Hugo de Lasa is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Western Ontario. He holds a Bachelor in Chemical Engineering (1968) from Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina, and a Doctoral degree (1971) from Université de Nancy, France. Research Focus: Catalysis, Photocatalysis, Chemical Reactor Engineering, Fluidization, Biomass Gasification Awards: Research Excellence Prize (1998), Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada (2000), Medal of Research and Development (2000), Doctor Honoris Causa (2004, 2018) His work spans chemical reactor design , photocatalytic hydrogen production , and fluidized bed technologies . Recent publications highlight machine learning applications in chemical equilibrium modeling and CO2 capture using microalgae. He founded the Chemical Reactor Engineering Centre (CREC) and Recat Technologies Inc. , a university spin-off commercializing reactor innovations. Awards include the Vanguard Award (2019) and Commemorative Issue in Catalysts Journal (2020). His research has generated 389 peer-reviewed publications , 14 patents , and over 10,000 citations .
Min Hu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, Philosophy, and Political Science at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus. He holds an adjunct position at Dalhousie University's School of Health Administration. His primary research focuses on Health Economics, Applied Microeconomics, and Labour Economics, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations in Canada, Indigenous health, income inequalities, and cancer economics. He teaches courses in Microeconomics, Health Economics, and Statistics. Education: PhD in Economics (2019), Dalhousie University; Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Economics (2019–2020), Dalhousie University. Previous degrees include an M.A. (2014–2016) and B.A. in Economics from Dalhousie University. Research interests include the socio-economic determinants of health disparities, particularly among Indigenous peoples and immigrants, and the economic impacts of cancer-related policies. He employs applied econometric methods to analyze labor market outcomes and social policy effectiveness. His recent articles explore sustainable biomass utilization, energy policies, and environmental engineering innovations. Key themes include biomass supply chain optimization, CO₂ reduction strategies, and waste-to-energy technologies. Scientific Awards: Recipient of SSHRC New Frontiers Grant (2023–2026), CIHR Team Grant (2024–2026), and multiple UBC startup grants. His work is supported by SSHRC, CRDCN, and Indigenous Services Canada. He advises students in Economics and Global Studies (IGS) programs. Grants and funding span health economics, Indigenous well-being, and sustainable energy systems. Collaborations include interdisciplinary teams in health administration and environmental policy. Labs/Teams: Engaged with UBC's Okanagan Sustainability Initiatives and Dalhousie's Health Economics Research Group. Affiliated with professional organizations like the American Economic Association and Canadian Health Economics Study Group.
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 .
Xianguo Li is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Canada. He holds prestigious fellowships including Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE), Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (FEIC), and Fellow of the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME). His primary research focuses on thermal fluid science, energy systems, and fuel cell technology, with a strong emphasis on green energy solutions. **Education**: 1989: Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, USA 1986: Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, USA 1982: Bachelor's in Thermal Energy Engineering, Tianjin University, China **Research Interests**: His work spans fuel cells, spray dynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, power generation, and renewable energy systems. He leads the Fuel Cell and Green Energy Lab, advancing innovations in energy storage, propulsion systems, and sustainable technologies. **Awards**: Outstanding Performance Award (University of Waterloo, 2007) Frank Walk Service Award (2001) Best Paper Award (2003) Recipient of the Simpson Fellowship (1988) **Advising & Grants**: He supervises graduate students and research associates in projects funded by NSERC, Auto 21, CFI, and industry partners. His lab collaborates on fuel cell durability, thermal management, and green energy policy initiatives. **Editorial Roles**: Founding Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Green Energy , Field Chief Editor of Frontiers in Thermal Engineering , and serves on dozens of editorial boards. He chairs major conferences like the International Green Energy Conference and the World Fuel Cell Conference series.
Mohammadreza Karamad is an Assistant Professor in the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU), with a joint appointment in the Sustainable Energy Engineering department. His research focuses on computational materials discovery, leveraging quantum-mechanical methods (e.g., DFT) and machine learning (ML) to design advanced energy materials for clean technologies like hydrogen storage and catalysis. He holds a Ph.D. from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford University. His academic background includes leadership roles in the CMD Lab (Computational Materials Discovery), where he explores novel materials for electrochemical energy conversion processes. Key research areas include electrochemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and material science, with a particular emphasis on CO2 reduction, ammonia synthesis, and sustainable energy storage solutions. Dr. Karamad collaborates with industry and academic partners to advance materials discovery through high-throughput computational screening and AI-driven approaches. He actively seeks motivated students (undergraduate and graduate) to join his research program, focusing on developing next-generation energy materials. His lab is located in room B8220, and he can be reached at mkaramad@sfu.ca. Notable technical contributions include pioneering work on transition metal nitrides for CO2 reduction, single-atom catalysts for ammonia synthesis, and machine learning frameworks for predicting material properties. His research bridges fundamental theory with practical applications, addressing global challenges in sustainable energy and environmental technology.
David Chester Upham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering within the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He leads the Upham Lab, which focuses on developing catalysts and processes for sustainable energy production, greenhouse gas mitigation, and CO 2 -free chemical conversion. Dr. Upham received his education from prestigious institutions: Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford University (2019) Ph.D., University of California Santa Barbara (2017) B.Eng., McGill University (2010) Dr. Upham's research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable energy applications. His work centers on developing catalysts and processes that enable CO 2 -free production of chemicals, power, and materials. He specializes in liquid heterogeneous catalysts , particularly molten metal alloys, for methane conversion, CO 2 utilization, and hydrogen production. His lab employs advanced techniques including operando IR spectroscopy, pulsed and transient analysis of reaction mechanisms, isotopic labeling studies, and in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. A key aspect of his research is understanding how liquid heterogeneous catalysts behave under reaction conditions, with applications in methane pyrolysis, dry reforming, and carbon fiber synthesis. Analysis of Dr. Upham's recent publications reveals a strong focus on CO 2 mitigation and clean energy production . His work spans multiple domains including methane conversion technologies, CO 2 -to-fuels processes, and carbon-negative fuel production. A significant portion of his research investigates molten metal catalysts for methane pyrolysis and dry reforming, with applications in hydrogen production and carbon capture. His publications demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach combining chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental engineering to address climate change challenges through innovative catalytic processes. Dr. Upham actively mentors a diverse group of graduate students and researchers. His lab currently includes multiple PhD and MASc students working on various aspects of catalysis and clean energy: PhD Students: Mark Tabbara, Genpei Cai, Natascha Miederhoff MASc Students: Michael Byun, Sawyer d'Entremont, Rami Jubeili, Wyatt Schnare Postdoctoral researcher: Sonit Balyan Multiple undergraduate and visiting students from institutions worldwide The Upham Lab operates within UBC's Catalysis Labs, utilizing advanced experimental techniques to study reaction mechanisms and develop new catalysts. The lab's research has significant implications for decarbonizing the energy and chemical sectors, with potential applications in hydrogen production, carbon fiber manufacturing, and CO 2 -to-fuels technologies.
Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. He serves as the Associate Director for Research & Industrial Partnerships in the School of Engineering and leads the UBC-Okanagan Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. His research spans computational fluid dynamics, turbomachinery, multiphase flows, hydrogen safety, wind energy, and biofluid mechanics. He teaches courses in mechanics of materials, alternative energy systems, turbulence, computational fluid dynamics, and aircraft design. PhD, Aerospace Engineering (Carleton University, Ottawa, ON) BEng, Aerospace Engineering (Carleton University) Dr. Brinkerhoff’s research interests include: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for laminar-to-turbulent transition and instability analysis Wind energy systems and turbine aerodynamics Hydrogen storage and safety protocols for transportation Biofluid mechanics for respiratory diseases and aneurysm modeling Multiphase flows in industrial and environmental contexts His publications focus on CFD simulations for: Aerosol dispersion and mitigation in indoor environments Wind farm interactions and atmospheric gravity waves Cavitation and phase transitions in cryogenic and LNG systems Heat transfer optimization in industrial and thermal systems Instability dynamics in buoyancy-driven and swept flows Turbulent structures in fluidized beds and reactors Dr. Brinkerhoff has no listed scientific awards in the provided data but has extensive contributions to renewable energy, hydrogen safety, and medical fluid dynamics. His laboratory develops open-source tools like TOSCA for large-eddy simulations and investigates practical applications in urban air quality, dental aerosol control, and turbine wake modeling.
Dr. Paul G. O'Brien is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at York University, Canada, affiliated with the Lassonde School of Engineering. His research focuses on interdisciplinary clean energy solutions, including energy storage, thermophotovoltaic systems, decarbonization of buildings, and life cycle assessments. He leads the Advanced Materials for Sustainable Energy Technologies (AM-SET-Lab) and has authored over 50 journal articles. His work spans materials science, photonic crystal engineering, and radiative cooling technologies. Research interests include optimizing thermal energy storage systems, photonic crystal-based filters for solar applications, and CO2 capture via direct air capture systems. His lab develops materials for passive cooling, solar-thermal integration, and advanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Dr. O’Brien collaborates across engineering disciplines to address global energy challenges. Recent publications highlight innovations in ellipsoidal optical cavities for thermophotovoltaics, radiative cooling materials, and techno-economic assessments of carbon capture technologies. His work bridges fundamental material science with applied engineering solutions for sustainable energy systems.
Tsun-Kong (T.K.) Sham is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Western University. His research focuses on materials science, synchrotron radiation techniques, and energy materials. He has contributed significantly to the development of synchrotron-based methodologies for studying nanomaterials and catalytic systems. Education: B.Sc. from Chinese University of Hong Kong (1971), Ph.D. from Western University (1975). Research interests include nanomaterial synthesis, bimetallic materials, and advanced spectroscopic techniques like X-ray absorption and emission. He has directed initiatives such as the Soochow University-Western University Centre for Synchrotron Radiation Research and contributed to international collaborations. Awards include the Chemical Institute of Canada Montreal Medal (2023), Officer of the Order of Canada (2016), and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2012). His work spans over 100 students and collaborators, many of whom hold key academic and industrial roles. Teaching includes courses like Physical Chemistry of Materials and Synchrotron Radiation-based analysis. His recent publications highlight advancements in solid-state electrolytes and catalytic systems.
Daria Camilla Boffito is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal , holding the Tier-2 Canada Research Chair in Intensified Mechano-chemical Processes for Sustainable Biomass Conversion. Her research spans process intensification , catalysis , sonochemistry , photocatalysis , and metal extraction , with a focus on sustainability. Education: B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Milan, M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and Management Current Research: Developing ultrasound-assisted extraction , CO2 conversion , and floating photocatalysts for wastewater treatment Collaborations: Works with Canadian and international companies on sustainable chemical processes Scientific Awards include the Canada Research Chair Tier-2 (2016-2021), NSERC Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2016), and FRQNT PBEEE Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2016). Advising has seen 5 Ph.D. and 9 Master's students graduate. She leads the Engineering Process Intensification and Catalysis (EPIC) Laboratory and is a member of the Institut de génie biomédical .
Michael Organ is a Full Professor at the University of Ottawa's Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. He also serves as Director of the Centre for Research and Innovation in Catalysis. His research focuses on catalysis, flow chemistry, and medicinal chemistry, emphasizing sustainable and efficient synthesis methods. Organ has held adjunct roles at the University of Toronto and has extensive industry collaborations, including with GlaxoSmithKline and Abbvie. Education: PhD (University of Guelph, 1992), MSc (University of Guelph, 1988), Hons. BSc (University of Guelph, 1986). Research Interests: Catalysis, microwave-assisted continuous synthesis, reactive intermediates in flow systems, and drug discovery methodologies. His work bridges organic chemistry with engineering, developing scalable and green processes. Publications & Impact: Over 200 publications, including seminal works in Journal of the American Chemical Society and Chemistry – A European Journal . Key contributions include the Pd-PEPPSI-IPent catalyst and the MACOS flow chemistry platform. Awards: NSERC John C. Polanyi Award (2018), Encyclopedia of Reagents Best Reagent Award (2017), Raymond Lemieux Award (2016). Recognized internationally for catalytic innovations. Grants & Funding: Over $45M in research funding, including NSERC Discovery Grants and industry partnerships. Notable projects include CFI JELF grants for sustainable manufacturing and pandemic-related flow chemistry for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. Labs & Teams: Leads the Organ Group, collaborating with chemical engineers and industry partners. Specializes in reactor design, catalyst development, and continuous processing systems.
Ken Oakes is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Cape Breton University (CBU) and holds the Industrial Research Chair in Environmental Remediation. He specializes in environmental toxicology, nanotechnology, and aquatic ecosystems. With a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph and postdoctoral training at the University of Waterloo, his research focuses on reactive oxygen species, water treatment, and pollution mitigation. He has over 60 peer-reviewed publications and supervised numerous graduate/undergraduate theses. Key research areas include photocatalytic water treatment using TiO₂ composites, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for contaminant detection, and transdermal drug delivery via polymeric microneedles. His work addresses industrial effluent impacts on marine ecosystems and sustainable antifouling technologies. Recent studies investigate nanomaterials for environmental remediation and biomedical applications. Dr. Oakes has contributed to projects assessing pulp mill effluent effects on coastal ecosystems, copper-based Fenton chemistry for biofilm removal, and uranium extraction from water. His lab develops innovative solutions for environmental challenges, combining engineering, chemistry, and biology disciplines. Funding sources include industrial partnerships and academic grants focused on clean technologies.
Alice Covatta is an Adjunct Professor at Université de Montréal's Faculty of Planning and School of Architecture, with affiliations to the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health, co+labo at Keio University, and the Japan Studies Association of Canada. Her work bridges architecture, urban design, and mental health across Europe and Japan. PhD in Architecture and Urban Design (University of Udine, 2015) Postdoctoral Fellow at Keio University (2016-2019) Research interests focus on: Integrating health into urban planning Temporal urbanism in hyper-dense environments Foodscapes as catalysts for community engagement Playable architectural interventions Recent publications analyze Tokyo's liminal spaces, Montreal's ephemeral ecosystems, and cross-cultural comparisons of public space design in Copenhagen and Japan. Her work emphasizes hybrid formal/informal systems and socio-spatial strategies for mental wellness. 2017 Europan 14 Winner 2016 Japan Foundation Fellowship 2015 Honorable Mention for Passages Competition Grants include CRSH and FRQSC funding for projects on urban habitability, public space, and participatory research. She co-founded CoPE Architects, which won multiple international awards for innovative urban design.
Yingying Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Computing and Software department at McMaster University , where she joined in January 2022. Her research focuses on generating expressive animations for AR/VR applications and games through interdisciplinary approaches combining Computer Graphics , Artificial Intelligence , and Human Behavior Analysis . Education : Bachelor and Master degrees from Nanjing University , Ph.D. from University of California, Davis (2017) Her research explores: Generative models for human motion style transfer Physics-based motion simulation Audio-driven character synthesis Dance choreography for virtual characters Cartoon animation perception Conversational character gesture synthesis Markerless hand motion capture Recent publications focus on 3D hand pose estimation , motion style transfer , gesture-locomotion coordination , and personality perception in virtual agents . Key methodologies include deep learning , multimodal data analysis , and real-time animation systems . Scientific contributions recognized through: $240,000 Labarge Catalyst Grant in Mobility in Aging (interdisciplinary team award) US Patent 10,796,482 (3D hand pose estimation) US Patent 9,811,937 (gesture-locomotion coordination) Teaching includes graduate and undergraduate courses in Computer Animation (CAS 737), Computer Graphics (COMPSCI 3GC3/SFWRENG 3GC3), and Software Development (COMPSCI 2ME3). Research group actively recruits Ph.D. and Master's students in graphics + deep learning domains.
Jane Howe is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto with joint appointments in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering and the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. Her research focuses on in situ microscopy techniques, advanced materials characterization, and energy storage systems. Dr. Howe holds nine US patents related to electron microscopy and materials development, and has been recognized with two R&D 100 Awards for innovations in lithium battery technology and nano-structured carbon materials. Before joining UofT, Jane worked as a Senior Applications Scientist at Hitachi High-Technologies (2012–2017) and served as a Staff Scientist and Principal Investigator at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2001–2012). She earned her Ph.D. in Ceramic Science from Alfred University in 2001, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at ORNL. Her expertise spans materials processing, corrosion science, and advanced electron microscopy techniques, including in situ TEM and correlative microscopy. Her research portfolio includes over 100 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work emphasizing nanomaterials for energy storage, corrosion-resistant coatings for nuclear fuel containers, and Bayesian optimization of carbon nanolattices. Jane’s lab also explores microbial interactions in anaerobic cultures and novel catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to materials science challenges. Education: Ph.D. in Ceramic Science, Alfred University (2001) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2001–2008) Key Awards: R&D 100 Award (2020s): Lithium Battery Technology R&D 100 Award (2020s): Nano-Structured Carbon Materials Grants & Collaborations: Active in Canada’s nuclear fuel container materials research and US-Canada cross-border microscopy partnerships.
