Current Group Members

Postdoctoral Fellows

​Razegheh (Raz) Akhbarizadeh
  • Postdoctoral fellow. Department of Earth Sciences. University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
  • Postdoctoral fellow. The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
  • Postdoctoral fellow. Department of Earth Sciences. Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
  • Ph.D. Environmental Geology. Department of Earth Sciences. Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
  • M.Sc. Mining Engineering. Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
  • B.Sc. Mining Engineering. Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
 
Urban streams and rivers are important pathways for microplastics (MPs) and other anthropogenic particles (e.g., plastic pellets, foams, tire wear) entering the waterbodies. Well-tested, robust, and replicable sampling and digestion methods are needed to obtain representative and comparable data for use in loadings analysis, benchmarking, source tracking, etc.  We are working on a systematic investigation of typical stream sampling procedures to assess sampling efficiency, and digestion extractions to minimize MP degradation while maximizing removal of abundant, complex organic matter (OM). 

Publications:
 https://scholar.google.com/citationshl=en&user=dbt9lgUAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Fun fact: Baking and cooking are my favourite pastimes! If not a researcher, I would be a pastry chef.
Min Liu
  • Postdoctoral fellow. Department of Earth Sciences. University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • Ph.D. In Environmental Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
  • M.Sc. In Environmental Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • B.Sc. in Environmental Engineering, University of Petroleum, Dongying, China
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My research focused on investigating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in building materials, including optimization of the analytical methods, investigating the environmental behaviour and fate of PFAS precursors, estimating the PFAS release to the environment, etc.  

Publications: 
​https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Min-Liu-54/research
​https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7MnYtLsAAAAJ&hl=zh-CN 

Fun fact: Passionate about skiing as a beginner level skier.

Ph.D. Candidates

Sara Vaezafshar
  • Ph.D. Candidate. Department of Earth Sciences. University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • M.Sc. Textile Science. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  • B.Sc. Applied Chemistry. University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Mazandaran, Iran
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My doctoral thesis aims to document indoor concentrations and sources of selected SVOCs associated with adverse health effects in order to improve estimates of exposure from indoor sources. The motivation for this research is to contribute to understanding sources and, ultimately, risk management measures. My thesis is comprised of three projects: 1) SVOCs in new homes before and after occupation; 2) Young children exposure to SVOCs in the sleeping environment; 3) Pesticides in Low-income Canadian Social Housing. 

Publications:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Z6wzT3MAAAAJ

Fun fact: I create new food recipes in my free time!
Kayla Simpson 
  • Ph.D. Candidate. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • M.Sc. in Marine Biology, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Texas, United States
  • B.Sc. in Biology, Texas A&M University, Texas, United States

I am interested in the environmental contamination of nano and microplastics. Currently, my project focuses on the development of the most efficient and reproducible methods for environmental microplastic source
identification from waterways.

Fun fact: I like to rock climb and surf!

Master's Students

Elizaveta (Liza) Zvereva
  • ​M.Sc. Student. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • B.Sc. Honours Arts & Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada​
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My Master's research investigates the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in exterior building materials to better understand whether these materials are contributing to elevated levels of PFAS in urban air and water. In particular, I am estimating the mass of PFAS on exterior surfaces of residential buildings based off of structural plans. I then combine these surface area measurements with our measured PFAS levels in exterior building materials to predict the mass of PFAS found in various building archetypes.
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Fun fact: ​My favourite author is Dostoyevsky, and my ideal evening would be spent laying on the beach while immersed into a novel.
Natalie Minda
  • ​M.Sc. Student. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • B.Sc. Honours Spec. Environmental Science, Major in Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada​
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I’m a part of the project entitled “Source-specific identification, characterization, and control of microplastics across a remote, rural and urban gradient-Harmonized Sampling Protocol:  Microplastics in Soil, Streams, and Air” and I am working on identifying sources of atmospheric microplastics and anthropogenic particles in an urban gradient.

My research interests include investigating the sources and transport mechanisms of airborne microplastics and anthropogenic particles in urban environments. Currently, my project involves examining the potential transport and deposition of such particles into urban watersheds. 

Publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalie-Minda-2
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Fun fact: I play piano, bass guitar, and sing in my free time. Sometimes together with friends :)
Sarah Lavoie-Bernstein
  • ​M. A. Sc. Student. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • B.E.S. Hons. Environmental Studies, Spec. Conservation and Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • Adv. Diploma, Environmental Technology, Georgian College, Barrie, ON, Canada​

Microplastics and anthropogenically sourced microparticles (MP-APs) are of rising concern globally due to their inherent durability, the chemicals associated, and their persistence in the environment. Atmospheric pathways are understudied yet they are critical pathways for long-range transport of MP-APs, and sampling methods have not yet been comprehensively tested. The goal of my work is to compare atmospheric sampling methods for MP-APs, while also collecting data in urban and rural (Southern Ontario) regions. Using spectral analysis, via an Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared system, we will determine polymer type and morphology signatures. 

Publications: ​
Sarah Bernstein - ‪Google Scholar
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Fun fact: Some may say I am a crazy plant lady, and that might just be true.

Undergraduate Students

Sylvia Wolk
  • B.Sc. Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada​

I am working on children’s exposure to SVOCs. I have worked with Sara Vaezafshar on exposure from mattresses and am currently working on identifying the presence of phthalates in children’s clothing.
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Fun fact: I play ice hockey and I am a goalie! Something’s got to be a little bit wrong with me if I like getting hit in the head by pucks.