Michael Bredell
Personal Profile
I’m a fourth-year Environmental Engineering student here at UBC with a strong interest in water and wastewater treatment, water and resource management, as well as sustainable urban development. Between my third and fourth years, I completed a year-long work term at an engineering consulting firm, where I gained valuable experience in contaminated site assessment and remediation, both in the field and in the office.
Currently, I’m working in the Beck Lab alongside Stephen Zhang, where we’re exploring the use of emerging UV LED technology in the tertiary stage of wastewater treatment. Our research focuses on evaluating the system’s effectiveness in disinfecting harmful pathogens and viruses using municipal wastewater that has undergone primary and secondary treatment. This hands-on lab experience allows me to deepen my understanding of one of my key areas of interest while also helping me determine whether graduate studies are the right path for me.
Ultimately, I hope to build a career that contributes meaningfully to environmental remediation and sustainability—whether through urban planning, water management, wastewater treatment, or resource recovery. Outside of academics, I enjoy long-distance running and yoga, and on more relaxed days, you’ll find me crocheting.
