Protecting Our Shorelines

Oil spills along our coastlines pose a serious environmental threat, harming marine life, disrupting local economies, and causing lasting damage to ecosystems. These spills can result from offshore drilling, transportation accidents, or industrial activities. Once oil reaches the shore, it becomes even more difficult to clean up, often lingering for years and affecting fisheries, tourism, and the natural beauty of coastal regions. While traditional shoreline spill response methods exist, they often fall short in effectively removing oil. Recognizing these challenges, Dr. Chunjiang An and his team have been at the forefront of groundbreaking research to transform oil spill response and remediation.

Dr. An’s research focuses on improving how we respond to oil spills along shorelines. His work has revealed how oil moves and spreads in coastal areas, helping experts predict spill behavior and develop more effective cleanup strategies. He is also a leader in developing eco-friendly cleaning solutions for oil spills. His innovative green washing agents not only remove oil but also accelerate its natural breakdown, making cleanup safer for the environment. Recognized internationally for his contributions, Dr. An’s work is shaping the future of oil spill cleanup, helping to make our shorelines cleaner and more resilient.

Join us to explore the latest breakthroughs and discover why this research is essential for a cleaner, safer environment.

How can you participate? Join us in person or online by registering for the Zoom Meeting watching live on YouTube.

Have questions? Send them to info.4@concordia.ca

Kenneth Lee 

President, Kenneth Lee Research Inc.

Sonia Laforest

Head of Shoreline and Assessment Unit, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Dr. Chunjiang An

Dr. Chunjiang An is an Associate Professor in the Department of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering at Concordia University and holds the Concordia University Research Chair (CURC) in Spill Response and Remediation (New Scholar). His research focuses on pollution control, risk assessment, and systems analysis. Dr. An is a licensed Professional Engineer and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Environmental Informatics, Water, Air & Soil Pollution, and Cleaner Waste Systems, as well as the Managing Editor of Environmental Systems Research. He is also on the editorial boards of 12 international journals and has been a Guest Editor for 13 special issues in leading journals. With over 220 peer-reviewed journal publications, his interdisciplinary research has been internationally recognized and supported by numerous significant research grants. He is the recipient of the inaugural 2024 Concordia University Research Impact Award.