Jim A. Nicell

Background

About Jim A. Nicell

Professor Nicell, a chemical engineer specializing in environmental engineering, joined McGill University's Department of Civil Engineering in 1992. He is a registered professional engineer and has provided consulting services for a variety of environmental projects in both industry and government. His areas of research are diverse but are mainly focused on water quality and pollution control. His recent work has focussed on the development of impact assessment methods for water pollutants, including contaminants of emerging concern, on the mitigation of water pollution through enzyme catalysis, and on pollution prevention through the substitution of problematic chemicals used in industry with green chemicals that are renewably sourced. With a portfolio of over 100 peer-reviewed publications in journals of international stature, Professor Nicell has played a direct role in shaping regulations and policies at both the Canadian and provincial levels. Throughout his career, he has assumed various administrative and leadership roles, culminating in a decade-long tenure as the Dean of Engineering, concluding in 2023. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2018 and a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Senior Engineers in 2024.