Tell us about yourself.
I have ten years of experience as a process and project engineer in petrochemical plants, optimizing processes, reducing costs, and enhancing safety while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Motivated by the industry's environmental impact, I pursued a master's in sustainable energy engineering at SFU. I developed a method to reduce soot accumulation, leading to a patent application, a publication in Nature Scientific Reports, and winning the 2022 Three Minute Thesis Competition at SFU.
What was a highlight from your time at SFU?
A highlight from my time at SFU was submitting a patent and publishing a peer-reviewed paper titled "Enhancing Soot Oxidation on Surfaces Using Microtextures" in Nature Scientific Reports. I developed an innovative approach to reduce soot accumulation, with potential applications in industries such as wood stoves, boilers, and engines, benefits remote communities. Seeing my hard work published was amazing and I hope it leads to a more sustainable future.
How has your experience at SFU prepared you for your career path?
My tenure at SFU has nurtured essential research skills, providing me with a comprehensive grasp of global environmental challenges and potential methods to mitigate them, especially through sustainability engineering. Moreover, I've refined critical thinking, communication, and collaborative abilities, crucial assets for navigating intricate challenges in professional endeavours.
What advice would you like to share to students in their first year?
In your first year, embrace opportunities to explore diverse subjects and engage in activities outside your comfort zone. Feel free to seek guidance from professors and peers. Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process. Manage your time effectively, prioritize self-care, and remember to take the time to explore beautiful Vancouver, make friends, and build connections.
What are your current plans?
I am actively seeking a job as a process or project engineer where I can implement all I have studied and utilize my abilities towards more sustainable solutions.
What was your research focus?
My research focused on developing an innovative approach to reducing surface soot accumulation. I discovered that randomly microtextured glass achieves a 71% reduction in the time required to oxidize 90% surface soot coverage compared to smooth glass. This finding has the potential to be utilized in wood stoves, boilers, and engines, offering significant benefits to remote communities lacking gas infrastructure.
