research team
Milan Rosen, BSc (MSc Student)
Milan is developing a sustainable soil conditioner using alpaca waste fiber and manure, in collaboration with a local alpaca farmer. He has been actively involved in the Ontario Envirothon, supporting high school students in environmental science, and has assisted graduate students with laboratory research in the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab. Milan will begin his Master’s studies in September 2025, with funding from the University of Waterloo and the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab.
Milan is developing a sustainable soil conditioner using alpaca waste fiber and manure, in collaboration with a local alpaca farmer. He has been actively involved in the Ontario Envirothon, supporting high school students in environmental science, and has assisted graduate students with laboratory research in the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab. Milan will begin his Master’s studies in September 2025, with funding from the University of Waterloo and the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab.
Markus Fleming, MSc (PhD Student)
Markus will begin his PhD studies in September 2025 working on biochar. He is still refining his research and we will share more updates soon. HIs research is funded by the University of Waterloo and the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab.
Markus will begin his PhD studies in September 2025 working on biochar. He is still refining his research and we will share more updates soon. HIs research is funded by the University of Waterloo and the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab.
Akintayo Afolabi, MSc (PhD Student)
Akintayo began his PhD studies with the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Group in September 2023. His research is part of the BioSoil North project in Labrador and focuses on measuring greenhouse gas emissions and exploring how these emissions relate to soil properties in areas recently converted from boreal forest to agriculture. He also uses biophysical models to predict future changes in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon stabilization following land-use conversion. His work is supported by NSERC Alliance and the University of Waterloo.
Akintayo began his PhD studies with the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Group in September 2023. His research is part of the BioSoil North project in Labrador and focuses on measuring greenhouse gas emissions and exploring how these emissions relate to soil properties in areas recently converted from boreal forest to agriculture. He also uses biophysical models to predict future changes in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon stabilization following land-use conversion. His work is supported by NSERC Alliance and the University of Waterloo.
Aman Dhinsda, BSc (MES Student)
Aman has been a valued member of the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab since September 2022, first as a laboratory technician and now as a Master’s student. In the summer of 2023, he worked as a field technician in Goose Bay, Labrador, contributing to the BioSoil North project (NSERC Alliance). His work focused on soil quality and plant nutrient dynamics in newly converted northern agroecosystems.
As a graduate student, Aman is investigating the effects of various organic amendments at different stages following land conversion from boreal forest to agriculture. He has already presented his findings at the Soil Science Society of America’s annual meeting and is preparing additional abstracts to share his research throughout 2024 and beyond.
We’re excited to have Aman on our team—his research is supported by NSERC Alliance and the University of Waterloo.
Aman has been a valued member of the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab since September 2022, first as a laboratory technician and now as a Master’s student. In the summer of 2023, he worked as a field technician in Goose Bay, Labrador, contributing to the BioSoil North project (NSERC Alliance). His work focused on soil quality and plant nutrient dynamics in newly converted northern agroecosystems.
As a graduate student, Aman is investigating the effects of various organic amendments at different stages following land conversion from boreal forest to agriculture. He has already presented his findings at the Soil Science Society of America’s annual meeting and is preparing additional abstracts to share his research throughout 2024 and beyond.
We’re excited to have Aman on our team—his research is supported by NSERC Alliance and the University of Waterloo.
Feiyang Shen (BSc Student)
Feiyang is a MITACS Globalink Intern joining the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab for a four-month research placement. She is an undergraduate student in Environmental Science at South China Agricultural University. During her time with us, Feiyang will work closely with graduate students, supporting both lab and field research activities. We’re excited to welcome her to the team and look forward to her contributions to our ongoing projects.
Feiyang is a MITACS Globalink Intern joining the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics Lab for a four-month research placement. She is an undergraduate student in Environmental Science at South China Agricultural University. During her time with us, Feiyang will work closely with graduate students, supporting both lab and field research activities. We’re excited to welcome her to the team and look forward to her contributions to our ongoing projects.
Graduate studies & student mentoring
The University of Waterloo is one of the highest ranked Canadian universities in Environmental Science
Professor Oelbermann collaborates with graduate students who pursue research through a natural sciences lens. Prospective candidates should demonstrate a solid academic record and possess a background in the natural sciences.
Please contact Professor Oelbermann if you are interested in:
More information on the graduate programs in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/environment-resources-and-sustainability/graduate
Professor Oelbermann collaborates with graduate students who pursue research through a natural sciences lens. Prospective candidates should demonstrate a solid academic record and possess a background in the natural sciences.
Please contact Professor Oelbermann if you are interested in:
- 1-year Master's Research Paper (MRP: non thesis)
- 2-year Master's Thesis (MES)
- 4-year Doctoral Dissertation (PhD)
- Visiting Scholars / Scientists and Post Docs are an integral part of the research team.
More information on the graduate programs in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/environment-resources-and-sustainability/graduate
previous scholars
Camila Beatriz da Silva Souza, PhD: Dynamics of soil organic matter fractions in integrated livestock systems, Mato Grosso do Sul State University.
Paulo Guilherme da Silva Farias, PhD: Soil carbon and greenhouse gas dynamics in integrated livestock systems, Mato Grosso do Sul State University.
Nataly Sanchez Ocampo, BSc: Soil greenhouse gas emissions from northern frontier soils, Colombia. MITACS Globalink Intern.
Divya Malhotra, B.Sc.: Ecological dynamics of soil amended with various organic materials in recently converted soils from forest to agriculture, United Kingdom. MITACS Globalink Intern.
Alexandra MacIsaac, MES: Social-Ecological Resilience in Agriculture: Producer Experiences in Central and Northern Costa Rica. Current: Environmental Scientist, C.E.C. Innovations, Calgary, AB.
Augustine Osei, PhD: Carbon and greenhouse gas dynamics in temperate bioenergy crops. Currently: Crops Extension Specialist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
Jolimar Shiavo, PhD visiting scholar from the Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Currently: Professor, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul.
Rachel Boucher, MES: Mycorrhizal transfer to improve crop production in northern agroecosystems. Currently: Environmental Coordinator, AECON.
Harkirat Hundal, MES: Carbon and nitrogen dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions from the aquatic component of riparian zones.
Emmanuel Badewa, PhD: Impact of biobased residues on soil health and greenhouse gas emissions. Currently: Instructor, University College of the North, Manitoba.
Diana Gonzalez: Effect of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on soybeans. Currently: BSc student, Universidad Iberoamerica Leon, Mexico. MITACS Globalink Intern.
Adam Kraemer, MES: Organic farming and long-term sustainability. Currently: organic farmer.
Shefaza Esmail, PhD: Investigating food waste diversion and compost on urban agriculture for soil management in Mwanza, Tanzania. Previously: Lecturer, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo. Currently: Program Manager - SME Solutions with Mohawk College IDEAWORKS.
Namratha Reddy, PhD (Post-doctoral Fellow): Greenhouse gas emissions from riparian land-use systems. Currently: Grant Development Specialist, Office of Research, York University.
Nadia Gabbanelli, MSc (Visiting Scholar, Argentina): Bioenergy plantations. Currently: IPADS Balcarce, Balcarce, Argentina.
Runshan Will Jiang, MSc: Biochar: impact on soil health and climate change resilience. Currently: Research Chemist, PPB Analytical Inc.
Christina Davis, MES: Currently: Habitat Impact Advisor, MAARS New Brunswick.
Ons Kamarti BSc: Soil carbon dynamics in bioenergy plantations and GHG emissions. Currently: Researcher, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia.
Solveine Liminana, BEng (Intern, France): Soil health in biobased residue amended soil. Currently: Researcher, Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier.
Megan Baskerville, MES: Greenhouse gas emissions from riparian land-use systems. Currently: Carbon Policy Analyst, Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Mirza Haroon-Ur-Rasheed, MCC (Intern, Canada): Impact of biobased residues on soil greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Currently: federal government of Canada.
Mae Galo, BEng (Intern, France): Using biochar as a soil amendment to improve its chemical characteristics. Currently: Environmental Engineer, Kalies, France.
Meaghan Mechler, MSc: The effect of biochar on soil health and greenhouse gas emissions in a conventional temperate agricultural system.
Marianne Ricord, MES: Evaluating intercropping systems as a sustainable alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently: Research and Project Coordinator, Circular Innovation Council.
Christine Barbeau, PhD: The challenges and opportunities associated with climate change for First Nations living in the Canadian subarctic (co-supervised). Currently: Associate Dean Teaching and Lecturer, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo.
Nathan De Carlo, MES: Spatial and temporal greenhouse gas emissions from a rehabilitated and undisturbed natural riparian zone. Currently: Ecologist at WSP Canada.
Katelyn Lutes, MES: Greenhouse gas emissions from short rotation willow biomass plantations. Currently: Soil Chemist, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (Lethbridge, AB).
Svenja Morgan, BES (Research Technician): Effect of climate change on soil from cereal-legume intercrops. Currently: Advisor in sustainable agriculture.
Michelle Bienkowski, MES: Comparison of vegetation and soil characteristics 5 years after meadow restoration (co-supervised). Currently: Marine Conservationist, Canada.
Hamsha Pathmananthan, MES: Strengthening resilience and food security through agroforestry in Sri Lanka. Currently: Social Consultant in rural Sri Lanka.
Matias Cambareri, MSc (Visiting Scholar, Argentina): Nitrous oxide emissions from maize sole crops under different fertilizer & irrigation regimes.
Alison Regehr, MES: Nitrogen mineralization & immobilization using 15N isotopes in intercrops. Currently: MEng, University of Guelph.
Wei Xue, BSc (Intern): Soil microbial community dynamics in biochar amended soil.
Amanda Bichel, MES: Soybean & maize residue contributions to soil organic matter in intercrops. Currently: Field Ecologist, Natural Resources Canada.
Hongyan Guo PhD (Post-Doctoral Fellow, China): Soil microbial biomass in biochar amended soil. Currently: Professor, Nanjing University.
Salvatore Spitale, MES: Changes in vegetation & soil in a red pine chronosequence (co-supervised). Currently: Ecologist, North-South Environmental.
Matthew Dil, MES: Effect of nitrogen-enriched biochar on soil biochemistry and plant production. Currently: Wildlife Ecologist at WSP Canada.
Nicole Spiegelaar, MES: Agroforestry community gardens in remote First Nations of Canada (co-supervised).
Beverly Raimbault, MES: Soil quality and soil respiration in a rehabilitated riparian zone. Currently: Lab Instructor & Manager, Ecology Lab, University of Waterloo (Retired).
Shawn Gagne, MA: Carbon dynamics in two different arctic vegetative communities (co-supervised). Currently: CEO & President, Talking2Trees, USA.
Shahira Esmail, MES: Agroforestry tree seedling growth under changing climatic conditions. Currently: Agronomist, Terra Global Capital, USA.
Lisa Dyer, MSc: Greenhouse gas emissions &soil physical characteristics in intercrops. Currently: Senior Project Manager, ClimateCHECK.
Laura Echarte, PhD (Post-Doctoral Fellow, Argentina): UNESCO-L'Oreal Visiting Scholar. Soil biochemical characteristics in intercrops. Currently: Professor, University of Mar del Plata/INTA.
Florencia Genovese, MSc (Visiting Scholar, Argentina): Global Affairs Canada Visiting Scholar. Development of methodology greenhouse gas analysis using gas chromatography. Currently: Agricultural Production Specialist, KWS Group.
Karen Vachon, MES: Soil carbon & nitrogen dynamics in complex agroecosystems. Currently: Consultant.
Cassie Corrigan, MES: Elemental leaching & microbial interactions of leaves in littertraps. Currently: Water Resource Specialist, Credit Valley Conservation Authority.
Carolyn Smith, MES: Climate change adaptation using agroforestry systems in Costa Rica. Currently: Region of Waterloo School Board.
Paulo Guilherme da Silva Farias, PhD: Soil carbon and greenhouse gas dynamics in integrated livestock systems, Mato Grosso do Sul State University.
Nataly Sanchez Ocampo, BSc: Soil greenhouse gas emissions from northern frontier soils, Colombia. MITACS Globalink Intern.
Divya Malhotra, B.Sc.: Ecological dynamics of soil amended with various organic materials in recently converted soils from forest to agriculture, United Kingdom. MITACS Globalink Intern.
Alexandra MacIsaac, MES: Social-Ecological Resilience in Agriculture: Producer Experiences in Central and Northern Costa Rica. Current: Environmental Scientist, C.E.C. Innovations, Calgary, AB.
Augustine Osei, PhD: Carbon and greenhouse gas dynamics in temperate bioenergy crops. Currently: Crops Extension Specialist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
Jolimar Shiavo, PhD visiting scholar from the Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Currently: Professor, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul.
Rachel Boucher, MES: Mycorrhizal transfer to improve crop production in northern agroecosystems. Currently: Environmental Coordinator, AECON.
Harkirat Hundal, MES: Carbon and nitrogen dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions from the aquatic component of riparian zones.
Emmanuel Badewa, PhD: Impact of biobased residues on soil health and greenhouse gas emissions. Currently: Instructor, University College of the North, Manitoba.
Diana Gonzalez: Effect of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on soybeans. Currently: BSc student, Universidad Iberoamerica Leon, Mexico. MITACS Globalink Intern.
Adam Kraemer, MES: Organic farming and long-term sustainability. Currently: organic farmer.
Shefaza Esmail, PhD: Investigating food waste diversion and compost on urban agriculture for soil management in Mwanza, Tanzania. Previously: Lecturer, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo. Currently: Program Manager - SME Solutions with Mohawk College IDEAWORKS.
Namratha Reddy, PhD (Post-doctoral Fellow): Greenhouse gas emissions from riparian land-use systems. Currently: Grant Development Specialist, Office of Research, York University.
Nadia Gabbanelli, MSc (Visiting Scholar, Argentina): Bioenergy plantations. Currently: IPADS Balcarce, Balcarce, Argentina.
Runshan Will Jiang, MSc: Biochar: impact on soil health and climate change resilience. Currently: Research Chemist, PPB Analytical Inc.
Christina Davis, MES: Currently: Habitat Impact Advisor, MAARS New Brunswick.
Ons Kamarti BSc: Soil carbon dynamics in bioenergy plantations and GHG emissions. Currently: Researcher, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia.
Solveine Liminana, BEng (Intern, France): Soil health in biobased residue amended soil. Currently: Researcher, Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier.
Megan Baskerville, MES: Greenhouse gas emissions from riparian land-use systems. Currently: Carbon Policy Analyst, Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Mirza Haroon-Ur-Rasheed, MCC (Intern, Canada): Impact of biobased residues on soil greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Currently: federal government of Canada.
Mae Galo, BEng (Intern, France): Using biochar as a soil amendment to improve its chemical characteristics. Currently: Environmental Engineer, Kalies, France.
Meaghan Mechler, MSc: The effect of biochar on soil health and greenhouse gas emissions in a conventional temperate agricultural system.
Marianne Ricord, MES: Evaluating intercropping systems as a sustainable alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently: Research and Project Coordinator, Circular Innovation Council.
Christine Barbeau, PhD: The challenges and opportunities associated with climate change for First Nations living in the Canadian subarctic (co-supervised). Currently: Associate Dean Teaching and Lecturer, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo.
Nathan De Carlo, MES: Spatial and temporal greenhouse gas emissions from a rehabilitated and undisturbed natural riparian zone. Currently: Ecologist at WSP Canada.
Katelyn Lutes, MES: Greenhouse gas emissions from short rotation willow biomass plantations. Currently: Soil Chemist, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (Lethbridge, AB).
Svenja Morgan, BES (Research Technician): Effect of climate change on soil from cereal-legume intercrops. Currently: Advisor in sustainable agriculture.
Michelle Bienkowski, MES: Comparison of vegetation and soil characteristics 5 years after meadow restoration (co-supervised). Currently: Marine Conservationist, Canada.
Hamsha Pathmananthan, MES: Strengthening resilience and food security through agroforestry in Sri Lanka. Currently: Social Consultant in rural Sri Lanka.
Matias Cambareri, MSc (Visiting Scholar, Argentina): Nitrous oxide emissions from maize sole crops under different fertilizer & irrigation regimes.
Alison Regehr, MES: Nitrogen mineralization & immobilization using 15N isotopes in intercrops. Currently: MEng, University of Guelph.
Wei Xue, BSc (Intern): Soil microbial community dynamics in biochar amended soil.
Amanda Bichel, MES: Soybean & maize residue contributions to soil organic matter in intercrops. Currently: Field Ecologist, Natural Resources Canada.
Hongyan Guo PhD (Post-Doctoral Fellow, China): Soil microbial biomass in biochar amended soil. Currently: Professor, Nanjing University.
Salvatore Spitale, MES: Changes in vegetation & soil in a red pine chronosequence (co-supervised). Currently: Ecologist, North-South Environmental.
Matthew Dil, MES: Effect of nitrogen-enriched biochar on soil biochemistry and plant production. Currently: Wildlife Ecologist at WSP Canada.
Nicole Spiegelaar, MES: Agroforestry community gardens in remote First Nations of Canada (co-supervised).
Beverly Raimbault, MES: Soil quality and soil respiration in a rehabilitated riparian zone. Currently: Lab Instructor & Manager, Ecology Lab, University of Waterloo (Retired).
Shawn Gagne, MA: Carbon dynamics in two different arctic vegetative communities (co-supervised). Currently: CEO & President, Talking2Trees, USA.
Shahira Esmail, MES: Agroforestry tree seedling growth under changing climatic conditions. Currently: Agronomist, Terra Global Capital, USA.
Lisa Dyer, MSc: Greenhouse gas emissions &soil physical characteristics in intercrops. Currently: Senior Project Manager, ClimateCHECK.
Laura Echarte, PhD (Post-Doctoral Fellow, Argentina): UNESCO-L'Oreal Visiting Scholar. Soil biochemical characteristics in intercrops. Currently: Professor, University of Mar del Plata/INTA.
Florencia Genovese, MSc (Visiting Scholar, Argentina): Global Affairs Canada Visiting Scholar. Development of methodology greenhouse gas analysis using gas chromatography. Currently: Agricultural Production Specialist, KWS Group.
Karen Vachon, MES: Soil carbon & nitrogen dynamics in complex agroecosystems. Currently: Consultant.
Cassie Corrigan, MES: Elemental leaching & microbial interactions of leaves in littertraps. Currently: Water Resource Specialist, Credit Valley Conservation Authority.
Carolyn Smith, MES: Climate change adaptation using agroforestry systems in Costa Rica. Currently: Region of Waterloo School Board.
Website last update June 2025