Dr. Yvette Baninla is a lecturer from Cameroon who works at the University of Bamenda's Department of Geology, Mining, and Environmental Science. She holds a BSc degree in Geography from the University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon, an MSc in Marine Affairs, from Xiamen University, China, and a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), China.

Dr. Baninla received a Chinese Government Scholarship (2013-2015), a fellowship from the World Academy of Sciences (2015-2019), and the Queen's Postdoctoral Fund (2022-2024). In 2020, she was specially appointed as a visiting assistant professor at Hiroshima University’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Japan. Her research interests are broadly focused on global and regional patterns and drivers of mineral production and consumption, with a particular emphasis on the African context. She also investigates the progress of climate change adaptation and mitigation in Africa and its implications for peace and sustainability. She recently contributed to an IRP-UNEP report (2021) titled “Governing Coastal Resources - Implications for a Sustainable Blue Economy”.

She joined Zhang's research group as a postdoctoral fellow in January 2023. Her research focuses on revealing societal and technological challenges from ores to finished products in the cobalt value chain. Dr. Baninla has been appointed an adjunct assistant professor at Queen's University (2023-2024).

(Photo provided by Dr. Yvette Baninla)

Dr. Siavash Hedayati Nasab is an accomplished mechanical engineer with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran, where his fascination with the complexities of machines and systems began to flourish. Driven by a desire to contribute to the advancement of technology, he pursued higher education and earned his Master's and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics, at Concordia University.

Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Hedayati Nasab's research focused on developing novel methods to enhance energy efficiency in industrial processes. His work in Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical simulations has garnered recognition and accolades from his peers, leading to several publications in reputable scientific journals.

Beyond academia, Dr. Hedayati Nasab has actively collaborated with industry partners, playing a pivotal role in translating theoretical concepts into practical applications.

He joined Zhang's research group as a postdoctoral fellow in September 2023, co-supervised by Dr. Jianu (UWindsor). His research focuses on life-cycle assessment and energy system modelling for carbon capture and valorization processes.

Mr. Alireza Gholami is a mineral processing engineer who is experienced in gold processing, bio-treatment, modeling, and simulation of mineral processing systems. He holds an MSc in mineral processing from Tarbiat Modares University and a BSc in mining engineering from the Higher Education Complex of Zarand, Iran. 

His current research involves iron ore processing and the recovery of valuable minerals from iron waste while considering environmental aspects. He aims to become an independent researcher and collaborate well with the mining industry.

He joined Zhang's research group as a Ph.D. student in January 2023. His research aims to assess the comprehensive life-cycle impact of upcycling and valorization of industrial minerals.

Awards:

Gordon Bell Fellowship in Transformative Mining (2023, 2024)

The Paul Semple Memorial Fellowship (2023)

(Photo provided by Mr. Alireza Gholami)

Mr. Chenyang Wang, aiming to be an industrial ecologist, previously worked as a research assistant at the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Science. He holds an MSc in Environment and Development from the University of Leeds (UK) and a BSc in Environmental Science from Huaqiao University (China).

His latest research focuses on the "Metal-Energy-Environment" Nexus, consisting of a series of forecasts of demand for metals in achieving net-zero goals, highlighting the constraints of metal shortages on the energy transition. He is equipped with solid skills in material flow analysis and is familiar with rare earth metals, platinum group metals, and their manufactured products. 

He joined Zhang's research group as a Ph.D. student in January 2023. His research aims to assess the potential of reducing mining's carbon footprint with increased material circularity and carbon sequestration.

(Photo provided by Mr. Chenyang Wang)

Mr. Nicolas Pagé is an aspiring environmental consultant for the mining industry. He holds a BSc (Honours) degree from Queen's University, majoring in Environmental Sciences with a minor in Computing. This unique academic background equips him with a solid theoretical foundation in environmental topics as well as practical data analytical skills. 

Nicolas is set to commence his research-based master's degree in September 2023 under the guidance of Dr. Zhang in his lab. He aims to conduct a compelling and pertinent study to propel environmental stewardship in raw materials supply. 

Awards:

Graduate Entrance Tuition Award (2023)

The R.S. McLaughlin Fellowship (2023)

(Photo provided by Mr. Nicolas Page)