Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Rasha Maal-Bared is an accomplished Adjunct Professor and Environmental Scientist with over 15 years of experience in the water management and environmental science industries. She possesses a strong background in wastewater treatment, microbiology, and environmental policy, leveraging her expertise to drive innovation and advance sustainable practices.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Adjunct Professor, University of Alberta (2024-02-01 to Present)
- Responsible for developing and delivering engaging graduate-level courses in environmental microbiology and sustainable water management
- Collaborates with research teams to explore emerging technologies and best practices for water and wastewater treatment
- Mentors and advises graduate students, fostering the next generation of environmental leaders
Principal Environmental Scientist, CDM Smith (2023-08-01 to Present)
- Provides strategic guidance and technical expertise to clients on a wide range of environmental projects, including wastewater infrastructure upgrades, watershed management initiatives, and environmental impact assessments
- Leads multidisciplinary teams in the implementation of complex, large-scale environmental remediation and restoration efforts
- Drives the adoption of innovative, sustainable solutions to address pressing environmental challenges
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Rasha held several impactful positions in the water and environmental sectors, including:
Wastewater Treatment Specialist, EPCOR (2020-07-01 to 2023-08-01)
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of advanced wastewater treatment technologies, leading to a 25% reduction in energy consumption and a 20% increase in water reuse at EPCOR's facilities
- Collaborated with regulatory bodies and community stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and address public concerns
Senior Microbiologist, EPCOR (2013-11-01 to 2020-07-01)
- Conducted cutting-edge research on the role of microbial communities in water and wastewater treatment processes, resulting in the publication of several peer-reviewed articles
- Implemented innovative monitoring and control systems to optimize treatment efficiency and water quality
Academic Background
Rasha holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology from the University of British Columbia, where her research focused on the application of microbial community analysis to improve wastewater treatment and water reuse. She has also completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Ottawa and Health Canada, further enhancing her expertise in environmental science and policy.
Areas of Expertise
- Wastewater treatment and water reuse
- Environmental microbiology and microbial ecology
- Sustainable water management and infrastructure
- Environmental impact assessment and remediation
- Science-based policy development and implementation
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Rasha has made significant contributions to the water and environmental industries. She has led the development and implementation of innovative wastewater treatment technologies, resulting in improved energy efficiency and water reuse at EPCOR's facilities. Her research on microbial communities in water treatment processes has been widely published and recognized, informing industry best practices and advancing the field of environmental microbiology.
Rasha's expertise and leadership extend beyond her technical roles, as she has also served as a CIHR-Health Canada Science Policy Fellow, working to bridge the gap between science, policy, and community engagement. In her current position as an Adjunct Professor, Rasha is shaping the next generation of environmental leaders, sharing her knowledge and insights to inspire and empower students to tackle the complex challenges facing our planet.
Conclusion
Rasha Maal-Bared is a versatile and highly skilled environmental professional with a proven track record of driving innovation, fostering sustainable practices, and making a meaningful impact in the water and environmental sectors. Her extensive experience, coupled with her academic credentials and commitment to advancing the field, position her as a valuable asset to any organization or academic institution seeking to address pressing environmental challenges.
