Leonardo Simon

Leonardo Simon is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He is affiliated with the Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology, Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research, and Institute for Polymer Research. His research focuses on polymer nanocomposites, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on bioproducts and automotive applications. Simon has been recognized with awards such as Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and the Young Canadian Innovator Award.

Education: He earned a Doctorate in Materials Science (2001), Master's in Chemical Engineering (1997), and Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering (1995) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Research Interests: Simon’s work spans polymer science, nanomaterials, and sustainable technologies. Notably, he leads Ontario’s BioCar Initiative, which converts agricultural waste into polymer-based automotive components. His lab develops eco-friendly materials for automotive applications, such as wheat straw-based plastics used in Ford vehicles since 2010.

Publications: His recent work includes advancements in nanocomposites, biopolymer blends, and sustainable coatings. Articles highlight innovations in thermal engineering, antimicrobial polymers, and 3D-printing materials.

Awards: Beyond his academic accolades, Simon’s contributions to renewable materials and automotive sustainability have been widely acknowledged in journals like European Polymer Journal and Journal of Cleaner Production.

Teaching and Mentorship: He teaches courses such as CHE 541 (Polymer Science) and NANO 603 (Nanocomposites). He is currently accepting graduate students for research in sustainable materials and polymer engineering.