Perhaps I am biased because of my life as a professor, but getting students interested and involved in the challenges of waste management is something that I see as a vital part of our Centre's mandate. In this regard it was exciting to see and hear a number of excellent presentations from graduate students at our very successful Research Day, which was held at the University of Alberta last month. This event also provided a valuable opportunity for the student participants to network with presenters and attendees from our partner organizations and others from the 'real world'. 

 

At the undergraduate level, the Centre sponsors prizes for students in Environmental Engineering solid waste and wastewater/water supply design classes and, recently, I had the pleasure of presenting cheques to some of the winners at the University. We are also providing an opportunity for students from NAIT's Bachelor of Technology program to carry out a capstone research project relating to instrumentation at the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant. This has been very successful, and we are hoping to continue this program next year.

There is also an international dimension to our student involvement. This summer, in collaboration with the City of Edmonton's Waste Management Branch, we will be welcoming a student from Germany to work on an engineering internship in solid waste management.
All of these activities underline the truism that today's students will provide tomorrow's ideas and leadership in waste management, and it is important to provide opportunities for them to develop their interest and skills in this sphere. 

 

Best,

Dr. Jerry Leonard