Dr. Sumi Siddiqua

Title of talk: Magnetic Biochar: Smart Materials Fighting Microplastic Pollution

Short Bio:

Dr. Sumi Siddiqua is a professor at The University of British Columbia (Okanagan campus) and the founding leader of the CFI-funded Advanced Geomaterials Research Lab. She holds a PhD in geo-environmental engineering from Cardiff University, UK, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Manitoba. A licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Dr. Siddiqua is internationally recognized for her pioneering research in sustainable geotechnics. Her research focuses on sustainable geotechnical solutions, low-carbon materials, and geoenvironmental engineering, with a strong emphasis on climate resilience and principles of the circular economy. Dr. Siddiqua’s work has been recognized nationally and internationally, including the Canadian Geotechnical Society's 2024 Geoenvironmental Award, the 2025 A.G. Stermac Award, and the SustainabilityX® Magazine’s Global 50 Women in Sustainability Award. She is actively engaged in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM, receiving the Faculty of Applied Science Dean’s 2025 Award for Service in EDI. Her commitment to student wellbeing and inclusive learning has also been recognized through UBC's Golden Apple Awards.