Dr. Nicholas Beier

Associate Professor

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Biography

Nicholas Beier is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta. He has been in this position since 2021, following a tenure as Assistant Professor from 2015 to 2021. Dr. Beier holds a Ph.D. in Geoenvironmental Engineering from the University of Alberta, where he has conducted research on geotechnical aspects of tailings waste management in oil sands operations in northern Alberta. His research strategy underscores the development of innovative tailings dewatering and management techniques, coupled with the implementation of simulation models to evaluate specific operational strategies and design alternatives. Dr. Beier leads substantial research focused on the long-term geotechnical behavior of filtered and chemically amended tailings, including investigations into cold regions engineering challenges, such as controlling acid drainage from waste rock piles and understanding the behavior of frozen fine-grained tailings deposits. He is a recognized figure in the field, contributing to several high-impact publications and leading discussions at international conferences on advancements in tailings management technology.

Research Interests

Geotechnical Engineering Geoenvironmental Engineering Tailings Waste Management Oil Sands Operations Cold Regions Engineering

Experience

Associate Professor

2021-01-01 — Present

University of Alberta • Edmonton, AB

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Assistant Professor

2015-01-01 — 2021-01-01

University of Alberta • Edmonton, AB

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Research Associate

2011-01-01 — 2015-01-01

Oil Sands Tailings Research Facility, University of Alberta • Edmonton, AB

Conducting research on tailings management.

Technical Advisor: Projects Research

2011-01-01 — 2013-01-01

Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) • Edmonton, AB

Advising on projects related to oil sands.

Facility Manager

2006-01-01 — 2011-01-01

Oil Sands Tailings Research Facility, University of Alberta • Edmonton, AB

Managing the research facility focused on oil sands tailings.

Remediation Engineer

2002-01-01 — 2006-01-01

WorleyParsons Komex • Edmonton, AB

Working on environmental remediation projects.

Requirements for University of Alberta

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:93
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Management
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of reference
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • Official Transcripts (upon admission)
Specialization Notes

Department: Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management