Dr. Andrew Tanentzap, the Canada research chair in climate change and northern ecosystems at Trent University's School of the Environment, has received a Killam National Research Council (NRC) Paul Corkum Fellowship. The $150,000 award will support Professor Tanentzap's research advancing accessible water quality monitoring and community-based environmental stewardship.
With the Corkum Fellowship, Prof. Tanentzap will collaborate with researchers at the NRC's Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre to develop affordable, next-generation water sensors that provide real-time data on mercury contamination and other water quality concerns.
"With growing environmental challenges, we need to rethink how we monitor water quality. This fellowship allows us to accelerate our work in harnessing cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered data processing, miniaturized spectrophotometry, and real-time remote sensing to create a network of smart water sensors," said Prof. Tanentzap. "Our goal is to empower communities, especially in northern and Indigenous regions, with instant, actionable water quality data. Instead of waiting weeks for lab results, this research will help people assess water safety in real-time, making informed decisions about their health and environment and do so in an affordable way."
By leveraging AI-powered data processing and remote sensing, his work, alongside experts across Canada, aims to make advanced water monitoring more accessible and cost-effective for every community.
The Fourier Factor
Prof. Tanentzap is a leading expert on water quality, building a body of research for more than a decade on the naturally occurring compounds and microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems. In his research, Prof. Tanentzap's utilizes Trent's world-leading Water Quality Centre, home to a Fourier Transform-Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer, the only instrument of its kind in Eastern Canada. This multi-million-dollar technology allows for unparalleled precision in water analysis, detecting contaminants, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and even microplastics in fine detail. Trent's use of this advanced instrumentation places the University at the forefront of water quality and contaminant research, enabling scientists to uncover new insights, and provide communities with more accurate data on their water sources.
As part of the fellowship, Prof. Tanentzap will be working in northern communities, building on his strength in applied field work, to test the remote sensors. He will also engage in knowledge mobilization and outreach efforts, including public talks, to expand the impact of this research and new discoveries.
Watch Prof. Tanentzap describe the functionality of the remote sensors, including how they analyze water colour using spectrophotometry to produce a drinking water risk assessment.
Learn more about the work of Canada research chairs at Trent University.
About the Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship
The Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship is awarded to mid-career researchers demonstrating leadership and excellence in their field. Named after renowned physicist Dr. Paul Corkum, the fellowship provides funding to institutions to support researchers in advancing transformative projects in collaboration with NRC experts.
