Samir H. Mushrif

Dr. Samir H. Mushrif is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta. Prior to this role, he served as faculty at the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from McGill University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Delaware, USA.

• Education: PhD (Chemical Engineering, McGill University), Postdoc (University of Delaware)

His research focuses on computational catalysis, molecular modeling, and reaction engineering for biomass conversion and CO2 reduction. He develops novel catalysts, solvents, and reactor systems using integrated quantum mechanical and classical molecular simulations, synergized with experimental data to enable sustainable energy and chemical production.

Recent publications highlight trends in condensed phase chemistry for biomass reactions, machine learning applications in solvent configuration prediction, and mechanistic studies of lignin-carbohydrate complex deconstruction. His work bridges methane activation on metal oxides, hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil compounds, and polymerization pathways in lignin structures.

Scientific Awards include:

• NSERC Doctoral and Post-doctoral Fellowships
• Discovery International Award 2017 (Australian Research Council)
• NANYANG EDUCATION AWARD 2016 (Singapore)
• SCBE Teaching Excellence Awards (Silver 2015, Gold 2016)
• Bharat Gaurav (Pride of India) Award 2014

Dr. Mushrif's NSERC Discovery Grant (2018), CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund Grant (2022), and AcRF Tier-2 Grant (Singapore, 2015) have advanced his work. Current PhD and Master's students include José Carlos Velasco Calderón, Arul Mozhi Devan Padmanathan, and Sagar Bathla, among others.

The CARES Lab (Catalysis Research for Sustainability) under his leadership combines ab initio molecular dynamics, machine learning potentials, and Density Functional Theory to design materials for renewable energy. Collaborations span institutions in France, Canada, India, and the UK.