Influential research wins Ray recognition

Ray
Western Engineering News | June 6, 2016

Mita Ray, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, is this year’s recipient of the Engineering Award for Excellence in Research. She is being recognized for her outstanding contributions in treatment technologies for water and waste water and environmental modelling. Her contributions to the Faculty of Engineering, Western University and the national and international engineering community are impressive.

A notable aspect of Ray’s research is her collaboration with numerous scholars and scientists, and most importantly industry. She has authored and co-authored a total of 94 peer-reviewed publications. When describing Ray’s work, William Anderson, a Professor at the University of Waterloo spoke to the impact of Ray’s publications. “These papers have sparked new ideas in my own research group,” he explained.

Over the last 10 years at Western, Ray has been successful in engaging several water and environmental technology related companies. Ray’s most successful and long-term relationship has been with London’s own Trojan Technologies, a leader in water and wastewater products.

“Mita is always responsive, open and easy to work with,” said Ted Mao, Vice-President, Trojan Technologies. “She has made a significant impact on the successful collaboration between Trojan and Western.”

Ray is known as a passionate and accomplished researcher who is respected by students, colleagues and industrial partners. Her research students praise her for going above and beyond her role as a professor, describing her as a teacher, mentor and an inspiration.

Ray will receive the Engineering Award for Excellence in Research at the Western Engineering Faculty and Staff Award Lunch on June 22.