Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
Methane emissions measurement is the focus of the StFX FluxLab research team. We work in the fossil energy, solid waste sectors, with government, industry, NGOs, and other researchers. In Canada we have worked across the nation to map methane emissions from oil and gas, visiting over 10,000 well pads to test the federal inventory and to better understand methane sources. More recently we have made methane measurements at 125 landfills across the country. Over the years we’ve have contributed surface monitoring expertise to every CO2 storage project in Canada. We have a knack for scaling science. We not only conduct large scale field studies, but we also develop instrumentation for industrial use, and sometimes even for Arctic and Antarctic observing systems. Strongly motivated to make real-world change, we roll up our sleeves to get involved in regulatory assessments, policy and strategy development, and the business world. I co-founded Eosense Inc. and Arolytics Inc. to put instrumentation and data analytics solutions in the hands of those who need them.
I run a research program focused on greenhouse gas measurement technology and abatement in industry. I am recognized for work on methane abatement in the oil and gas and waste sectors. sensor and algorithm development, carbon capture and geologic storage monitoring, and measuring landscape carbon fluxes including in harsh places like the North Atlantic, the Arctic, and Antarctica. I work closely with industry, government, and NGOs across North America to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I teach courses in environmental science, field methods, and the energy transition.
I am science lead of this ~30 member research team composed of students and professionals, and funded by multiple agencies and companies in Canada and abroad. The current focus of our research is methane measurement from energy developments and solid waste sites, where we are likely the largest, and certainly the most field-active, university-based emissions research group in Canada. We are able to manage complex logistics, and are frequently called in to carry out large national-scale field measurement projects. We are also involved in instrument development, isotope tracers, soil gas dynamics; and high performance computing. Our research features regularly in the popular media, and we are well published in leading journals. Several technologies have come from our work, most of which are patented and licensed. We are also keen to work outside academia, applying our knowledge in regulatory assessments, policy development, and ESG issues. I take good care of the amazing research staff in the lab, support their ideas and aspirations, and provide them with development opportunities to succeed.
Arolytics specializes in carbon emissions management, ESG performance, and regulatory compliance. We are data and system integrators, building insights and solutions for effective and efficient carbon emissions management. We want to be, and work with, Canadian and international leaders on emission reduction. An original co-founder, I now sit in an arms-length role helping on aspects of product science and innovation.
Eosense is an internationally recognized company that sells innovative sensors and services for measuring gases in soil, water, and industrial monitoring. An original co-founder, I now occupy an arms-length role where I help with product innovation via the FluxLab - continuing the longstanding collaborative relationship between the StFX University and Eosense.