Professor Susan Cunningham Research Chair in Geology
Dr. Janok Bhattacharya‘s research program is mostly focused on investigating the sequence stratigraphy and 3D facies architecture of shelf, shallow marine, paralic, and fluvial depositional systems. Although much industry exploration effort is currently focused on deepwater depositional systems, about 50% of global oil production is currently from shallow marine, paralic and fluvial strata. Despite the continued importance of these reservoir types, ours is one of the only research programs devoted to this important area.
I am also investigating the interrelationships between structure and stratigraphy as a paired process. Specific projects are aimed at examining the effects of meso-scale tectonic structure on high-frequency sequence stratigraphic architecture in foreland basins and the relationship between sedimentation processes and formation of growth faults associated with deltaic depositional systems.
My research program is founded on the fundamentals of sedimentology, fieldwork, facies analysis, and sequence stratigraphy. Our program also crosses the boundaries between geophysics and engineering disciplines and provides an important environment for teamwork and integration that we believe provides a model for industry.
Assistant Professor Fairley Gadsby Research Chair in Fluvial Geomorphology Associate Member - Department of Civil Engineering
Dr. Elli Papangelakis is an Assistant Professor in the School of Earth, Environment & Society at McMaster University. She has a multidisciplinary education background, with a BSc in Physics and Geography (University of Toronto), a MSc in Geography (UBC), and a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering (University of Waterloo). Her research focuses on the effects of urbanization and land-use change on the geomorphic processes of rivers through a combination of fieldwork, laboratory, and GIS research methods. Her primary goal is to better understand sediment transport processes, morphologic adjustments, and physical habitat characteristics of urban rivers. She is particularly interested in urban river restoration and management, specifically on assessing the performance of different restoration designs and in the development of novel river management strategies that bring together the most advanced science and technology from different fields. Most of her research focuses on Southern Ontario, which provides an excellent example of heavily-urbanized and managed fluvial environments. She also works with salmon habitat restoration projects in British Columbia.
Examples of exciting new approaches her research group employs:
Professor Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Ecohydrology
Dr. James Michael Waddington’s research in ecohydrology studies the ecological and hydrological processes that underlie the structure and function of wetlands and watershed ecosystems and the distribution, movement, and quality of water.
With his research foundation firmly in hydrology and by adopting a watershed ecosystems framework, he uses innovative field experimental manipulations and ecohydrological modelling to understand watershed interactions of water, vegetation, soil and greenhouse gas exchange. His research examines the effects of wildfire, drought and resource extraction on watershed ecohydrology with a focus on ecosystems, such as peatlands, that may be sensitive to changes in hydrology. He is developing new wetland restoration approaches and designs for resource managers, fire managers and industry partners to enhance watershed resilience to climate change.
Professor Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in the Care Economy, Aging and Policy Associate Member - Department of Health, Aging and Society
Dr. Allison Williams is a Professor in the School of Earth, Environment & Society. She is trained as a health geographer in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. She holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Bishop’s University, a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, and a Doctor of Philosophy from York University. In 2008. She engages in social justice research to inform policy and program change. Most recently, she is leading a partnership grant to create carer-inclusive workplaces.