Fighting microplastics
Grenfell PhD student is making the world a better place
The hits keep on coming for Grenfell PhD candidate Abdul-Latif Alhassan and his work to make the world a better place.
Alhassan, a candidate in the transdisciplinary sustainability program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, has been recognized for his entrepreneurial and environmental work through his companies, AbbaTek Group Inc. and JCI Consultancy.
Most recently, he has been listed as one of 12 finalists in the ENACTUS Canada Student Entrepreneur National Competition. Last month, he learned he was in the top five for the Mel Woodford Cup. And during BDC Small Business Week 2022, Alhassan was named the Navigate “Student Entrepreneur of the Year.”
AbbaTek Group is a social enterprise that supports Newfoundland and Labrador companies who focus on aquatic ecosystems and microplastic remediation. AbbaTek provides the environmental tools, data analytics and processes that companies need to help make meaningful impacts within our province. JCI Consultancy offers quality environmental consulting services to private and public sector stakeholders that share Alhassan’s vision for developing sustainable, agile and viable communities.
“We utilize machine learning and artificial intelligence to help fight microplastics pollution by reducing uncertainty in microplastics research – freeing researcher times and helping them protect human health and the environment through informed policy making/influencing,” said Alhassan.
In addition, last year his work was one of only 30 winners from across Canada in the “Ocean Startup Challenge.” The competition provides financial support from a combined $640,000 funding pot for development capital, mentorship and training opportunities for budding Canadian Bluetooth businesses.
“Current water quality testing protocols do not include microplastics and there is a huge opportunity to make a case for policy and regulation changes,” he said, adding he is incredibly grateful for the acknowledgement of the work he and his co-founders do. “My work is driven by my desire to to make positive, meaningful and lasting impacts, not just for the planet, but also for everyone who lives here now and in the future.” |
