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Learning the ROPES: Committee Member Highlights
| Learning the R.O.P.E.S. with Dr. Ariel Atkinson. Ariel is a Process Systems Engineer in the Applied Water Quality Research group at Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). Her work is currently focused in the areas of pilot research, disinfection, groundwater remediation, cyanobacteria/HABs, and nanobubbles. She is the inaugural chair of the IOA ROPES committee. As ROPES chair, she is focused on enhancing the engagement of early career scientists and engineers in the IOA, and connecting them to the network and the resources IOA can provide. When she isn’t working Ariel enjoys painting, indoor cycling, cooking, and spending time with her golden retriever Louie and husband Brandon. “As someone new to ozone, I was fascinated to learn about all the various applications of ozone. I have also learned through IOA that there are many exciting opportunities for research and collaboration in the ozone field. What I’ve enjoyed most about IOA and ROPES, is the supportive community. Through IOA, I have been able to make very strong professional connections in the industry and gained a few friendships too.” |
| Learning the R.O.P.E.S. with Dr. Michael McKie Michael is a Post-doctoral Fellow with the Drinking Water Research Group at the University of Toronto. His Ph.D. research examined drinking water biofiltration and the synergistic benefits of using ozone as a pre-treatment. His current work continues to investigate ozone optimization strategies for disinfection by-product control and disinfectant stability. He is the co-chair of the IOA ROPES committee and is committed to better understanding and promoting the benefits of ozone in drinking water treatment. When he isn’t working he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family, fishing and golfing. “I joined the IOA to learn more about ozone for drinking water treatment and to network with industry professionals. IOA conferences and events have provided me great opportunities to feel connected to the industry and to get involved with the ROPES committee. I am really glad I joined the IOA as a student and look forward to actively contributing to the organization.” |
| Learning the R.O.P.E.S. with Gabriel Trejo Gabriel is a Senior Water Engineer with Arcadis in Dallas and is their Disinfection Community of Practice Leader. He has eleven years of experience designing and constructing water treatment plants, from raw water pump stations thru finished water clearwells. He has aided in the design of various residuals handling infrastructure (pump stations, pipelines, and lagoons), filter conversions to biologically advanced filtration (BAF), elevated storage tanks and clearwells, and a variety of chemical systems including ozone. Out of the office, he enjoys spending time in his backyard with his young family, cycling, and visiting National Parks. “IOA has allowed me to meet and establish relationships with other ozone professionals as well as increase my knowledge of ozone’s various application. Their conferences and events are more intimate than others that I have attended in the water industry, making me feel more impactful.” |
| Learning the R.O.P.E.S. with Nikoletta Tsiarta (MSc) Nikoletta is a Pre-doctoral Marie Curie Fellow (NOWELTIES project, H2020, EU) with the Water Supply and Advanced Treatment Group at the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) in Spain. Her Ph.D. research focuses on the increase of hydroxyl radical yield for the degradation of organic persistent micropollutants from secondary wastewater effluent by developing a hybrid ozone-ceramic membrane process which simultaneously reduces membrane fouling. As a member of the IOA ROPES committee her goal is to transfer her knowledge of ozone treatment and the importance of water reuse to the public. In her spare time, she likes going for a walk in the nature, hanging out with friends and reading books (and of course travelling). “It’s been nearly one year since I have joined IOA-PAG and I have already gained valuable knowledge. Through their free webinars I better understand ozone treatment and its application in water treatment and medicine. I am very happy to join IOA because I can participate in international IOA conferences; I can’t wait for more events to come! I hope my participation with the IOA will allow my research to positively contribute to the ozone science world.” |
Are you new to ozone? Would you like to learn more and meet professionals in the industry? Reach out to the Rookie Ozone Professionals, Enthusiasts and Students (R.O.P.E.S.) committee here to get connected. Students are eligible for free IOA membership, providing them access to the latest ozone research, guidance, webinars, news, Ozone Science & Engineering (peer-reviewed journal), reduced conference fees, and other exciting industry events.