Barbara Waelkens

Barbara Waelkens has a diverse work experience in the field of wastewater treatment and environmental engineering. Barbara is currently working as a Senior Biochemical Engineer at Divert, starting in 2021. Prior to this, Barbara worked as an Independent Consultant since 2019, specializing in wastewater treatment process improvement and innovation, with a focus on energy efficiency, nutrient removal, and biogas production.

From 2014 to 2020, Barbara worked at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology. During this time, they held several roles, including Senior Researcher, Group Lead, and Research Associate. Barbara managed and contributed to various research and innovation projects in wastewater and sludge treatment, as well as bioenergy. Barbara also provided technical consulting for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants and developed strategies to improve research results.

Barbara's work experience also includes a role as a Research Associate at the University of Stuttgart from 2013 to 2014, where they were responsible for waste treatment alternatives and practical course design on biogas production. Before that, they worked as an Independent Consultant for the Fraunhofer Institute, serving as a point of contact for Brazilian companies in the field of wastewater treatment and organic residue processing.

Earlier in their career, Barbara worked at the Fraunhofer Institute as an Environmental Engineer from 2009 to 2011, contributing to German-Brazilian technology exchange projects on wastewater treatment and biogas upgrading. Barbara also worked as an Independent Contractor at Encibra SA, where they executed experiments for surface water treatment potential and coordinated interns.

Barbara's first job was as a Product Manager at Buntech from 2006 to 2008, where they evaluated the applicability of bentonite clay products for industrial wastewater treatment and contributed to product development.

Overall, Barbara Waelkens has demonstrated expertise in wastewater treatment, sludge management, and bioenergy through their various roles and projects throughout their career.

Barbara Waelkens has a solid educational background in the field of environmental engineering and technology. Barbara obtained their Doctor of Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) degree from the University of Stuttgart between 2014 and 2020, specializing in Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology. Prior to that, they pursued their Master of Science (MSc) degree in Sanitation from USP - Universidade de São Paulo, completing their studies from 2007 to 2010. Barbara also holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the same university, with a focus on Environmental Engineering, which they earned from 2002 to 2006.