Research
Professor Susan Andrews' research is concerned with the optimization of water treatment processes, especially in the area of drinking water disinfection. The balance between inactivating pathogens and minimizing the formation of chemical by-products is of particular concern, with a focus to evaluating a variety of disinfection technologies including using light (ultraviolet, solar) as an alternative to traditional chemical disinfectants (chlorine).
Environmental research in inherently interdisciplinary. Professor Andrews participates in projects that span the globe (North America, Europe, Singapore) and which often include participants from non-engineering fields. One perhaps more obvious example of this interaction is the relationship between optimizing drinking water disinfection and improvements to public health. Her research has been published in respected journals and presented by her or her students at national and international conferences.
Professor Andrews is currently a Program leader for the Canadian Water Network, and she has held leadership posts in several professional organizations (Chair, Ontario Water Works Association; Director, Walkerton Clean Water Centre). These interactions have helped to strengthen links between the academic and public sectors as well as foster interdisciplinary research interactions.