engineering.
Gaurav Bhardwaj
60th Central Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research
2025
“Detection of Microplastics in Wastewater and Sludge using Laser Direct Infrared Imaging”
Juviya Mathew
57th Canadian Mineral Processors (CMP) Conference
2025
“Valorization of oil sand tailings for critical metal recovery: What bioleaching could bring?”
Khyati Joshi
Annual Graduate Research Day
2025
“Biofilm Formation on Microplastics in Wastewater: Influencing Factors and Implications”
Gaurav Bhardwaj
Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award
2023-2024
Ginelle Krystle Aziz
59th Central Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research
2024
“Biochar as an Effective Adsorbent for Long-Chain PFCAs in Wastewater Treatment”
Sepideh Nasrollahpour
International In-situ Thermal Treatment (I2T2) Symposium
2023
“Analysis of Geothermal Heating Effects on BTEX Biodegradation using Novel Bacterial Strains Isolated from Borehole Soils “
Gurpreet Kaur
58th Central Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research
2023
Pratishtha Khurana
Canadian Geothermal Students’ Day
2022
Gurpreet Kaur
2021 Award to Best Doctoral Thesis
“Advanced biofilter systems for the efficient removal of microcystin-leucine arginine and major water pollutants”
http://espace.inrs.ca/id/eprint/10639/http://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061
pratik kumar
2021 Award to Best Theoretical Oriented Paper
“Simple Technoeconomic Approach to Chlortetracycline Removal from Wastewater Treatment Plant”
pratik kumar & rama pulicharla
2020 International Outreach Award
“Treatment and disposal of ciprofloxacin and its metal complexes in wastewater treatment plants”
http://inrs.ca/actualites/la-premiere-ceremonie-virtuelle-de-la-collation-des-grades-reussie
Agnieszka Cuprys
2020 Next Generation Scientist Award
“Biohydrogen production using crude glycerol as sustainable feedstock”
Vinayak Laxman Pachapur
2019 Save the Environment (STE) International Achiever Award
Distinguished Work i the Fields of Environmental Sustainability and Application of Green Chemistry as Ecological Alternatives to Chemical Antibiotics, bestowed for Social Impact
http://www.stenvironment.org/awards/steannual-awards2019
Satinder Brar
2019 Eddy Wastewater Process-Principles Medal
“Acute Impact of Chlortetracycline on Nitrifying and Denitrifying Process”
http://doi.org/10.2175/106143017X15131012153095
Rama Pulicharla & Satinder Brar
2017 University Research Award
“Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science “
http://www.aaees.org/e3scompetition/2017grandprize-universityresearch.php
Satinder Kaur Brar
2017 Ph.D. Innovation Award
“Biohydrogen production using crude glycerol as sustainable feedstock”
https://inrs.ca/actualites/collation-des-grades-des-prix-pour-des-diplomes-au-parcours-remarquable/