Undergraduate Students

My name is Aaron. After finishing my fourth year in an undergraduate degree program in the environmental sciences at the University of Guelph, I am eager to apply everything I have learned from my major in ecology to exciting new studies. As part of an Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) in Dr. Liao's lab, I focus on optimizing the design of substrates for mitigating plant stress and improving leachate water quality in bioretention systems. Outside of research, I love to rollerblade, read comics, and watch baseball.

My name is Colby, and I am going into my fifth year of Environmental Science at the University of Guelph. This summer, I’ll be working with Dr. Liao's group on a collaborative project with the industry partner to investigate how biochar influence plant performance, substrate properties, and discharge water quality in green roof systems. Outside of school and research, I really enjoy being outdoors. Some of my favourite things to do are hiking, fishing, and paddleboarding. I’m also a big sports fan and love playing almost any sport, but if I had to choose a favourite, it would definitely be hockey. I’m extremely excited to be part of the team and look forward to working with everyone!

My name is Lola, and I am a 4th year Environmental Biology student at Toronto Metropolitan University, currently in the final stretch of my undergraduate degree! I joined the Liao Research Lab as a volunteer because of my strong interest in soil science and nature-based solutions for water treatment. When I'm not in the lab or studying, you can find me on a hiking trail, trying to get through 50 books per year, or taking care of my always-growing collection of reptiles and plants!