A highly respected researcher, Dr. Farenhorst specializes in research on the fate of current-use pesticides on microbial communities in environmental and engineered systems. Her work has informed practical solutions to improve drinking water distribution systems and contributed to national discussions on water security. Together with her collaborators, she has secured approximately $31 million in research funding. Among her many contributions is the development of the Indicator of Water Contamination by Pesticides, a science-based model used to track long-term trends and support national policy and program monitoring in Canada.
Her research and community engagement has extended internationally as well as locally. Prior to her current roles, Dr. Farenhorst led a large network focused on advancing food security for small-scale farmers in Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua. Since 2011, she has worked with numerous First Nations communities to assess drinking water quality in homes on reserve.
Most recently, Dr. Farenhorst served as President of Division VI (Chemistry and the Environment) within the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, where she helped shape global standards in environmental chemistry. She is also a registered Professional Agrologist.
Dr. Farenhorst has supervised more than 100 natural and social science research trainees and served as the Prairie NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering from 2011 to 2020.
Throughout her career, Dr. Farenhorst has received numerous teaching, research and community service awards. These include the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry Appreciation of Service Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She has also been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network.
