I am interested in the diverse knowledge systems and participatory approaches (citizen science, youth engagement, community-based monitoring, Indigenous guardians, etc.) that contribute to community-led environmental decision making in resource-based and remote communities.
My current research explores the role of rural governance, place-based development, philanthropy, rural policy, community economic development, and rural immigration and mobility.
Our research is mainly focused on studying ultrafine biopolymeric and synthetic fibres produced by electrostatic spinning techniques. These versatile materials are being exploited in our laboratory for the encapsulation and triggered release of bioactive compounds.
Immigrant families settling the land, quilting bees, and ploughing matches are examples of some of the social and economic topics of early Ontario that link my work to the larger expertise of this University concerning agriculture and rural communities.
2.1 billion people lack safe drinking water at home and around 1.2 billion people have no access to electricity. My research focus is in the area of applied Thermofluids with particular interest in clean energy and clean water technologies.
