Alexandra Auyeung
Research and Professional Interests
My research interests are geared towards assessing air pollution from urban wastewater treatment systems and their dispersion patterns in nearby communities. I am particularly interested in emissions of volatile organic compounds and odorous compounds from facilities across Ontario and how these pollutants may influence community health, whether that be clinical and/or perceived. The results of this work can be used to inform an incentivize improvements to wastewater treatment technologies in conjunction with the implementation of upstream control methods to reduce chemical inputs and improve urban air quality.
My professional career with the Wastewater Science Unit at Environment and Climate Change Canada along with my partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada has greatly influenced my research interests, and I aim to use my professional and educational experiences in the future to work towards tackling urban environmental issues.
Why Geography, Geomatics and Environment at UTM?
The interdisciplinary nature of the work in GGE aligned perfectly with my research interests and the quality of work produced by the department went above and beyond my expectations. My interactions with members of the department even prior to applying were nothing but positive, and I knew very quickly that I wanted to be a part of such a welcoming and high-achieving community.
Honours and Awards
- 2023: Geography and Planning Entrance Award, University of Toronto
- 2020: University of Western Ontario Gold Medal (Environmental Science), Western University
- 2020: University of Western Ontario Gold Medal (Ecosystem Health), Western University
- 2015: The Western Scholarship of Distinction, Western University
Presentations
- Gewurtz, S.B., Auyeung, A.S.*, De Silva, A., Teslic, S., and Smyth, SA. (2023). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Canadian Municipal Wastewater and Biosolids – 12 years of monitoring by ECCC. Laurentian and Prairie Northern SETAC’s 27th Annual General Meeting & Conference.
- Auyeung, A.S.*, Gewurtz, S.B., Teslic, S., & Smyth, SA. (2022). Chemical Substances in Canadian Municipal Wastewater – Get your Data Here!. Laurentian and Prairie Northern SETAC’s 26th Annual General Meeting & Conference.