Queen’s researcher Pascale Champagne (Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering) has been awarded the 2020 Engineering Medal in the Research and Development category from Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). Presented in partnership with the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, the Ontario Professional Engineers Awards recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and their community.

"I feel humbled to have been recognized by the PEO and fellow Engineers for the long-term impact of my research and developments to the profession," says Dr. Champagne. "My research has focused on achieving sustainable development, including low energy and low impact eco-engineered systems for the treatment of wastewater, as well as using renewable resources in the creation of novel production of bioenergy, biofuels and bio-products. It is always wonderful to be recognized for something that you are passionate about and I feel privileged to have received this award."

Dr. Champagne is the Canada Research Chair in Bioresources Engineering and the Director of Queen’s Beaty Water Research Centre (BWRC). Her research investigates sustainable wastewater treatment strategies for downstream recovery of biofuels. This research will lead to better bioresource management and contribute to a new generation of technologies for treating waste, residuals, and biomass feedstocks. Under her direction, the interdisciplinary BWRC supports research under the four themes of water governance, use, resources, and quality.

Working with Queen’s researchers Michael Cunningham (Chemical Engineering, Chemistry), Philip Jessop (Chemistry) and Warren Mabee (Geography and Planning, School of Policy Studies), Dr. Champagne was also recognized with the NSERC Brockhouse Canada Prize in 2019. Given annually to only one research team across Canada, the award supports the team’s research in enhancing the value and sustainability of our natural renewable resources through collaboration.

As well, Dr. Champagne was recently inducted as a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering to recognize her distinguished achievements and career-long service to the engineering profession.

For more information about her research, listen to Dr. Champagne’s episode of Blind Date with Knowledge, a Research@Queen’s podcast.