Engg-Chemical

Research area: Dr. Mohammad Khondoker's areas of interest include developing smart additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, 3D printing of unconventional materials, designing polymer-based composite materials, chemical processing or treatments of functional materials, synthesis of nanomaterials, and rheological/mechanical characterizations. Dr. Khondoker has previously developed AM systems to print liquid metal-based stretchable electronics, parts made of intermixed extrudates of chemically immiscible polymers, devices consisting of extremely soft thermoplastic elastomers, etc.

Student roles:
(1) A 3D printed extruder system with internal co-axial complex microfluidic channels will be designed and assembled with an internal curing device to partially cure the extruded thermosetting resin extrudate having EGaIn core.
(2) A co-axial microchannel connected with a high-pressure syringe pump will be used to inject EGaIn in a controlled manner.
(3) Corresponding computational analyses will be conducted to optimize the design of the extruder system.
(4) Once the custom smart extruder system is integrated with an existing 3-axis motion system, a custom path-planning program will then be developed to create G-code scripts for printing free-standing 3D networks of microchannels.
(5) An in-situ image monitoring system can be utilized to minimize such distortion by accurately anticipating the change in the final shape and original trajectory of free-standing extrudates.
(6) Different types of modified and un-modified UV curable thermosetting resins will be tested to study their interaction with EGaIn. It will also involve experiments of the wetting behavior of EGaIn in microchannels of those resins. For mechanically tunable applications, it is crucial to understand how the flow of EGaIn is affected by the surface/materials morphology of the microchannels.
(7) The printing process and associated curing parameters will be thoroughly experimented with to understand how they affect the overall quality and the dimensional accuracy of the printed structures.
(8) The interaction between just deposited extrudate and previously deposited layers will also be analyzed, and potential solutions will be explored to mitigate possible interfacial defects.
(9) This optimization will also involve developing analytical models and computational models to understand the process physics.
(10) The computational analyses will be performed to study the polymer/LM flow behavior, material extrusions and polymer curing process.

Skills required:
The ideal student candidate for this project should have experience with mechanical design and CAD modeling, material science and characterization, and polymer 3D printing. Experience with rheological analysis and UV curable vitrimer epoxy would be an added advantage.

Research area: The Smart Sustainable Systems and Automation Lab (S³A Lab) is a research facility within the Division of Engineering at Saint Mary’s University. The lab is dedicated to advancing mechatronics, autonomous control, and sustainable energy technologies. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) with traditional engineering disciplines, the S³A Lab develops innovative solutions for the complex challenges of modern energy management and industrial automation.

Student roles:
The student will assist with data collection and preprocessing, develop AI-based predictive models, perform data analysis and optimization studies, evaluate model performance, and contribute to the interpretation and presentation of research findings related to waste-to-energy thermal conversion processes.

Skills required:
This project is suitable for undergraduate students in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related disciplines who have an interest in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and sustainable energy technologies. It requires skills:
- Basic programming skills in MATLAB or R.
- Familiarity with data analysis, statistics, and visualization.
- Interest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and optimization.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a research team

Research area: Dr. Mohammad Khondoker's areas of interest include developing smart additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, 3D printing of unconventional materials, designing polymer-based composite materials, chemical processing or treatments of functional materials, synthesis of nanomaterials, and rheological/mechanical characterizations. Dr. Khondoker has previously developed AM systems to print liquid metal-based stretchable electronics, parts made of intermixed extrudates of chemically immiscible polymers, devices consisting of extremely soft thermoplastic elastomers, etc.

Student roles:
Ideally, the project is planned to recruit at least four (4) students to achieve the objectives. The following is a list of expected responsibilities of the students.

Student 1:
• To establish the milling process of regolith simulant powders and their size-based segregation
• To study the vacuum curing process of vitrimer epoxies composited with regolith powder.
• To examine the performance of BER of uncured and previously cured vitrimer composites

Student 2:
• Thorough characterization of rheological properties of the composite slurry including analyses of shear stress vs. shear rate, viscosity vs. regolith content vs. shear rate, yield stress vs. viscosity, the mass flow rate of slurry extrusion vs. viscosity, and printability index vs. regolith content.
• Designing a tailored composite slurry for extrusion AM with higher static yield stress to resist deformation due to self-weight during printing, lower dynamic yield stress and lower dynamic viscosity to favor the material extrusion.
• Analyzing the curing performance of the composite slurries with different rheological properties under vacuum condition and with different curing parameters

Student 3:
• A custom extruder system with a small valving system and integrated UV source/heating element will be designed and developed.
• A heated custom print chamber will be designed and integrated as a build platform.
• The custom print chamber will also be integrated with a vacuum pump.

Student 4:
• To develop analytical and computational models for optimizing the process physics
• To evaluate the repairing performance of the regolith composites through bond exchange reactions (BER)
• To examine the fire-retardant performance of the regolith/vitrimer composites

Skills required:
The ideal student candidate for this project should have experience with mechanical design and CAD modeling, material science and characterization, and polymer 3D printing. Experience with SEM, rheological analysis, and UV curable vitrimer epoxy would be an added advantage.

Research area: Dr. Laura Romero-Zerón is a Chemical Engineer and a faculty member at the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton Campus since 2004. Dr. Romero-Zerón conducts research in several fields including formulation of supramolecular polymeric-surfactant systems, delivery systems, bioremediation, adsorption of endocrine disrupting chemicals such as microplastics and pharmaceutical drugs from wastewater using bio-substrates, reclamation of waste materials for catalyst production, and enhanced oil recovery processes (i.e. polymer flooding, surfactant flooding, foam flooding, etc.).

Student roles:
The following activities are required from the student:

• Training in the UNB Laboratory Safety Protocols.
• Training on the use of specialized laboratory equipment and scientific instruments such as FTIR, surface tension, contact angle, etc.
• Training on gathering the experimental data for the construction of adsorption isotherms and the use of specialized software for the non-linear regression analysis of 7 isotherm models.
• Guided Literature search using the UNB libraries databases
• Collaborate with the Faculty Researcher in the implementation of the experimental set-up.
• Implementation and execution of the experimental evaluation
• Gathering and analysis of experimental data
• Weekly presentations on the progress of the project
• Writing of the final project report

The student must take the UNB Training on Laboratory Safety Protocols. This is a requirement that must be fulfilled by the student before he and/or she could initiate the experimental work in the laboratory.

Skills required:
The skills/background required from the student includes:
• Academic background in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.
• Literature search skills
• Communication and presentations skills
• Capable of working in a team environment
• Research experience or strong interest in research activities
• Fast learner of the use of laboratory equipment and scientific instruments
• Self-confident in the installation of the experimental set-up
• Experience in data gathering and analysis of experimental data

Research area: Environmental catalysis, catalytic reactors, multiphase reactors, kinetics, novel catalytic processes, heterogeneous catalysts, antibiotics

Student roles:
The student will work in a team environment and receive supervision and training from other group members in the lab. He/She will be involved in different aspects of the project. The tasks involve different steps in running experiments on catalytic ozonation and advanced oxidation of the model compounds in water. Experimental procedures are established. The supervisor and members of the research group will provide hands-on training and supervision. Some of the activities that the student will be involved are:
• weighing and measuring chemicals according to safety guidelines and established procedures to prepare chemical solutions
• performing laboratory experiments in reactor system.
• performing chemical analysis using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and TOC (total organic carbon) analyzer
• collecting and analyzing samples
• compiling and maintaining research data in laboratory notebook
• preparing summary reports
• arranging for disposal of waste materials according to established safety procedures
• cleaning work areas and equipment including glassware and measuring devices using appropriate standards
• performing calibration and minor maintenance of instruments used in the experiments

Skills required:
Student needs to be in the field of Chemical Engineering or closely related area. A good background in chemistry, biology and laboratory techniques are important. Good command of English language and technical report writing is required. Familiarity with basics of biology and statistics is desirable.

Research area: Environmental catalysis, catalytic reactors, multiphase reactors, kinetics, novel catalytic processes, heterogeneous catalysts

Student roles:
The student will work in a team environment and will receive supervision and training from other members of the group. He/She will be involved in different aspects of the project. The tasks involve different steps in running experiments on catalytic ozonation of the model compounds in water. Experimental procedures are established. The supervisor and members of the research group will provide hands-on training and supervision. Some of the activities that the student will be involved are:
• weighing and measuring chemicals according to safety guidelines and established procedures to prepare chemical solutions
• performing laboratory experiments in the reactor system
• performing chemical analysis using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and TOC (total organic carbon) analyzer
• collecting and analyzing samples
• compiling and maintaining research data in laboratory notebook
• preparing summary reports
• arranging for disposal of waste materials according to established safety procedures
• cleaning work areas and equipment including glassware and measuring devices using appropriate standards
• performing calibration and minor maintenance of instruments used in the experiments

Skills required:
Student needs to be in the field of Chemical Engineering or closely related area. A good background in chemistry and laboratory techniques are important. Good command of English language and technical report writing is required. Familiarity with basics of statistics is desirable.

Research area: The CCWJ (www.ccwj.ca) is an award-winning research institution which is highly regarded not only in the international research community, but also in the international welding-related industry. Its state-of-the-art facility offers all arc-welding processes; friction-stir & automation; full metallography; gas chromatography; hardness & impact testing, thermography, and access to EBSD, SEM, EDX, TEM, etc. Research covers all welding related issues from fundamental to applied research, but also covers exciting interdisciplinary collaborations including physics, medicine, bio-medical engineering, and arts. Graduates from the CCWJ are hired into leading international engineering positions.

Student roles:
In this project students will learn the basics of AI and TensorFlow for image analysis and the application to welding and metal and heat transfer. The student will also be exposed to the real welding operations and testing equipment available at the lab. Possible confirmation of modeling can include the use of a latest-generation thermal camera and high-speed video (up to 300,000 fps).

Skills required:
Required skills for this project include the ability to write code in Python and Matlab, and general computer proficiency, self-motivation, natural curiosity, patience, and ability to act on feedback from the supervisor. Familiarity with computers and software is essential. Desirable skills for this project include previous experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence, CNN.

Research area: This work focuses on evaluating the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of porous microparticles engineered to form a three-dimensional network with micro- and nanoscale surface features. These hierarchical structures provide an increased surface-area-to-volume ratio. The resulting properties are strongly influenced by the geometry of the features and their characteristic length scales, enabling tunable performance depending on the intended application.

Student roles:
The student’s role in this project is to analyze the full range of properties of a novel nano- and micro-functionalized surface, with the goal of enabling further refinement of an in-house developed technique. The student will be responsible for preparing samples to appropriate dimensions and specifications for various property evaluations (e.g., surface emissivity, reflectivity, and chemical stability).
The student will gain hands-on experience in both material characterization—using tools such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM)—and property evaluation, including surface and bulk material testing methods.
The student is expected to collaborate closely with members of the research group and will work alongside talented graduate students in a supportive and knowledge-sharing environment. Regular laboratory meetings will provide opportunities to discuss research findings, exchange ideas, and monitor project progress.
The team is international and welcoming. While some members speak French, most communication and research activities are conducted in English to ensure an inclusive environment.
The student will also be expected to prepare clear, well-organized technical reports and contribute to documentation in the style of scientific research papers.

Skills required:
Interested students should have a basic understanding of material mechanics and strong writing skills. Familiarity with characterization tools such as microhardness testing, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ImageJ for porosity and image analysis is considered an asset.
While prior knowledge of manufacturing and analysis methods is not required, students are encouraged to review introductory literature. On-site training will be provided; therefore, lack of prior experience is not a barrier.
The student will gain hands-on experience with advanced characterization techniques, including cold spray (CS), SEM, and sample preparation, as well as state-of-the-art property evaluation methods across multiple domains.

Research area: My research focuses on capillary microfluidic systems for diagnostic and environmental applications. I develop autonomous microfluidic circuits capable of controlling fluid flow without external energy, by leveraging capillary forces and channel geometry. My work combines design, microfabrication, and 3D printing to create lab-on-a-chip devices with advanced functionalities such as fluid sequencing and multi-step biochemical assays. A key objective is the development of integrated cartridges for reagent storage and delivery, enabling portable, robust, and user-friendly systems. These technologies aim to provide low-cost, field-deployable solutions for rapid diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

Student roles:
The student will actively contribute to the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of capillary microfluidic circuits and integrated reagent cartridges.
Initially, the student will become familiar with the principles of capillary microfluidics and existing lab-on-a-chip technologies. They will participate in the design of microfluidic circuits and cartridges, considering constraints related to fluid flow, reagent storage, and sequencing.
The student will be involved in device fabrication using 3D printing techniques. A major part of the work will focus on experimental validation. The student will conduct experiments to evaluate fluid sequencing, timing, reproducibility, and device performance. Data acquisition and analysis will be performed using tools such as the microscope software and ImagJ.
The student will also contribute to design optimization by identifying key parameters affecting performance, such as geometry, surface properties, and reagent volumes.
In addition, the student will participate in documenting results, preparing figures, and presenting findings in group meetings. Opportunities may exist to contribute to publications or conference presentations.
This project provides hands-on experience in microfluidics, device design, and experimental research, while contributing to the development of autonomous diagnostic technologies.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate has a background in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or a related field. Knowledge of microfluidics, capillary phenomena, or mass transfer is an asset. Experience with fabrication techniques such as 3D printing is desirable. Familiarity with experimental work, data analysis, and basic instrumentation is beneficial. Skills in CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) are a plus. The student should be motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a laboratory environment, with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Research area: The research group is interested in the application of mineral carbonation as a means of reducing industrial CO2 emissions. The mineral carbonation proposes to transform the gaseous CO2 into carbonates by reacting it with a solid material including divalent cations. Among the raw materials that can be used, silicate minerals (olivine, serpentine) that can be contained in mine tailings. It is also possible to use certain alkaline industrial residues such as spent concretes, steel slag, lime and cement kiln ashes, red mud or incinerator ash.

Student roles:
The student will collaborate with the different members of the research team. He will be under the direct supervision of a Ph.D. student or a research associate. He will participate in laboratory carbonation tests, sample analysis and interpretations.

Skills required:
The desired profile is a student who has completed or is undergoing a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree in science or engineering. The specializations sought are, chemical engineering, mining engineering, geological engineering, civil engineering, chemistry, geology and earth sciences. The student will have to demonstrate autonomy, innovation and curiosity. He will carry out laboratory
experiments and analyzes, and report on his results in the form of presentations and a final report.

Research area: Our research group specializes in biomanufacturing processes, specifically the optimization of biopharmaceuticals production, such as proteins and plasmids, through predictive modeling of the relationship between process parameters and process performance. Performance is defined not only by product yield, but also by product quality. Building such models requires data acquisition via advanced monitoring tools. Exploration of the experimental space of process parameters necessitates efficient experimental design, and robust bioprocess control strategies. The group also develops mechanistic and machine-learning-based models to predict, optimize, and ultimately enable advanced control of bioprocesses. The ultimate goal is to build digital twins of biomanufacturing processes.

Student roles:
- Support research activities related to bioreactor process control.
- Design and document an experimental protocol to determine the parameters required for PID controller tuning in a 3 L fed-batch bioreactor.
- Participate in experimental runs in a 3 L fermenter to estimate parameters and fit a process model to experimental results.
- If possible, develop a model using Python or MATLAB (Simulink) to facilitate efficient identification of PID control parameters for bioreactor operation.
- Prepare a final technical report summarizing the methodology, experimental results, model development, and overall project progress.

Skills required:
- Chemical or biochemical engineering student with foundational knowledge of systems dynamics and process control
- Strong programming skills in Matlab (Simulink) and/or Python.
- General understanding of chemical and biochemical kinetics.
- Ability to work autonomously, with initiative and professionalism.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Basic knowledge of bioreactors. Prior hands-on experience with bioreactors is not required, as training will be provided.

Research area: At the UNB Advanced Renewables and Catalysis Lab, we specialize in developing technologies for producing biofuels and hydrogen, and chemically recycling materials such as waste aluminum and plastics. In our biofuels/hydrogen research stream, we focus on the development of catalyst materials that can upgrade biomass and waste materials into clean fuels.

Student roles:
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
1. Performing a literature review to determine viable additives/catalysts and any associated preparation techniques
2. Preparing/reviewing experimental methodologies and standard operating procedures
3. Characterize (analyze) feedstock materials
4. Conducting benchmark hydrothermal carbonization experiments
5. Conducting hydrothermal carbonization experiments with additives/catalyst materials
6. Analyzing results, making comparisons to the literature
7. Preparing a report to discuss the results

Skills required:
- Safety-oriented mindset
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and with a team
- Fundamental knowledge in chemical engineering (e.g., thermodynamics, heat/mass transfer, reaction chemistry, etc.)
- Experience working in an analytical lab with basic chemistry lab skills
- Experience using software such as MS Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint
- An aptitude for working hands-on with equipment/mechanical devices
- A natural curiosity for chemical reactions, catalysis, and developing sustainable solutions
- Critical evaluation of scientific literature and results

Research area: BRIL conducts research on catalytic thermochemical conversion of waste plastics and biomass into fuels, chemicals, hydrogen, and advanced carbon materials. Research activities involve pyrolysis, catalytic upgrading, reaction engineering, product characterization, and sustainability assessment of circular economy technologies. The laboratory integrates experimental and analytical approaches to develop scalable waste-to-value conversion systems.

Student roles:
The student will contribute to ongoing experimental and analytical activities associated with waste plastics upcycling research. Responsibilities may include assisting with feedstock and catalyst preparation, supporting thermochemical conversion experiments under supervision, organizing experimental datasets, analyzing product distributions, and assisting with graphical and literature-based interpretation of results.

The student may also assist with analytical characterization activities related to pyrolysis products and carbon materials while participating in research meetings and technical discussions with BRIL researchers. The internship is intended to provide hands-on exposure to advanced plastics recycling technologies and sustainable waste-to-value systems.

Skills required:
Background in engineering, chemistry, materials science, or environmental science. Interest in catalysis, thermochemical conversion, plastics recycling, sustainability, or circular economy systems is preferred. Students should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be interested in interdisciplinary research environments involving laboratory experimentation and data analysis.

Research area: Dr. Ajay K. Dalai is a distinguished professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Canada Research Chair of Bioenergy and Environmentally friendly chemical processing. Dr. Dalai has been spearheading a research group of about 30 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows (PDFs) per year since 2000 in the Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dalai’s research areas include environmental catalysis such as the conversion of sulfur-containing compounds from gases; wastewater treatment; biomass gasification; upgrading and hydrotreating of crude petroleum and bio-oil feedstocks; production of bio-fuels (gasoline, diesel, aviation fuels) from agricultural wastes and non-edible oils

Student roles:
During the internship, the undergraduate student will be assisted and mentored by a senior Ph.D. candidate under the supervision of Dr. A. K. Dalai. The student is expected to undergo basic training in a laboratory safety course and he/she will be learning the standard operating procedures for different equipment that will be accessed during their internship. Moreover, the Ph.D. candidate will assist the student with catalyst synthesis. During the internship, the student is expected to learn basic characterization techniques such as BET, XRD, NH3-TPD, CO-chemisorption, and FTIR to understand the physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalyst. A senior Ph.D. candidate will be available to assist the student during his/her training and any clarifications during training can be addressed to the Ph.D. candidate. The intern will also be trained on the standard operating procedure of the batch reactor system to perform HDO reactions and Gas chromatography setup for product analysis.
Before starting the experiments, the intern is expected to have a theoretical understanding of the basic chemical reaction of this process. The intern will be synthesizing the transition metallic catalysts and will characterize them using the techniques mentioned above. The intern will design the set of experiments to be performed and after approval from Dr. A. K. Dalai, he/she will be assisted by the Ph.D. candidate to perform the reactions. The student and the Ph.D. candidate will meet Dr. A.K. Dalai on regular basis to discuss the work progress and obtain technical advice. The intern is expected to collect reaction samples and analyze them to find reaction conversion and selectivity. Documentation of the results has to be performed on regular basis. After successful completion of the experiments, the student is expected to present their findings to Dr. Dalai’s research group and he/she will write a 20-30 page report on this project.

Skills required:
The successful intern would be an undergraduate student with a major in Chemical Engineering who has basic experience in chemistry/chemical engineering laboratories at the undergraduate level. The candidate is expected to have basic knowledge of handling laboratory chemicals and should follow safety protocols. The candidate is expected to have a basic background in statistical analysis of data and chemical kinetics. Background on instrumental analysis, design of experiments, and development of a kinetic model for chemical processes is an asset.

Research area: Materials science; Additive manufacturing; 3D printing; Advanced manufacturing; Polymeric materials; Polymer processing; Polymer physics; Polymer composite

Student roles:
The student is expected to contribute the following throughout the duration of the project, while being in communication with a graduate student:
I. Provide state-of-the-art review on relevant research topics that will aid in the development of a Problem Statement (PS) document that includes 1) FDM 3-D printing systems, 2) Pellet extrusion systems, 3) Fibre-impregnation in polymer matrices, 4) Programming for 3-D printing systems, at a minimum.
II. Provide a brief project requirements (PR) statement that iterates upon the PS with rationale and provide functional requirements pertaining to the project such as, but not limited to functions, constraints, objectives, stakeholders, DfX principles, human factors and service environment. Moreover, the PR will include a project plan stating proposed deadlines of the project.
III. Provide a critical design review (DR), through identifying technology gaps in current design. The DR document provides an evidence-based argument for any modification being made to reach a final design concept. It is expected that the student provides multiple candidate designs where the final conceptual design is selected through a robust selection process. 3-D modelling software should be leveraged to showcase the final design before prototype construction. Moreover, the student is expected to provide a code with a friendly user interface for the functioning of the printer.
IV. Delivery of a physical prototype and testing to determine design efficacy based on ability to meet functional requirements.

Skills required:
• A strong mechatronics background is recommended.
• Basic knowledge and specific experience in polymer processing and engineering, physics and programming.
• Ability to perform calculations related to laboratory operations (formulations, unit conversion)
• Basic lab experience and characterization analysis skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Able to interact efficiently and respectfully with group members

Generally ideal candidate has fundamental knowledge and begun to develop expertise in polymer chemistry and processing, with particular emphasis on interfacial interactions between polymers and other materials and their impact on mechanical properties.

Research area: The Biomass Technology Laboratory (BTL) offers a unique research window dedicated to valorizing diverse sources of residual carbon and solving food industry challenges. For over a decade, BTL has pioneered the conversion of organic residues into biofuels and high-value biosourced chemicals. Our strategic areas include the thermochemical and biochemical conversion of biomass, advanced bioprocesses, and chemical CO2 valorization. Notably, BTL is equipped with a specialized metal 3D printer dedicated to developing next-generation structured catalysts. We integrate process optimization and extensive analytical expertise to drive the global bioeconomy forward.

Student roles:
During the 12-week internship, the student will be responsible for manufacturing and experimentally testing 3D-printed catalysts for biogas reforming. To ensure international team integration, the intern will deliver an initial presentation regarding their academic background and proposed goals. Core responsibilities include operating 3D printers, performing chemical pre-treatments, and running laboratory reaction units to evaluate catalytic performance. The student will systematically collect physicochemical and kinetic data, document experimental variations, and participate in weekly technical discussions. Finally, the intern will present a synthesis of their experimental results to the BTL research group.

Skills required:
Candidates should be undergraduate or graduate students in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate strong hands-on skills and prior experience in wet chemistry or materials synthesis laboratories. Familiarity with 3D printing concepts, metallurgy, or high-temperature reaction units is highly valued. The role requires solid understanding of laboratory safety protocols, rigorous organizational abilities to manage multiple experimental runs simultaneously, a collaborative mindset to integrate into multidisciplinary teams, and professional proficiency in either English or French.

Research area: Nonlinear process control, Model predictive control, Fault-tolerant control, control of batch processes

Student roles:
The student will spend the first month understanding some of the advanced control concepts, then contribute to the development of the results and illustration via a simulation example. It is expected that based on the contribution, the student will be a second author on a journal manuscript.

Skills required:
Strong mathematical skills and willingness to understand and use advanced mathematical concepts. Good expertise with programming (matlab).

Research area: Dr Hill’s research is in catalysis with applications to partial upgrading, gasification, microwave treatment, and the conversion of solid waste materials, such as petroleum coke and biomass, into catalysts supports and activated carbon. Catalysts make reactions proceed more quickly and/or selectively to desired products. Used in 90% of all industrial processes, catalysts cannot only be prepared from the millions of tonnes of waste that are available but also convert this waste to value added products.

Student roles:
The student will work with other group members involved in the project to develop, characterize, and test catalysts. The student will start by reviewing relevant literature and then prepare a short (one-page) plan for the experiments. After discussion of this plan and any necessary revisions, the student will be trained on the required experimental equipment and then proceed with the catalyst development. The development of catalysts will likely involve wet chemical methods. The project will be mainly experimental but there may be opportunities to support the experiments with theoretical calculations. The student will meet weekly with Dr Hill as well as attend weekly group meetings at which one of the group members presents. The student will present a few times at these meetings. The student is expected to interact with other group members, contribute to project discussions, clearly and objectively present their research findings, and follow all safety procedures.

Skills required:
The student requires a strong knowledge of chemical engineering fundamentals including kinetics and thermodynamics, careful experimental skills with an attention to detail and proper safety requirements, good oral and written communication skills, an ability to critically assess results including those in the literature, and a passion for research. While the student will be part of a group, they should be able to take initiative to move the project forward.

Research area: Graham Gagnon is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Resource Engineering and he is also the Director for the Centre for Water Resources Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His professional and research interests focus on the management of water quality and treatment for natural and engineered systems. Throughout his career he has worked on applied water research projects for municipalities in Atlantic Canada, private companies, provincial departments, and federal agencies. The water lab manages significant amounts of data that requires curation and analysis for developing data products to advance water technologies and water science.

Student roles:
The student will develop an expanded knowledge base in water quality and software development. The student will develop skills to understand and analyze water treatment challenges. The student will also gain practical and transferable skills related to data analytics and water science - the student will work with collaborative teams and have opportunities to network with water professionals.

Skills required:
Students should have a strong teamwork skills as the student will work with researchers that are generating data in the field and those that are developing data analysis tools. Our lab has a diverse student population and excellent communication skills are essential. Finally students that have a strong passion for environmental science and engineering is critical - we are developing innovative ideas to transform the water industry and aim to recruit students with this goal.

Research area: Our research team, led by Dr. Amina Stoddart, P. Eng., specializes in drinking water and municipal wastewater treatment. Dr. Stoddart is an Assistant Professor in the Centre for Water Resources Studies in the Department of Civil and Resource Engineering. Our team works collaboratively with municipalities, individual communities, and the private sector to advance and optimize treatment and monitoring technologies for the water and wastewater sector. We tackle research questions surrounding the use and development of advanced microbial tools for water and wastewater treatment process optimization and wastewater surveillance.

Student roles:
The student will be assigned a well-defined project within the overall research program. The student will be mentored by Dr. Stoddart and work closely with graduate student researchers, and within the larger research team, to develop a research plan/hypothesis; design, allocate resources to, and perform the required visualization and analyses; and present the results. Student should anticipate developing coding and computer skills for the analysis and visualization of large datasets. In addition to participating in activities (e.g. research meetings, presentations) directly related to their individual project, students will participate in team-wide activities to increase their exposure to other aspects of the water and wastewater treatment sector. Students will join a vibrant research environment which will support exposure to aspects of the entire urban water cycle.

Skills required:
Students should have a strong interest in data analytics and proficiency in coding with R or other programming languages. Knowledge of Power BI is an asset. An engineering background with an understanding of systems and processes is preferred. Strong teamwork skills are necessary to collaborate effectively with a diverse team composed of other students, research staff, and industry partners. Excellent communication skills are essential to support and thrive in this collaborative working environment.

Research area: My research focuses on artificial intelligence, optimization, digital twins, and operational decision-support systems for industrial processes. We develop advanced machine learning and simulation-based optimization methods to improve production planning, scheduling, maintenance, and resource utilization in complex industrial environments. Our work aims to enhance productivity, energy efficiency, and sustainability through intelligent decision-making systems.

Student roles:
The student will contribute to the development of Deep Reinforcement Learning models for adaptive production scheduling. Activities include simulator integration, algorithm implementation, training and evaluation of AI agents, analysis of scheduling performance, and comparison with conventional approaches. The student will participate in technical discussions, prepare reports and presentations, and contribute to scientific publications while gaining experience in industrial AI and simulation-based optimization.

Skills required:
Students should have a background in industrial engineering, computer science, operations research, chemical engineering, applied mathematics, or related disciplines. Experience with programming, machine learning, optimization, reinforcement learning, or simulation is desirable. Familiarity with scheduling, process systems engineering, or industrial operations is beneficial but not required. Students interested in AI-driven optimization and industrial applications are encouraged to apply.

Research area: Smart and advanced materials, Nanocomposites, Functional coatings, Anti-icing materials, Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and multifunctional coatings for aerospace applications.

Student roles:
The student will actively participate in the laboratory synthesis and application of nanocomposite coatings with varying concentrations of additives and nanoparticles to evaluate their performance trends. Their role includes conducting ice adhesion tests and measuring S-parameters to verify the coating’s EMI shielding effectiveness. Additionally, the student will assist in secondary testing for other surface properties and utilize MATLAB to develop scripts for extracting and analyzing EMI data from the experimental results.

Skills required:
Undergraduate student in Materials or Chemical Engineering with lab experience in coating preparation deposition and nanomaterials. Knowledge of characterizations (SEM, Network analyzing, etc.) and an interest in anti-icing or EMI shielding are required. Also MATLAB coding for data analysis is highly welcomed.

Research area: Bioprocessing, carbon capture, hydrothermal processing, thermochemical processing

Student roles:
In this project(s) you will be working on transforming waste biomass into biosorbents for use in CO2/CO capture from stack gases and/or removal of metals and nutrients from mining wastewaters. This could involve pyrolysis and/or hydrothermal processing of biomass, developing ASPEN simulations of process, performing adsorption experiments using biosorbents, and life cycle analysis of processes.

Skills required:
Thermodynamic courses completed, able to work in team environment, communication skills, simulation experience preferred but not necessary, experimenal skills

Research area: Dr. Mohammad Khondoker's areas of interest include developing smart additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, 3D printing of unconventional materials, designing polymer-based composite materials, chemical processing or treatments of functional materials, synthesis of nanomaterials, and rheological/mechanical characterizations. Dr. Khondoker has previously developed AM systems to print liquid metal-based stretchable electronics, parts made of intermixed extrudates of chemically immiscible polymers, devices consisting of extremely soft thermoplastic elastomers, etc.

Student roles:
The students will perform the following:

(1) Development and application of a multi-material high-pressure, high-temperature smart extruder system that permits in situ blending of polymers (both thermoplastic and thermoset with alterable setup) and nanomaterials with wide material choice. Mechanical enhancement of the custom extruder for performance and precision improvements.

(2) Integration of the custom extruder with a high-pressure syringe pump, an autoclave chamber, and a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) printer stage to saturate as-prepared polymer nanocomposites with supercritical CO2 before they are extruded and deposited as porous material. Qualification of the AM system to printing smart multi-scale porous polymer nanocomposites.

(3) Study the process physics, composites nano- to microstructures, and mechanical characterization of the printed parts and optimize the process parameters (micro-compounding, foaming, extruding, and printing) to realize 3D devices with complex geometries for selected applications.

(4) Apart from the scientific advancements, the other primary objective of this proposal is to train African-American and other minority undergraduate students in particular research areas and develop a strong research program within the academic unit to inspire the students to pursue graduate studies.

Skills required:
The ideal student candidate for this project should have experience with mechanical design and CAD modeling, material science and characterization, and polymer 3D printing. Experience with rheological analysis and nanomaterials would be an added advantage.

Research area: Dr. Arezoo Emadi is the director of electrical Micro and Nano Devices and Sensors (e-Minds) Research Centre, www.emadilab.com. She leads academic and industry cross-functional projects to introduce and implement advanced sensor technologies and micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies in a wide range of fields that make abundant use of sensors and transducers such as medical and environmental sciences. Her ongoing research efforts are in the area of chemical and medical sensors, gas sensors, micro and nano electronic devices and integrated sensors, BioMEMS, micromachined (MEMS) ultrasonic transducers and ultrasonic imaging systems, and micro and nano fabrication processes.

Student roles:
Students will have the following role and responsibility in their relevant part of the project:
Conducting literature review, summarizing available sensor technologies and investigating the evolutionary and state-of-the-art sensors through reading journal, articles and conference papers; designing gas sensors suitable for medical diagnostic applications or environmental monitoring; design PCB circuits, collect data, analyze data, conducting FEM simulations such as COMSOL as well as modelling the sensor and optimizing the system based on the simulation results; investigating suitable sensitive material for each configuration and study their response pattern to different volatile organic components, investigating method of sensing material deposition; conducting measurements, writing report and presenting their findings to the group members; collaborating, communicating and assisting other team members.

Skills required:
The project has different components suitable for students with a background in electrical engineering and interest in chemical, environmental and biomedical engineering. The project requires study of various gas sensors such as MEMS sensor, QCM, chemiresistive sensors as well as an investigation into sensitive materials that can respond to different gases present in any environment, and design and simulation of these gas sensors. Students design multi sensor platform, collect and analyze data. Students conduct electrical measurements to evaluate these sensors. Familiarity with COMSOL, interest in MEMS sensor system, and familiarity with PCB design are asset.

Research area: Our research focuses on developing advanced materials for hydrogen production through water electrolysis. The group specializes in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) components, including membranes, catalyst layers, and porous transport structures for proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers. Using electrospinning and other scalable fabrication techniques, we engineer nanostructured materials with tailored morphology, porosity, and functionality to improve electrolyzer efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Particular emphasis is placed on sustainable materials and innovative electrode architectures for next-generation green hydrogen technologies.

Student roles:
Students will participate in all stages of the research project, from material synthesis to electrochemical evaluation. Responsibilities will include preparing polymer and composite precursor solutions, fabricating nanofibrous materials using electrospinning equipment, and optimizing fabrication parameters to achieve targeted structural properties.
Students will perform material characterization using microscopy and other analytical techniques to investigate morphology, fiber distribution, porosity, and physicochemical properties. They will analyze experimental data, identify correlations between material characteristics and performance, and propose improvements to fabrication protocols.
The interns will assist in integrating developed materials into electrolyzer components and conducting electrochemical testing to evaluate their performance under relevant operating conditions. They will maintain laboratory records, follow safety procedures, participate in group meetings, and contribute to technical reports, conference presentations, and scientific publications.
The project will provide hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing, materials characterization, electrochemical testing, and research communication within a multidisciplinary environment focused on clean hydrogen technologies.

Skills required:
Applicants should have a background in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline. Familiarity with polymer science, nanomaterials, materials characterization, or electrochemical systems is desirable but not required. Experience with laboratory research, data analysis, and scientific communication will be considered an asset. Students should possess strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and an interest in sustainable energy technologies and advanced material development.

Research area: statistical mechanics, fluid mechanics, data science, and a splash of art and creativity

Student roles:
The intern student will assist the graduate students and postdocs in our lab to advance the subfields as described. Exceptional students are encouraged to lead sub-projects.

Skills required:
background: mechanical or chemical engineering, physics, applied math, art, and design
skills: design and build and conducting experiments, literature review, coding

Research area: In regions exposed to harsh weather conditions, ice accumulation on surfaces can lead to serious issues such as structural damage, reduced performance, and increased maintenance costs. Ice-induced stresses, along with repeated freeze–thaw cycles, can initiate and propagate microcracks, ultimately compromising the integrity of polymeric components. To alleviate such harm, significant efforts have been devoted to developing advanced protective coatings. Among these, self-healing coatings have emerged as a promising strategy, as they can autonomously repair microcracks and thus prolong the service life of materials. In recent years, there has been a growing scientific and industrial interest in multifunctional coatings that can

Student roles:
The student will play an active role in the design, synthesis, and advanced characterization of dual-functional

bio-inspired smart coating systems. The project will involve the development of polymer-based coatings

integrating self-healing and ice-phobic functionalities, along with the engineering of micro- and nano-reservoir

structures for the controlled release of anti-icing agents. The student will be responsible for the deposition of

coatings onto metallic substrates and will conduct systematic and quantitative evaluations of self-healing

performance under controlled damage scenarios. Furthermore, the student will assess the ice-phobic behavior of

the coatings under realistic and environmentally relevant conditions. The role also includes rigorous data

analysis, interpretation of experimental results, and the preparation of high-quality technical reports and research

documentation. Active collaboration with the research team and regular communication with the supervisor will

be essential to ensure the successful progression of the project.

Skills required:
The ideal applicants are required to be an undergraduate student majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering,

or materials engineering. Desired credentials encompass:

Being highly motivated and demonstrating a strong interest in research and laboratory works.

Proficiency in laboratory methodologies and materials characterization.

Fundamental understanding of polymer science and coatings.

Interest in intelligent materials and nanoparticles.

Capability to interpret experimental data and present findings

Research area: Thermal Energy Storage, Heat Transfer, Phase Change Materials, Fluid Dynamics

Student roles:
The student will conduct experiments and simulations, conduct literature review, and prepare manuscript for publication.

Skills required:
Microsoft Excel, COMSOL (preferred but not required).

Research area: Materials science; Polymeric materials; Polymer processing; Nanocomposite; Polymer physics; Polymer composite; Lightweight materials; Graphene

Student roles:
The Student is needed to be active to learn the processing and characterization of the hybrid composite. First, the student will review the most relevant previous articles to obtain a principal understanding of polymer composites particle dispersion and mechanical and thermal analysis. They will gain skills in nanocomposite, polymer processing, polymer microstructural and other characterization. There are opportunities for students to be co-authors for published work if they show their skills and talent in the project.

Characterization
Commercial characterization equipment include X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential calorimeter scanning (DSC), Rheometer, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Nanoindenter, polarization microscope, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). All devices are provided with safety observance, and graduate students will work along with you to conduct experiments.

Skills required:
• Basic knowledge and specific experience in polymer processing and engineering, physics, and chemistry.
• Ability to perform calculations related to laboratory operations (formulations, unit conversion)
• Basic lab experience and characterization analysis skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Able to interact efficiently and respectfully with group members

Generally ideal candidate has fundamental knowledge and begun to develop expertise in polymer chemistry and processing, with particular emphasis on interfacial interactions between polymers and other materials and their impact on mechanical properties.

Research area: Membrane Science and Nanotechnology

Student roles:
1. Student will be part of a positive, productive, and creative research team, as well as attend group meeting, collaboratively learn from other group members, and share ideas.
2. Student will be trained to use the coaxial electrospinner and applying several approaches and collectors at my lab in order to control the membrane’s morphology. Students will be provided with guidance, research directions, and an outline for all of the requested tasks each week.
3. Student will be trained to different membrane characterization technique.
4. Student will test the influences of several parameters and their respective effects on on controlling membrane morphology.
5. Student will perform filtration experiments.
6. Analyze the results, collected data, and create the necessary models.
7. Student will have a weekly meeting to discuss the experimental results and will be provided with a memo for the following week.
8. Student will write a manuscript about the research findings while under my guidance.
9. Once the experiments are completed and analyzed, student will present the findings at a conference.

The student will go through all the safety training provided by the University of Saskatchewan. The assigned project has all approved protocols and ethics to ensure the success of the project.

Skills required:
This project requires a background in Organic Chemistry and chemical engineering, as well as a background in experimental design, and basics of modeling experience.

Research area: Our group focuses on research and development in the field of cement and concrete engineering, actively contributing to the sustainable development of eco-efficient low-carbon concrete technologies through innovative projects. The specialized research area spans a spectrum of multi-scale investigations focusing on qualitative and quantitative coupled microstructural techniques and image analysis, physicochemical characterization of hydrated phases in alternative cementitious matrices, investigations on the link between hydration and transport mechanisms through pore structure analysis, as well as short and long-term characterization (mechanical and durability properties) of eco-efficient concrete.

Student roles:
The selected student(s) will gain valuable hands-on experience in research and development (R&D) of sustainable cements. They will have an exceptional opportunity to be involved in industry-oriented academic research at the Cement and Concrete Research Group, University of Sherbrooke (UDS), meeting and working under the guidance of experts in the field. The 12-week internship will help students learn and develop in a collaborative research group with Ph.D. and post-doctoral researchers and technical staff in well-equipped research laboratories at UDS. The training will include comprehensive research activities, including conducting a brief literature review, defining research methodology, characterizing raw materials, conducting experimental investigations on cement paste samples (microstructural characterization, hydration and mechanical studies), interpreting and analyzing results, and preparing the final report and presentation. This unique research opportunity will broaden the students' horizon of knowledge from conventional Portland cement to alternative clinkers/cements that have immense future potential towards decarbonization of the cement industry. Interesting research results from the student(s) may lead to publication of the research work and further research opportunities, thus enhancing the candidate's career.

Skills required:
In order to ensure efficient integration of the candidate into the research group during the short internship period, we are looking for students from civil engineering/material science backgrounds with some experience in preparation/characterization/testing of cement paste specimens. An understanding of primary and secondary raw materials used in cement and enthusiasm for experimental work in a dynamic cement laboratory is ideal. Curiosity to learn about sustainable cements, along with the ability to work in a team and learn quickly and acquire new skills is a plus. Fluency in English is essential and knowledge of French is an advantage.

Research area: At the Laboratory of Complex Fluids Research (LCFR), our primary interest is complex fluid dynamics research to solve problems of industrial relevance, by adopting experimental, analytical and computational techniques, together providing a deeper understanding. Areas in which we will look for new research challenges include but are not limited to fluid mechanics, multiphase flows, non-Newtonian flows, suspension flows, polymer flows, micro, nano and bio-fluidics, and interdisciplinary fluid dynamics applications. The students will receive world-class training in fluid mechanics and perform exciting experiment, while working with a strong research team in a collaborative environment.

Student roles:
In our laboratory, the students will be part of large, motivated team to perform exciting experiments. The students will be responsible to design experimental setups, perform careful experiments, analyze data, write post-processing codes, and write reports. The student will receive training in fluid mechanics, rheology, experiments, etc. The student will be working with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on a day-to-day basis.

Skills required:
* The student must be familiar with fluid mechanics and understand its concepts.

* The student must be also willing to perform laboratory experiments.

* The student needs to have a high GPA.

* The student needs to be hard-working person.

* The student needs to be passionate about research.

Research area: Dr. Ajay K. Dalai is a distinguished professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He is the former Canada Research Chair of Bioenergy and Environmentally friendly chemical processing (2001-2024). He has been leading a research group of about 30-40 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows since 2000 in the Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dalai's research focuses on finding cleaner and more sustainable ways to produce energy and useful products from waste materials. His work includes converting agricultural waste, plastics, and low-value materials into fuels and other valuable products while reducing environmental pollution.

Student roles:
The selected student will contribute to the development of biomass-derived activated carbon materials for supercapacitor electrodes. The responsibility will include assisting in the collection, preprocessing, and preparation of various agricultural waste materials such as coconut shells, corncob, and sugarcane bagasse. The student will participate in laboratory synthesis processes, including carbonization and chemical activation, under supervision while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. In addition, the student will assist in material characterization by preparing samples and supporting analyses using techniques such as FTIR, SEM, BET, and XRD. Participation in electrochemical testing, including CV, GCD measurements, and impedance analysis, will also be part of their role. A significant aspect of the position involves data analysis and interpretation. The student will process experimental data, generate graphs, and identify relationships between material structure and performance. They will maintain well-organized research records, contribute to group discussions, and actively engage in collaborative problem-solving. The role requires strong teamwork skills, effective communication, and adaptability within a multidisciplinary research environment. Furthermore, the student will have opportunities to contribute to a conference presentation and participate as a co-author in a scientific publication/book chapter gaining valuable experience in research dissemination and academic writing. Overall, this position offers hands-on exposure to advanced materials research, strengthens analytical and technical skills, and provides valuable insight into sustainable energy storage technologies.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate should have an academic background in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Basic laboratory experience, including safe handling of chemicals and sample preparation, is essential. Familiarity with carbon-based materials, nanomaterials, or electrochemical systems will be considered an advantage. The student should demonstrate strong analytical ability, eagerness to learn new techniques, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Research area: The Canadian Centre for Welding and Joining (CCWJ) has several areas of specialization, including: laser cladding, plasmas, heat transfer in manufacturing, welding physics, materials processing, metallurgy, mathematical modeling, welding.

Student roles:
The student will assist in welding using a handheld laser system and prepare samples for metallurgical and mechanical testing. They will follow lab safety rules, operate testing equipment, and help with organizing and analyzing results. The student may also support high-speed video setup and processing. Skills in Python or MATLAB are welcome for data handling. This is a hands-on role suitable for someone who is comfortable with lab tools, and interested in welding applications in the energy and chemical sectors.

Skills required:
The student should be comfortable working in a lab environment and have a background in metallurgy, materials science, or a related field. Experience using MATLAB or Python for data analysis is preferred. Familiarity with using microscopes and preparing metallographic samples is an asset. Basic knowledge of mechanical testing and handling high-speed camera systems would also be helpful. The student should be detail-oriented, willing to learn hands-on techniques, and able to follow safety procedures

Research area: Dr. Ajay K. Dalai is a distinguished professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He is the former Canada Research Chair of Bioenergy and Environmentally friendly chemical processing (2001-2024). He has been leading a research group of about 30-40 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows since 2000 in the Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dalai's research focuses on finding cleaner and more sustainable ways to produce energy and useful products from waste materials. His work includes converting agricultural waste, plastics, and low-value materials into fuels and other valuable products while reducing environmental pollution.

Student roles:
The selected student will play an active role in the synthesis of Co₃O₄ using a hydrothermal method for application in supercapacitor electrodes. Under supervision, the student will assist in laboratory procedures, including material synthesis and electrode fabrication, while strictly adhering to established safety protocols. The student will participate in material characterization using techniques such as SEM, BET and XRD. In addition, the student will be involved in electrochemical evaluations, including CV, GCD testing, and EIS, etc. A key component of this role involves analyzing experimental data, preparing graphical representations, and identifying correlations between material properties and electrochemical performance. The student will maintain well-organized research records, actively participate in team discussions, and contribute to collaborative problem-solving efforts. Furthermore, there may be an opportunity to contribute to a conference presentation or a scientific publication. The project will conclude with a concise report and presentation summarizing the findings. Designed for a limited timeframe, the project enables practical engagement with advanced materials, energy storage concepts, and research methods.

Skills required:
The candidate should possess an academic background in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Basic laboratory experience, including the safe handling of chemicals and sample preparation, is essential. Familiarity with transition metal oxide-based materials, nanomaterials, or electrochemical systems will be considered an advantage. The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, a willingness to learn new techniques, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Research area: The Bio-Renewable Innovation Lab (BRIL) at the University of Guelph conducts interdisciplinary research on sustainable energy systems, thermochemical biomass conversion, hydrogen production, carbon capture, and advanced carbon materials. Current activities include hydrothermal carbonization, gasification, pyrolysis, activated biocarbon development, and integrated waste-to-value systems for circular economy applications. The laboratory combines experimental, analytical, and sustainability assessment approaches using pilot-scale and laboratory-scale infrastructure.

Student roles:
The student will work as part of a supervised interdisciplinary research team within BRIL. Responsibilities may include assisting with biomass preparation and characterization, conducting laboratory experiments under supervision, analyzing experimental data, supporting thermochemical conversion studies, and participating in sustainability or literature assessments related to hydrogen and carbon material production.

The student may assist in operating selected analytical instruments and characterization systems following appropriate training and safety procedures. Activities may also include data organization, graphical analysis, technical reporting, and participation in regular research meetings with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members.

The internship is structured to provide hands-on exposure to advanced clean energy and waste valorization research while allowing the student to contribute to ongoing collaborative projects within the laboratory.

Skills required:
Strong academic background in engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or materials-related disciplines. Interest in sustainable energy, clean fuels, biomass conversion, hydrogen systems, or environmental technologies is preferred. Basic laboratory experience, analytical skills, and familiarity with scientific data analysis are beneficial. Students should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary research environment and comfortable collaborating with graduate students and researchers.

Research area: community potable water supply, water treatment, membrane filtration

Student roles:
The student will work in a team with a senior graduate student in a water treatment lab.
The student will prepare solutions with quality mimicking surface waters for filtration, as well as standard solutions required for filtered water quality testing. The student will learn how to run a bench scale membrane filtration test and analyze water flow data using excel.

Skills required:
A suitable candidate has to be familiar with basic wet chemistry, laboratory techniques; experience with water quality analyses is an asset, but not required (we will train).

Research area: Traitement de surface par plasma froid appliqué à des céréales (type Blé, maïs etc...) Analyse par imagerie hyperspectrale IR Développement d'algorithme et de script d'analyse de données et de correction

Student roles:
Participer au développement des scripts et fonctions de traitement des images hyperspectrales IR
Construction de la base de données associée
Mise en forme des jeux de données d'images pour accueil sur notre plateforme de traitement des données

Skills required:
Maîtrise de Matlab ou de Python
Connaissance de la spectroscopie infrarouge
Culture en chimiométrie et analyse de données
Savoir écrire des scripts informatiques en Matlab ou en python

Research area: Nonlinear Control, Model Predictive Control, Batch Process Control, Fault -Tolerant Control

Student roles:
The student will set up detailed simulations to test the methods developed in the group, and will likely contribute as a second author in a journal publication.

Skills required:
Excellent understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, expertise in mathematical analysis and programming

Research area: Research at the modelEAU research team at the civil and water engineering department focuses on the use of mathematical models to improve water quality related processes. In particular data collection for process modelling and for process optimization are a focus of attention. Using measurement stations that collect high frequency data of a large number of water quality parameters, detailed insight is obtained in the underlying processes of wastewater transport and treatment, allowing to improve their design and operation.

Student roles:
The student will join the research team consisting of a postdoc, a PhD student, a Masters student and another summer intern to collect process samples, perform lab analysis, maintain the turbidity sensors, and interpret the data, up to running simulations with a mathematical model of the sewer system.

Skills required:
The student should have some background regarding sewer systems and wastewater quality, and have some laboratory experience. Data analysis with a spreadsheet program is recommended as well.

Research area: Multilayered polymer systems with advanced structures and functions; Materials science; Polymeric materials; Polymer processing; Polymer physics

Student roles:
Students are expected to serve as active and quick learners during the early stages of the project. They will then take part in this project starting from processing and sample preparation, following to testing, and finally characterization. During this stage, students are encouraged to be self-managed and self-motivated, and they are inclined to have critical thinking ability, show their talents and interest in research. Note that students who show research talent or make contribution to project success will have opportunities to co-author paper publications in the future.

Characterization:
Characterization in this research scope involves Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to characterize the multilayered structures and filler morphologies. Instron tensile and 3-point bending tests to examine mechanical properties. Dielectric testing platform to evaluate the dielectric properties, i.e., permittivity and dielectric strength. EMI SE testing platform to test the EMI SE properties.

Skills required:
• Basic knowledge of polymers (Required)
• Basic knowledge of dielectric structures (Preferred)
• Curiosity and imagination with passion of polymer science and engineering (Preferred)
• Basic knowledge and specific experience in polymer processing and engineering, physics, and chemistry.
• Ability to perform calculations related to laboratory operations (formulations, unit conversion)
• Basic lab experience and characterization analysis skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Able to interact efficiently and respectfully with group members

Research area: At the Laboratory of Complex Fluids Research (LCFR), our primary interest is complex fluid dynamics research to solve problems of industrial relevance, by adopting experimental, analytical and computational techniques, together providing a deeper understanding. Areas in which we will look for new research challenges include but are not limited to fluid mechanics, multiphase flows, non-Newtonian flows, suspension flows, polymer flows, micro, nano and bio-fluidics, and interdisciplinary fluid dynamics applications. The students will receive world-class training in fluid mechanics and perform exciting experiment, while working with a strong research team in a collaborative environment.

Student roles:
In our laboratory, the students will be part of large, motivated team to perform exciting experiments. The students will be responsible to design experimental setups, perform careful experiments, analyze data, write post-processing codes, and write reports. The student will receive training in fluid mechanics, rheology, experiments, etc. The student will be working with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on a day-to-day basis.

Skills required:
* The student must be familiar with fluid mechanics and understand its concepts. * The student must be also willing to perform laboratory experiments.

* The student needs to have a high GPA.

* The student needs to be hard-working person.

* The student needs to be passionate about research.

Research area: Dr. Ajay K. Dalai is a distinguished professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He is the former Canada Research Chair of Bioenergy and Environmentally friendly chemical processing (2001-2024). He has been leading a research group of about 30-40 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows since 2000 in the Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dalai's research focuses on finding cleaner and more sustainable ways to produce energy and useful products from waste materials. His work includes converting agricultural waste, plastics, and low-value materials into fuels and other valuable products while reducing environmental pollution.

Student roles:
• Conducting literature reviews on biomass valorization, adsorption technologies, and wastewater treatment.
• Assisting in the preparation and processing of biomass feedstocks and material modification.
• Participate in the adsorption experiment and evaluate the performance of materials.
• Assist with material characterizations.
• Assist with data management, analysis, and interpretation.
• Participate in report preparation.

Skills required:
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in a chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, environmental science, agricultural and bioresource engineering.
• Strong academic standing and interest in research.
• Experience in chemistry and engineering related labs is an asset.
• Understanding of sustainable materials, circular economy, or waste valorization concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn and stay flexible as daily job tasks may vary.
• Ability to self-motivate and follow detailed instructions.

Research area: I am trained as chemist and environmental engineer. I am leading the research group on the Bioprocessing and Nano-Enzyme Formulation Facility (BANEFF) at York University as Research Chair in Environmental Engineering. My research interests lie in the development of finished products (formulations) of residuals, such as agricultural, agro-industry, wastewater and wastewater sludge based value-added bioproducts, such as enzymes, organic acids, platform chemicals, biocontrol agents, biopesticides, butanol and biohydrogen. I am also interested in the fate of endocrine disrupter compounds, pharmaceuticals, nanoparticles and other toxic organic compounds during value-addition of wastewater and wastewater sludge in turn finding suitable biological detoxification technologies.

Student roles:
The student will be responsible for following tasks in the present project:
1. Physical-chemical analysis of crude glycerol derived from biodiesel manufacturing plants.
2. Optimization of process conditions of drop-in fuel production using bacterium in flasks – optimization of media ingredients and biofuel analysis by gas chromatography.
3. Optimization of process conditions using fermentation and comparison between the hydrolyzed substrate and non-hydrolyzed substrate fermentation.
4. Analysis of the results to identify the most promising mode of fermentation to produce drop-in fuel.
5. Correlation of data with literature publications on biofuel production using lignocellulosics and other substrates.
6. Compilation of results.
7. Report preparation.

Skills required:
The student will be required to have a general chemical/biochemical engineering/biotechnology background as the research project involves bioproduction of drop-in fuels using lignocellulosic residues. In addition, the student must be good in statistical analysis to verify the reproducibility of concentrations of the biofuels. Basics in process control will be an asset. The project requires basic microbiology understanding for inoculation, petri plating etc.Having the zeal and curiosity to work in the laboratory environment is a must as sometimes the fermentations can run over several days.

Research area: My specialized research area focuses on the thermochemical conversion and catalytic valorization of biomass and solid wastes for sustainable energy and environmental applications. My research integrates pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal processing, kinetic modelling, and Aspen-based process simulation to investigate the degradation behavior and synergistic interactions of mixed biomass and wastes such as plastics, waste tires, and agroforestry residues. I am particularly interested in developing efficient waste-to-energy and waste-to-value systems for the production of hydrogen-rich syngas, bio-oil, biochar, and advanced carbon materials for applications in renewable energy, environmental remediation, and resource recovery.

Student roles:
The student will participate in both experimental and data-driven aspects of the project related to biomass-derived carbon dot synthesis and heavy metal sensing. Responsibilities include preparing biomass precursors, conducting hydrothermal carbonization experiments, synthesizing and characterizing carbon dots, and analyzing sensing performance for heavy metal detection. The student will also assist with data collection, machine learning model development, process optimization, and experimental validation studies. Additional responsibilities include literature review, data interpretation, technical report preparation, and contributing to research presentations and scientific publications while working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.

Skills required:
The ideal student should have a background in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, or related fields. Knowledge of biomass valorization, hydrothermal carbonization, nanomaterial synthesis, or environmental sensing is preferred. Familiarity with analytical techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR, UV–Vis, and SEM/TEM is considered an asset. Experience or interest in machine learning, data analysis, or programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB) would be beneficial. Strong problem-solving, communication, and scientific writing skills, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment, are highly desirable.

Research area: Greener Production @ Waterloo is led by Professor XiaoYu Wu. Based in the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, our group combines expertise in thermal science, material engineering and techno-economics to develop sustainable technologies for energy conversion and chemical production (e.g., hydrogen production, carbon capture and utilization, and biomass valorization). Both experimental and numerical methods are applied to develop a fundamental understanding of the thermodynamics and kinetics. The integrated electro-thermo-chemical processes are of interest to maximize the system versatility. We want to understand how the thermodynamics and kinetics in these processes can impact the technology economics, sustainability, and global well-being. Website: https://uwaterloo.ca/scholar/x369wu

Student roles:
The student will join the team to collaborate with students on the same project. This is an independent research project, and the student will
- Conduct literature survey on ammonia conversion and the energy profile in Ontario.
- Construct the optimization model to study ammonia conversion for energy storage and fertilizer production in Ontario.
- Write a report on the findings and deliver a presentation in the group meeting.
- Attend bi-weekly group meetings and weekly one-on-one meeting with the supervisor to discuss progress and problems.

Skills required:
The student is preferred to
- Have taken courses on thermodynamics, system engineering, techno-economic analysis, or any related courses.
- Be familiar with or willing to learn Python.
- Be enthusiastic about sustainability, energy storage and hydrogen production.
- Can work independently in a given topic under guidance.

Research area: Dr. Ajay K. Dalai is a distinguished professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He is the former Canada Research Chair of Bioenergy and Environmentally friendly chemical processing (2001-2024). He has been leading a research group of about 30-40 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows since 2000 in the Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dalai's research focuses on finding cleaner and more sustainable ways to produce energy and useful products from waste materials. His work includes converting agricultural waste, plastics, and low-value materials into fuels and other valuable products while reducing environmental pollution.

Student roles:
• Participate in the wood waste pelletization experiment.
• Get training in operating pelletization equipments such as hammer mill, pellet mill.
• Assist with material characterizations using various characterization technologies.
• Participate in report preparation.
• Present the research findings to the research group.

Skills required:
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or environmental-related field.
• Experience in chemistry and engineering-related labs is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn and stay flexible as daily job tasks may vary.
• Ability to self-motivate and follow detailed instructions

Research area: I have been involved in academic and industrial research and development works over last 10 years. The overall theme of my research has been and continues to be clean energy conversion mechanisms modeling and related hardware development. In particular, the focus of my most recent research is to develop and further advance vibration based MPG (Micro Power Generator), therporaoustic (thermal-porous-acoustics) system, waste heat recovery system, and novel low-environmental impact cooling system. Other areas of interests include (a) thermoacoustic engine and refrigeration systems, (b) flexible power drive and clean energy conversion mechanisms, (c) complex geometry convection entropy generation, (d) transport of

Student roles:
The student will initially perform literature review to identify and familiar with the recent research works related to thermoacoustic systems. At the same time the student will complete a short basic course on thermoacoustic systems. The student will also be trained on the DeltaEC simulation software. Consequently, the student will develop simulation models using DeltaEC software by using different stack configurations. This can be using different stack materials (i.e., i.e., thermal conductivity, heat capacity), changing the porosity, changing the position of the stack in the resonant tube, attaching a solid plate with a porous medium, and applying magnetic field in the transverse direction of the oscillating fluid. The student will modify the existing experimental setup as per requirements. Therefore, student will utilize a significant time to develop simulation and experimental models. The student will identify components required to modify the experimental setup and carry out the experiments. Based on the experimental data, the student will calculate different thermoacoustic performance parameters (e.g., heat flux, work flux, and efficiency, etc.) and prepare graphical images. Thereafter, the student will write technical report by comparing the simulation results with experimental results. This project will provide the student an excellent opportunity to acquire the skills of design, analysis, develop, execute, and monitor a project. This project will also provide additional knowledge of working on CAD and finite element analysis software, along with report writing, presenting, and working in a group.. In addition, this project also trains the student to acquire training in advanced energy conversion systems, heat transfer and machine design.

The project work can be summarized as: literature reviewing, software training, simulation modelling, component identification and collection, experimental system design and modification, building several prototype, report writing and power point presentation.

Skills required:
This project requires fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and energy conversion process. Therefore, any upper year (third year or fourth year) Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering students with strong background on the subject area stated above will be well suited for the project. Basic to intermediate knowledge of data processing, graphing, and programming using the software Microsoft Excel and Matlab is required. Familiarity with CAD software/package, such as, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc. is a plus point.

Research area: I am specializing in green and smart constructional materials. He has experimental and analytical research expertise in the areas of: fresh and hardened properties of concrete, concrete technology, structural performance of special concretes, smart and nano-modified construction materials, intelligence-based prediction models, performance-based testing techniques, embodied energy of construction materials, and recycling industrial wastes/by-products in construction applications.

Student roles:
The student will participate in laboratory testing to assess key material properties, including workability, mechanical strength, and basic durability indicators. They will also support data collection, analysis, and interpretation of experimental results to compare different mix designs. The student will also be responsible for maintaining accurate experimental records, following laboratory safety procedures, and assisting in the preparation of technical summaries or reports of findings.

Skills required:
1) Motivation to learn about innovative and sustainable materials
2) Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
3) Basic understanding of materials, with an introductory knowledge of sustainability concepts
4) Willingness to learn laboratory techniques for concrete mixing, casting, curing, and testing
5) Strong attention to detail in measurements, sample preparation, and data recording
6) Good organizational and time-management skills
7) Ability to follow experimental protocols and safety procedures
8) Basic technical writing and communication skills for documenting results"

Research area: polymer materials; processing; process development; modeling

Student roles:
The student will work alongside graduate students and postdoctoral fellows for materials preparation, processing, and characterization. The student will meet with the supervisor and industrial collaborators on a regular basis. They are also expected to critically survey the literature, propose experimental plans, and analyze data. They are required to submit a written project report and give an oral presentation to our research group by the end of the internship.

Skills required:
Knowledge in polymer materials and lab experience of materials preparation and characterization will be considered a plus.

Research area: Rapid Product Design

Student roles:
The student will work with the industrial collaborators to enable the rapid design of a membrane to achieve the desired process characteristics, and will likely contribute as a second author in a journal publication.

Skills required:
Excellent understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, expertise in mathematical analysis and programming

Research area: Dr. Hu is an Assistant Professor in Engineering at UPEI. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from Western University. At UPEI, Dr. Hu established the Atlantic Net Zero Energy System Laboratory, where her research focuses on biomass conversion and value-added bioproducts. Dr. Hu has made major contributions to the research and development of biomass and organic waste valorization, thermochemical conversion, and value-added bioproducts, resulting in 71 peer-reviewed papers and 13 book chapters, and delivered 22 conference presentations. Her work has been published in high-impact journals and has received over 3,700 citations, with an h-index of 33.

Student roles:
The student will assist with the postdoc researcher and graduate students in the lab, operate chemical reactors (i.e., tube furnace and microwave synthesis reactor), conduct post-treatment, characterize raw materials and crude and refined products using different analytical instruments, familiarize with the design of experiment (DoE), and perform data analysis and interpretation, technical writing, and presentation. The student will train on the electrochemical measurements of crude and refined products using a potentiostat/Galvanostat.

Skills required:
Successful candidates should have a background in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemistry, with foundational knowledge in electrochemistry. Required skills include hands-on or laboratory experience with thermal processing and wet chemistry, familiarity with materials characterization techniques (BET, Raman, XRD, SEM, electrochemical testing), and strong data analysis skills. Good communication and problem-solving skills are also essential.

Research area: Environmental catalysis, catalytic reactors, kinetics, novel catalytic processes, Volatile Organic Compounds, air treatment, air quality

Student roles:
The student will work in a team environment and will receive supervision and training from other members of the group. He/She will be involved in different aspects of the project. The tasks involve different steps in running experiments on catalytic ozonation of mixture of volatile organic compounds in air. Experimental procedures are established. The supervisor and members of the research group will provide hands-on training and supervision. Some of the activities that the student will be involved are:
• weighing and measuring chemicals according to safety guidelines and established procedures to prepare chemical solutions
• preparation of catalysts according to the established guidelines
• performing laboratory experiments using the existing reactor system
• performing chemical analysis using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry)
• compiling and maintaining research data in laboratory notebook
• preparing summary reports
• cleaning work areas and equipment including glassware and measuring devices using appropriate standards
• performing calibration and minor maintenance of instruments used in the experiments

Skills required:
Student needs to be in the field of Chemical Engineering or closely related area. A good background in chemistry and laboratory techniques are important. Good command of English language and technical report writing is required. Familiarity with basics of statistics is desirable.

Research area: Environmental catalysis, catalytic reactors, kinetics, novel catalytic processes, Volatile Organic Compounds, air treatment, air quality, photo-catalysts

Student roles:
The student will work in a team environment and will receive supervision and training from other members of the group. He/She will be involved in different aspects of the project. The tasks involve different steps in running experiments on photocatalytic oxidation of mixture of volatile organic compounds in air. Experimental procedures are established. The supervisor and members of the research group will provide hands-on training and supervision. Some of the activities that the student will be involved are:
• weighing and measuring chemicals according to safety guidelines and established procedures to prepare chemical solutions
• preparation of catalysts according to the established guidelines
• performing laboratory experiments using the existing reactor system
• performing chemical analysis using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry)
• compiling and maintaining research data in laboratory notebook
• preparing summary reports
• cleaning work areas and equipment including glassware and measuring devices using appropriate standards
• performing calibration and minor maintenance of instruments used in the experiments

Skills required:
Student needs to be in the field of Chemical Engineering or closely related area. A good background in chemistry and laboratory techniques are important. Good command of English language and technical report writing is required. Familiarity with basics of statistics is desirable.

Research area: I am expert in fluid mechanics for energy systems, bioengieering and coastal applications, aerodynamics, etc. My research concerns mainly the development of advanced numerical modelings, from optimization algorithm coupled to 1D models to 3D direct numerical simulations for any problems involving heat and mass transfer and fluid flow. Part of my research focuses also on characterizing the thermophysical properties of complex fluids (phase change materials, slurries, nanofluids, drilling fluids, bioinspired fluids) for a wide range of applications.

Student roles:
Do the literature review on drilling fluids and their rheology;
Perform extensive rheological experiments using different test methods;
Build an experimental database from the first two tasks and test, train and validate an artificial neural network to predict the dynamic viscosity of the fluids;
Write a technical report.

Skills required:
Good knowledge in basic fluid mechanics and wish to perform extensive laboratory experiments.

Research area: Our research group specializes in modelling and experiments of sustainable technologies aiming at reducing the environmental impact of chemical and biological processes. Some applications of interest include, but are not limited to, bio-hydrogen production, conversion of captured CO2 to synthetic fuel, and cell cultures production. Modelling tools, including data-driven methods, are integrated with experimental data analysis to optimize production efficiency.

Student roles:
The selected candidate will work on an independent project under the assistance of graduate students and the supervision of the professor. Literature review would be the first step, followed by the simulation development. The student will be part of a dynamic research team, will attend weekly meetings to track progress, learn from other group members, disseminate results and get some feedback and support. According to the findings, the student will have the opportunity to present the project in a national conference and/or to write a paper.

Skills required:
Suitable candidates are students in chemical engineering, process engineering, biotechnology, or related fields with strong analytical and numerical skills. Familiarity with process simulation software (Aspen Plus) is beneficial but not mandatory. The student should be interested in sustainability, renewable energy, and techno-economic analysis, and possess the ability to critically evaluate processes from both scientific and economic perspectives

Research area: The Biomass Technology Laboratory (BTL) offers a unique research window dedicated to valorizing diverse sources of residual carbon and solving food industry challenges. For over a decade, BTL has pioneered the conversion of lignocellulosic and organic residues into simple sugars, biofuels, and high-value biosourced chemicals. Our strategic areas include the thermochemical and biochemical conversion of biomass, the deployment of cutting-edge bioprocesses (such as anaerobic digestion and fermentation), and the chemical valorization of renewable electricity using CO2 as a carbon source. BTL integrates rigorous data processing, process optimization, and extensive analytical expertise to drive the global bioeconomy forward.

Student roles:
During the 12-week internship, the student will support the engineering team in process simulation and economic modeling. To foster integration into our international laboratory, the intern will start by delivering an initial presentation about their academic background and proposed objectives. Core responsibilities include compiling experimental data, running process simulations using Aspen Plus or SuperPro Designer, and assisting in techno-economic evaluations. The student will analyze complex variables to track system profitability and energy efficiency. Additionally, the intern will attend team meetings and present a final synthesis of their simulation results to the BTL research group.

Skills required:
Candidates should be undergraduate or graduate students in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related discipline. Applicants must possess a strong understanding of unit operations and process optimization principles. Prior exposure to techno-economic assessment (TEA) methodologies is highly required. Proficiency in chemical process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus, SuperPro Designer, or equivalent tools) is a major asset for this role. The position requires rigorous analytical skills, an aptitude for synthesizing complex data, a collaborative mindset, and professional proficiency in English or French.

Research area: Dr. Ajay K. Dalai is a distinguished professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Canada Research Chair of Bioenergy and Environmentally friendly chemical processing. Dr. Dalai has been spearheading a research group of about 30 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows (PDFs) per year since 2000 in the Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dalai’s research areas include environmental catalysis such as the conversion of sulfur-containing compounds from gases; wastewater treatment; biomass gasification; upgrading and hydrotreating of crude petroleum and bio-oil feedstocks; production of bio-fuels (gasoline, diesel, aviation fuels) from agricultural wastes and non-edible oils

Student roles:
The intern will be working in conjunction with a Ph.D. student under the supervision of Dr. Ajay K. Dalai. The student will be trained on the safety aspects of the lab, and the student will be required to develop process flow diagrams and conduct techno-economic analysis using the data generated from HTL and HDO experiments via ASPEN PLUS simulation and the open LCA tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of the developed process for making renewable diesel. Finally, he/she will prepare a report based on the work conducted and deliver an oral presentation of the work performed during the internship period to Dr. Dalai’s research team consisting of 25-30 students/researchers.

Skills required:
The intern should have a background in chemical/biochemical/environmental engineering with a good understanding of unit operations. He/she should have basic knowledge of process engineering and skills to use ASPEN Plus/Hysys software. He/she should also be familiar with the use of the Microsoft Office tools for the presentation and interpretation of the research results. The student should be thorough in written and oral communications in English. The intern should be capable of summarizing and writing important observations of the project and submit a concise report on the outcome of the project at the end of the internship period.

Research area: My specialized research area focuses on the thermochemical conversion and catalytic valorization of biomass and solid wastes for sustainable energy and environmental applications. My research integrates pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal processing, kinetic modelling, and Aspen-based process simulation to investigate the degradation behavior and synergistic interactions of mixed biomass and wastes such as plastics, waste tires, and agroforestry residues. I am particularly interested in developing efficient waste-to-energy and waste-to-value systems for the production of hydrogen-rich syngas, bio-oil, biochar, and advanced carbon materials for applications in renewable energy, environmental remediation, and resource recovery.

Student roles:
The student will participate in both experimental and computational aspects of the research project related to the thermochemical conversion of biomass and solid wastes. Responsibilities include preparing and characterizing biomass/waste feedstocks, conducting thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermochemical conversion experiments, collecting and analyzing experimental data, and assisting with kinetic modelling and interpretation of reaction mechanisms. The student will also support Aspen Plus process simulation and optimization studies for co-pyrolysis and co-gasification systems aimed at producing hydrogen-rich syngas and fuel-grade bio-oil. In addition, the student will contribute to literature review, technical report preparation, research presentations, and scientific publication activities while working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team focused on sustainable waste-to-energy technologies.

Skills required:
The ideal student should have a background in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Energy Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields. Knowledge of thermochemical conversion processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, or biomass/waste valorization is preferred. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), reaction kinetics, and analytical characterization methods is considered an asset. Experience or interest in Aspen Plus/Aspen HYSYS, data analysis, and process modelling would be beneficial. Strong problem-solving, communication, and scientific writing skills, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment, are highly desirable.

Research area: Pr Blais expertise lies in the development, verification, and validation of high performance digital models for fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and complex multi-physical and multi-scale phenomena. His research interests are in computational fluid mechanics (CFD), reacting flows, granular and solid-fluid flows, topology optimization as well as high-performance computing on distributed high-performance architecture and on GPU. He is the core developer of Lethe, an open-source high-performance and high-order implicit CFD solver (https://github.com/lethe-cfd/lethe) based on the open source DEALII platform (www.dealii.org).

Student roles:
The student will be responsible for designing all the simulations which includes creating the meshes for the geometries, launching the simulations in an HPC environment, programming post-processing capabilities and interpreting the simulation results.

The project will be tailored to the interest of the student. If they wish to work more towards learning to program a CFD software, then some novel elements of model development and programming will be integrated within the project. The role of the student is flexible and will be dynamically adapted to their interests and the progression of the project.

Skills required:
The applicant should be curious, autonomous and should have a keen interest for simulation and modelling. The candidate should be familiar with fluid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Some basic knowledge of the Linux command shell (bash) and some programming experience (C++, Python) are required as this project will require some software development. Previous experience with the finite element method (FEM) is an asset but is not mandatory.

Research area: Dr. Ajay K. Dalai is a distinguished professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He is the former Canada Research Chair of Bioenergy and Environmentally friendly chemical processing (2001-2024). He has been leading a research group of about 30-40 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows since 2000 in the Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dalai's research focuses on finding cleaner and more sustainable ways to produce energy and useful products from waste materials. His work includes converting agricultural waste, plastics, and low-value materials into fuels and other valuable products while reducing environmental pollution.

Student roles:
The intern will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher under the supervision of Dr. A.K. Dalai. The student will assist with laboratory experiments, biomass preparation, pellet production, and data analysis. They will learn to use research equipment, evaluate fuel properties, and contribute to economic and environmental assessments of the process. At the end of the project, the student will prepare a report and present the results to the research group.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate for this internship is an academically strong undergraduate student pursuing a degree in chemical, environmental, or a related engineering field and has a basic understanding of engineering principles, data analysis, and Microsoft Office. The candidate should be able to communicate in English well. Additionally, the intern is expected to effectively summarize key findings, document significant project observations, and prepare a clear, concise report outlining the outcomes of the project upon completion of the internship.

Research area: Research at the modelEAU research team at the civil and water engineering department focuses on the use of mathematical models to improve water quality related processes. In particular data collection for process modelling and for process optimization are a focus of attention. Using measurement stations that collect high frequency data of a large number of water quality parameters, detailed insight is obtained in the underlying processes of wastewater treatment, allowing to improve their design and operation.

Student roles:
The student will join the research team consisting of a postdoc, two PhD students, two Masters student and at least one other summer student, to collect process samples, perform lab analysis, maintain the water quality sensors, operate the pilot-scale wastewater treatment plant and interpret the data.

Skills required:
The student should have some background in wastewater treatment and some laboratory experience. Data analysis with a spreadsheet program or Python programming is recommended as well.

Research area: Environmental engineering, Advanced oxidation, multiphase reactors, kinetics, Ultrasound reactions, emerging pollutants

Student roles:
The student will work in a team environment and will receive supervision and training from other members of the group. He/She will be involved in different aspects of the project. The tasks involve different steps in running experiments on sonication and ozonation of model compounds in water. Experimental procedures are established. The supervisor and members of the research group will provide hands-on training and supervision. Some of the activities that the student will be involved are:
• weighing and measuring chemicals according to safety guidelines and established procedures to prepare chemical solutions
• performing laboratory experiments in reactor system.
• performing chemical analysis using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and TOC (total organic carbon) analyzer
• collecting and analyzing samples
• compiling and maintaining research data in laboratory notebook
• preparing summary reports
• arranging for disposal of waste materials according to established safety procedures
• cleaning work areas and equipment including glassware and measuring devices using appropriate standards
• performing calibration and minor maintenance of instruments used in the experiments

Skills required:
Student needs to be in the field of Chemical Engineering or closely related area. A good background in chemistry and laboratory techniques are important. Good command of English language and technical report writing is required. Familiarity with basics of statistics is desirable.

Research area: Dr. Ajay K. Dalai is a distinguished professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He is the former Canada Research Chair of Bioenergy and Environmentally friendly chemical processing (2001-2024). He has been leading a research group of about 30-40 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows since 2000 in the Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratories, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dalai's research focuses on finding cleaner and more sustainable ways to produce energy and useful products from waste materials. His work includes converting agricultural waste, plastics, and low-value materials into fuels and other valuable products while reducing environmental pollution.

Student roles:
The student will assist with evaluating the economic and environmental performance of different production scenarios. They will receive training on pelletization and gasification technologies, participate in data collection and analysis, contribute to technical reports, and present their findings to the research group. This opportunity will provide hands-on experience in renewable energy, sustainability assessment, and industrial process evaluation.

Skills required:
Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or an environmental-related field. Experience in chemistry and engineering-related labs and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is an asset. Basic laboratory experience, computer skills, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills are desirable. Willingness to learn and flexibility in daily job tasks can be an asset. Ability to self-motivate and following detailed instructions can help to enjoy the work.