The department is celebrating Professor Elizabeth Edwards’ remarkable career and lasting impact as she prepares to retire on June 30, 2026.
Professor Edwards joined the department in 1997 as an Assistant Professor and became a full Professor in 2006. Over nearly three decades, she has made internationally recognized contributions to research, teaching and service, while helping shape the department’s collaborative and innovative culture.
Her research has advanced the fields of anaerobic biotechnology and environmental engineering, with expertise spanning bioremediation, anaerobic digestion, environmental microbiology and biotechnology for resource recovery. Throughout her career, she has led major interdisciplinary initiatives and collaborated extensively with industry and government partners. Most recently, her work contributed to wastewater surveillance efforts for SARS-CoV-2 in the Toronto region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Edwards also played a significant leadership role within the department as Director of BioZone from 2011 to 2023. During her tenure, she helped strengthen collaborations at the intersection of biology and engineering and supported the growth of an interdisciplinary research community that continues to thrive today.
Her many honours and distinctions include the Killam Prize in Engineering, Fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada, Fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada, and the Professional Engineers Ontario Engineering Medal for Research and Development.
Beyond her research accomplishments, Professor Edwards has been a dedicated mentor and educator, supervising more than 30 PhD students, 45 master’s students, 19 postdoctoral fellows and research associates, and more than 60 undergraduate trainees, in addition to numerous visiting scholars and technical staff.
Department Chair Professor Ramin Farnood shared his congratulations and appreciation for Professor Edwards’ extraordinary contributions to the department and broader scientific community.
“Professor Edwards has had an extraordinary impact on our department, the University of Toronto and the broader scientific and engineering community,” said Farnood. “Her leadership, mentorship and pioneering research have inspired generations of students and colleagues alike. On behalf of the department, I extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes to Elizabeth on her well-deserved retirement.”
Professor Jennifer Farmer, who hosted the department’s May 19 meeting where the announcement was shared, reflected on Professor Edwards’ longstanding contributions to the department community.
“Elizabeth has been an exceptional colleague, leader and mentor throughout her career,” said Farmer. “Her dedication to research excellence, collaboration and student mentorship has left a lasting mark on our department. We are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed throughout her career.”
Professor Edwards says she looks forward to remaining connected to the department and university community following her retirement.
“I am retiring on June 30, but I will continue to supervise graduate students and engage in research and other odd jobs in my capacity as Professor Emerita,” said Edwards. “I am so grateful to everyone in the department for so many years of support, mentorship, friendship and good fun throughout the years. I am happy to still try to contribute to the department as much as my grandkids will allow. I look forward to whatever comes next at U of T and beyond.”
The department extends its heartfelt thanks to Professor Edwards for her extraordinary contributions, leadership and mentorship, and wishes her all the very best in this exciting next chapter, and as she transitions to Professor Emerita status.