Concordia University Researcher Awarded Prestigious Killam Fellowship for Environmental Emergency Response
As Arctic shipping routes expand and plastic pollution reaches the planet’s most remote shorelines, Concordia University researcher Dr. Chunjiang An is at the forefront of environmental emergency response. His dedication and innovative work have earned him one of Canada’s highest research honours: a Dorothy Killam Fellowship.
Leading Research in Spill Response and Remediation
Dr. An is the Concordia University Research Chair in Spill Response and Remediation and a professor in the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research is critically focused on oil spill response, shoreline protection, and the escalating environmental risks posed by plastics pollution. The Dorothy Killam Fellowship, valued at $80,000 per year for two years, will provide Dr. An with dedicated time to advance his vital research, allowing a temporary pause from teaching and administrative duties.
“The Fellowship is a tremendous honour,” says Dr. An. “It provides the time and support to expand our research on protecting vulnerable shorelines, particularly in Arctic regions where pollution risks are rising and response options remain limited.” He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, adding, “This fellowship will allow us to deepen collaborations with Indigenous partners and accelerate the development of greener, more effective cleanup solutions.”
Innovative Technologies and Collaborative Approaches
Dr. An’s research has significantly advanced our understanding of how oil moves across shorelines and identified key environmental factors influencing spill behaviour. His team has developed low-toxicity surface washing agents that improve cleanup efficiency while minimizing ecological harm. A notable innovation from his lab is the world’s first shoreline tidal simulation tank system, designed to rigorously test spill response strategies under realistic coastal conditions. He has also created an interactive database meticulously tracking historical spill incidents on Canadian shorelines.
“Chunjiang’s research is transforming how we understand and respond to environmental contamination in some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems,” says Tim Evans, Vice-President of Research, Innovation and Impact at Concordia. “His leadership in oil spill science, plastics pollution, and community-engaged research is advancing environmental protection in Canada and globally.”
Addressing the Microplastics Crisis
Beyond oil spill response, Dr. An has made significant contributions to microplastics research. His widely cited study on discarded face masks revealed the alarming rate at which they release microplastics into aquatic environments, garnering international media attention and raising crucial awareness about pandemic-related plastic waste. You can find more information about the impact of plastic pollution from organizations like The Plastic Pollution Coalition.
Partnership with Indigenous Communities
A defining characteristic of Dr. An’s research is his commitment to collaboration with Indigenous communities. He actively works with First Nations and Inuit partners to co-develop shoreline protection strategies that seamlessly integrate Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific approaches.
The Killam funding will support a new multidisciplinary program focused on Arctic and Subarctic coasts, combining scientific modelling, eco-friendly cleanup technologies, and invaluable community knowledge to guide pollution response planning.
The Dorothy Killam Fellowships are part of the National Killam Program, which supports exceptional scholars whose work contributes to building Canada’s future through research excellence and innovation.
Learn more about the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering at Concordia University.
Related Research from Concordia University:
- Concordia study finds snow droughts in western and southern Canada could affect nearly all Canadians
- Concordia recognized among top performers in global sustainability index
- Indigenous-led conservation efforts match or surpass similar initiatives when properly funded, new research shows
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