Janice Kenney
Biography
I am an Associate Professor in Environmental Analytical Chemistry at Laurentian University’s School of Natural Sciences. My career has been shaped by a curiosity about how contaminants behave in the environment and how we can harness chemistry to address environmental challenges. This passion has taken me across the globe—from Canada to the United States, Sweden, and the United Kingdom—pursuing research opportunities that bridge disciplines like chemistry, geology, and microbiology.
With a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the University of Notre Dame, I have explored topics ranging from heavy metal adsorption to microbial processes in soil and groundwater systems. These experiences have allowed me to develop innovative analytical methods and mentor students in tackling some of today’s most pressing environmental issues. At Laurentian, I strive to combine rigorous research with hands-on learning opportunities to inspire the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.
Education
Ph.D. in Geochemistry, University of Notre Dame, USA (2011)
Dissertation: Metal Adsorption to Bacterial Cells and Their Products
NSF EMSI Fellow, 2007-2010
B.Sc. in Geology (Honours) with minor in Chemistry, University of Windsor, Canada (2006)
Thesis: Sulphide and Platinum Group Mineralogy of the Ferguson Lake Cu-Ni-Co-PGE Deposit, Nunavut
Academic Appointments
- 2025–Present: Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Canada
- 2019–2024: Assistant/Associate Professor, Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Canada
- 2018–2019: Radwaste Disposal Consultant, Wood Group, Harwell, UK
- 2017–2018: Research Fellow, University of Birmingham, UK
- 2014–2017: Research Associate, Imperial College London, UK
- 2010–2014: Research Engineer, Umeå University, Sweden
Research
Contaminants, whether metals or organic compounds, present complex challenges in both natural and engineered environments. My research focuses on understanding how contaminants interact with natural and engineered surfaces in these systems. I use a combination of advanced analytical techniques to study these interactions at the molecular and microscale, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), potentiometric titrations, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-OES), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
In the environment, contaminants such as metals and pharmaceuticals often interact with minerals and microbes, altering their mobility and reactivity. I investigate these interactions to gain a deeper understanding of how contaminants move through soil and water systems, particularly in mining-impacted environments. My work also examines how the surface properties of minerals and biochars influence the sorption and transformation of metals and antibiotics. This research has direct applications in improving environmental remediation strategies and predicting contaminant behavior under various conditions.
At Laurentian University, I am establishing a research group that emphasizes hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students in my lab gain experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation while contributing to projects addressing critical environmental issues. I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic research environment where students and collaborators can work together to tackle some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Awards
- NSERC Discovery Grant (2021-2027)
- MacEwan University Teaching Innovation Fund (2020)
Teaching
At Laurentian University, my teaching revolves around courses in Quantitative Analysis, Instrumental Analysis, Earth Systems Science, and Environmental Chemistry. My previous teaching experience includes courses in Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, and Chemical hydrogeology, where I focused on topics such as thermodynamics, contaminant transport, and advanced laboratory techniques.
I strive to provide students with a strong foundation in analytical and environmental chemistry while encouraging the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. My approach emphasizes hands-on learning and technical skill development to prepare students for careers in science and research. Additionally, I have extensive experience mentoring students in independent research projects, supporting their academic and professional growth.
Publications
Selected Publications:
- Kenney, J.P.L., Lezama-Pacheco, J., Fendorf, S., Alessi, DS., Weiss, DJ., (2023) Mechanisms of uranyl removal from aqueous solution by sandstone and volcanic rock under acidic and alkaline pH conditions, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, v645, 715-723.
- Zhang, Y., Alessi, D.S., Chen, N., Luo, M., Hao, W., Alam, S., Flynn, S.L., Kenney, J.P.L, Konhauser,K.O., Sik Ok, Y., Al-Tabbaa, A., (2021) Lead (Pb) sorption to hydrophobic and hydrophilic zeolites in the presence and absence of MTBE, Journal of Hazardous Materials, v420, p126528
- Bullen J.C., Kenney J. P. L., Fearn S., Kafizas A., Skinner S., Weiss D (2020) Improved accuracy in multicomponent surface complexation models using surface-sensitive analytical techniques: Adsorption of arsenic onto a TiO2/Fe2O3 multifunctional sorbent, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, v589, p834
- Kenney, J.P.L., Ellis, T., Nicol, F.S., Porter, A., and Weiss, D.J., (2018) The Effect of Bacterial Growth Phase and Culture Concentration on Uranium Removal from Aqueous Solution, Chemical Geology. v 482, pp 61-71
- Kenney, J. P. L., Veeramani, H., and Alessi, D. S., (2019) Analytical Geomicrobiology: A Handbook of Instrumental Techniques, Cambridge University Press.
For a full list of publications, please see my Google Scholar page
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=IGFVe0MAAAAJ&hl=en