Legionella Nightmares

My training and professional experience makes me an excellent life science researcher, capable of handling multiple challenges. My master's and doctoral degrees in cell biology have allowed me to develop my knowledge in the field of molecular biology and a robust research methodology. It  allowed me to increase my problem solving skills. Through this journey, I broadened my vision of research by completing a post-graduate certificate and developed strong management skills through the progression of my MBA. 
 
Following my academic training, I held the position of research associate at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sherbrooke, supervising master's and doctoral students in the realization of their research project. Afterwards, I became an entrepreneur in the field of biosensing, creating a company that develops bacterial pathogen detection devices to meet an emerging industrial market need. 

Since June 2013, Alain Blais has been president of AquaCion Group Inc. In this capacity, he has carried out various technical mandates for the treatment of wastewater or cooling water using traditional and advanced oxidation treatments for various clients in Canada and the United States. In addition, Alain has carried out numerous mandates for the development of maintenance programs for water cooling towers, in compliance with the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec regulations for the reduction of risks related to the presence of the presence of Legionella bacteria and other contaminants in drinking water (hot or cold water). In 2015, Alain obtained a certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for the implementation of legionella risk management programs for hot and cold potable water systems.

Previously with Sonitec, where he was the founding president, he successfully contributed for more than 20 years to the development of unique applications to improve the quality of heating, cooling, process and waste water, in collaboration with customers, consulting engineers, chemical treatment companies and specialized consultants. Alain has extensive knowledge and experience in the field of contamination problems related to poor water quality, potential solutions combining chemical and mechanical potential solutions combining chemical and mechanical filtration products and the implementation of treatment, monitoring and maintenance programs to reduce the risk of contamination, particularly to reduce the risks of contamination, particularly with legionella problems. In 1998, he was awarded the AQME Energy/Environment prize for his contribution. He has his engineering degree from the University of Quebec (1976), graduated from the University of Sherbrooke Sherbrooke in 1982 and from MIT in 2008 in the Entrepreneurship Development Program. He is a member of the Ordre des Ingénieurs du Québec, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the Cooling Technology Institute (CTI).