2021 Glenn Downing Award

Dr. Nazim Cicek, P.Eng., is nominated for the Glenn Downing Award for 2021. Nazim has spent his entire academic career (beginning in 2001) in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba. Although hired based on his doctoral expertise related to biological treatment of municipal wastewater using membrane bioreactors, Nazim has established a research program that extends beyond this initial area of expertise. His background in chemical engineering has enabled a vibrant research collaboration with a team of microbiologists who have made substantial contributions to the microbial generation of biofuels and bioproducts using various sources of biomass. Previous research projects have investigated the production of bioplastics and bio-polymers from industrial waste streams in membrane bioreactors, optimization of bio-plastic production, enhanced bioenergy production through anaerobic co-digestion of dairy manure and local organic waste streams, and production of biomass fuel pellets and other value-added products from oat hulls. Of the 27 graduate students supervised or co-supervised during his academic career, 9 have completed graduate-level research related to bioenergy systems. A total of 44 refereed journal publications relate to bioenergy systems (out of his career total of 130 refereed journal papers). In addition to his research activity in the area of microbial generation of biofuels and bioproducts, Nazim has been a strong proponent behind the establishment of a Sustainability-in-Action Facility (SiAF) in the Department of Biosystems Engineering. SiAF is envisioned as a site that will provide experiential learning and demonstration opportunities for the University of Manitoba campus in areas of sustainability including northern/urban food production, renewable energy, building practices, and utilization of waste biomass fibre. Dr. Nazim Cicek, P.Eng. is a worthy recipient of the Glenn Downing Award.