Researcher Profiles

Dr. Charles Wong

Charles S. Wong, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology

Can you share a brief description of your current research.

I am a civil/environmental engineer by training.  My research program focuses on understanding the occurrence, behavior, and effects of environmental contaminants.  These range from legacy pollutants, such as DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), to emerging ones such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, fluorinated compounds used in stain repellents and other useful items, flame retardants to prevent fires, modern pesticides, nanoparticles, and metabolites and breakdown products of all of these compounds.

In what ways could this research affect the average person?

If we understand how these chemicals get into the environment, what happens to them once they’re there, and how they may have effects at the levels we find them at - then we can better know what to do- or what not to do - to mitigate risks. In essence, we’re producing sound science to support sound decision-making around chemicals. This makes for better protection of human and ecosystem health.

For you personally, why do you want to do this kind of research?

When I was a child, I once saw someone get rid of waste dish detergent by pouring it onto a grassy field.  I asked myself if that really the best way of disposing the liquid. Although at that time, I didn’t know the answer, it has been something that concerned me. I’ve always been interested in science and engineering, so merging them in a way to make our world a better place seemed like a great way to spend a career!

What is the most satisfying part of this research?

(In no particular order), I enjoy the thrill of discovery, the excitement of pushing back the frontiers of our ignorance. Knowing that you’re doing something that will hopefully improve our  world and and the satisfaction of training the next generation of professionals and seeing them mature and grow inspires me.

What kind of student involvement do you have in this research?

I first started doing research right after my freshman year at MIT, on a project to understand how the atmosphere cleanses itself of pollutants.  From then, I was hooked, so student involvement is very important.

I have one of the largest research groups at UWinnipeg, at all levels: undergraduate to graduate to postdoctoral.  We work in our unique and ultramodern research facility--the Thomas Sill Analytical Laboratory for Water Research Technology   (STALWART), which I designed and direct, in UWinnipeg’s new Richardson College for the Environment & Science Complex.   We do cutting-edge experiments at unique and novel pilot-scale facilities (also in part designed by us).  We deploy in the field for case studies in the “real world”.  We travel the world to present our results at scientific conferences and meetings—my research group members have collectively won 16 best-presentation awards so far.  We publish our findings in the best scientific journals in the field.  And when students finish, they are well equipped for today’s knowledge-based workforce.

We work hard, but we also have a lot of fun.   I’m very proud of my research group members.

What would you say to students who may be interested in this field of study?

The same thing that a senior and very respected colleague in my field once told me:  are you doing neat stuff?  Do what you love.  Everything else will follow.  Work hard, and plan ahead.  Don’t be afraid to take chances and try new things, or to branch out.  Science is by definition very multidisciplinary.  To wit, I’m a civil engineer working as a chemist working as a toxicologist!  

And if you’re interested in what I do specifically, give us a shout!  We always welcome new and bright talent.