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Centre for EcoLogical Technology Solutions (CELTS) 

Ecological Engineering/ Pūhanga rauropi solves problems for societies and for the environment by designing solutions based on the interdependency of people and their ecosystems.

Research projects of the Centre for EcoLogical Technology Solutions (CELTS) focus on creating design solutions that are holistic, valorise waste resources and, align to the circular economy. Most of the research projects centre around Clean Water Technologies (CWT) – both on pollution prevention and pollution mitigation. The research group is a diverse bunch and our research is conducted in partnership with councils, iwi and industry. If you would like to join our dynamic team, applications are welcome all year around but please refer to Criteria for Research Candidates information before contacting Prof. O’Sullivan.

CELTS Research Leader

Aisling O'Sullivan

Associate Professor

Civil & Natural Resources Engineering Rm E443

Phone: +6433692045

Internal Phone: 92045

aisling.osullivan@canterbury.ac.nz

CELTS is led by Assoc. Prof. Aisling (Ash) O’Sullivan and is part of the wider Hydrological and Ecological Engineering Research Group, which Prof. O’Sullivan co-founded in 2010. We are part of the Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering / Pūhanga Metarahi me te Rawa Taiao at the University of Canterbury (UC).

Aisling’s Leadership Principles

Highlights

• Stephanie Patchett's research has been featured in the West Coast Messenger
• The Clean Water Technology project has been awarded an additional $225k from SfTI's Ending with Impact Booster Fund
• A hui on the Clean Water Technology project was held with representatives of Wairewa Rūnanga
• A/Prof Aisling O'Sullivan received the Inaugural Vision Mātauranga Award (the only successful one from the College of Engineering) to support her work with local hapū to understand, confirm and integrate cultural aspirations into the Wellbeing Decision Methodology and Framework her team is developing for clean water technologies
• Moeen Gholami of CELTS received an inaugural PhD UC Sustainability Scholarship to study with A/Prof Aisling O'Sullivan and Dr Hamish Mackey on green walls for treating greywater
• A/Prof Aisling O'Sullivan and Prof. Laurie MacLay were the UC wahine selected for the national NZUWiL programme 

Current Team

People involved in CELTS projects

Publications

Research / Creative Works

Information for Applicants

Criteria and financial support

Research Themes

Empty Discarded Mussel Shells Clean up our Waterways

3-D Biomaterials for Clean Water Technologies

Designing wastewater treatment solutions that are holistically sustainable (e.g. ecologically, economically and culturally appropriate).

The Storminator™ Treatment Technology

A simple, low-cost solution to treating roof runoff – winner of the 2019 National Water New Zealand Stormwater Innovation award (image by Water New Zealand)

Stormwater Pollutant Prediction Modelling

Development of a process-based pollutant load model (MEDUSA) to predict to predict sediment and heavy metal loads on individual impermeable surfaces.

Living Roofs and Green Walls

Testing green roof systems as a source control treatment system as well as their ability to reduce roof runoff volumes.

Engineering Education

Pedagogy of engineering curricula to enhance engineering students’ competency in sustainability and biculturalism.

Fish Passages and Built Barriers

Investigating the efficiency of flexible fish baffles to understand their wider applicability in Aotearoa NZ.

Māori in Engineering

In an industry underrepresented by Māori, this is a space for inspiration, learning and tautoko. An accessible interview series showcasing Māori who elevate the engineering world.