Project Lead (Dr. Mark Winfield)
Professor
Co-Chair, Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) & MES/JD Coordinator
Coordinator, BES Cert. (Sustainable Energy), BA (Science&Tech Studies), MA/PhD (PolScience)
Dr. Mark Winfield currently focuses his research on electricity, energy efficiency and climate change policy in Ontario.
Before joining EUC in 2007, Dr. Winfield was a Program Director with the Pembina Institute, and prior to that Director of Research with the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy. For more information about Dr. Winfield click here
Co-Investigator (Dr. Calvin “Cal” Lakhan)
Calvin LAKHAN, Ph.D, is currently co-investigator of the “Waste Wiki” project at York University, Faculty of Environment and Urban Change (with Dr. Mark Winfield), a research project devoted to advancing understanding of waste management research and policy in Canada. He holds a Ph.D in Geography from the University of Waterloo/WLU joint geography program, and degrees in economics (BA) and environmental economics (MEs) from York University.
Calvin’s current research can largely be divided into four areas: 1) Evaluating the efficacy of municipal policy instruments used to promote waste diversion, 2) Optimizing the recycling system to achieve increased diversion while minimizing material management costs, 3) Examining the role of race and ethnicity as antecedents to recycling behavior and 4) Encouraging pro environmental behavior among minority and marginalized groups
Calvin has authored 30 academic articles in refereed journals, and more than 100 reports for a diverse range of stakeholders across multiple sectors and jurisdictions. He is a regular guest on nationally televised programs including CBC Marketplace, The National and CTV’s The Social, and has had his research featured in Macleans, Politico, Huffington Post and more.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-lakhan-ph-d-56329224/
Research Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Calvin_Lakhan/contributions
Students Supervising
Sophie Angoh (MEs III)
I am currently enrolled in a Master of Environmental Studies at York University. My research centers on waste management, Circular Economy and Zero Waste principles through the lens of corporate social responsibility. I aspire to help organizations mitigate their waste for a more sustainable future. I love all things nature. My hobbies include rock climbing, cycling and camping.
Daniela Palma (MEs III) 
Daniela Palma began her environmental career at a young age by implementing initiatives to protect natural environments from waste contamination. Her advocacy ultimately turned her into a passionate environmentalist. She is currently a 2nd year Master in Environmental Studies student at York University and a Research Assistant with the “Waste Wiki” project. Sustainability, environmental justice, and public participation in waste management are three components of Daniela’s area of concentration in her MES program. In addressing waste management and diversion challenges, she emphasizes solutions that provide social, environmental, and economic benefits. Daniela uses the circular economic model as a guide for sustainability and diversion, with the aim to help society shift the narrative around the idea of waste. A particular focus of her research involves how to influence cultural and social perceptions towards single-use plastics and reusable alternatives.
- Angela Ditrich (JD/MES 2024)
- Simon Langer (MEs II)
- Jigme Tsering (MEs III)
- Carmen Armignonette (MEs II)
Alumni and Affiliates
Trevor Ritchie (2022)
Nana Adjei is a passionate environmentalist with profound interest in waste management, climate change and energy. He holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Environmental Studies from York University, Toronto and a Bachelors degree in Geography and Rural Development from KNUST with a minor in Economics, Ghana. He holds certificate in Sustainable Energy from York University, Business Implications of GHG Regulations; Risks and Opportunities for Energy and Carbon Management from CIET and RETScreen International Expert from RER Energy Inc. His Masters project was on “Alternative energy in Ghana- the case of solar PV. His passion for waste begun in Ghana where everything is sent to landfill. He is a proponent of implementing the 3R’s which is reduce, reuse and recycle.
Jainam Shah
is a microbiologist and environmentalist who started his career in India. Shah is a full-time employee of Eco-waste solutions, a company that converts wastes into energy. Over the months, he has contributed to numerous civil and non-civil projects (including those for the US military and DOD Canada). Shah has successfully completed and securely sent jobs like XML coding and have a good understanding of how machines work. Shah has received certification from the society of medical microbiology for his analysis of landfill soil contamination and leachate sampling, as well as for the solutions he offered to reduce the spread of water-borne diseases. Shah possesses diploma in environmental planning, sustainable waste management, and a bachelor’s in microbiology.
Prior to joining EWS, Shah worked on numerous municipal projects involving the Municipality of Dysart-et-al and the County of Orangeville and participated in a number of environmental awareness activities. Shah has participated in numerous initiatives aimed at reducing contamination in recycling, educating people about household hazardous waste, and preventing incorrect garbage disposal in these communities. Shah also held a position as an environmental planner at Batory Environmental Planning, where he worked on numerous broad legislative projects and supported green infrastructure paradigm.
