Graduate Student Spotlight – Omer Shinnawy
Advancing Electrochemical Solutions for a Cleaner Future
Omer Shinnawy completed his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at UBC and is now pursuing a Master’s in Materials Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Kiana Amini. His research, driven by a passion for electrochemistry and sustainability, focuses on a patent-pending method for extracting lithium ions from seawater using an electrochemical system. He is also part of the Net-Zero in Materials and Manufacturing (Net0MM) NSERC CREATE Training Program, led by Dr. Chad Sinclair.
“Graduate school provides me with an opportunity to deepen my understanding, develop my research skills, and make a meaningful contribution to the transition toward clean energy.”
UBC was a natural next step for Omer. Already familiar with the campus and its research environment, he was drawn to the opportunity to design, build, and test new systems from scratch.
“There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing an idea evolve from a sketch in a notebook to a working electrochemical device in the lab, and overcoming the challenges along the way.”
Why did you choose Materials Engineering? What impact do you aim to make through your current work?
I chose Materials Engineering to study electrochemical systems from a materials science perspective rather than solely a process engineering approach. The Department offers a unique environment, combining strong fundamentals with technical research that directly connects to real-world applications.
My goal is to support the scaling and sustainable extraction of lithium – a critical component in the shift toward clean energy. By developing cleaner, more efficient extraction techniques, we can lower the environmental impact of critical mineral production and help accelerate the global energy transition.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
One of the biggest questions is: How do we scale? Technical feasibility is only one part of the puzzle – market fit, cost, and regulations all play a role. I’m excited that the Net0MM CREATE Program is helping me bridge the gap between my research and commercialization.
Could you tell us more about the Net0MM CREATE Program? How does that help elevate your graduate degree?
I am particularly enthusiastic about the program’s entrepreneurial component, called the Invention to Innovation (i2I) Program based at SFU. It’s giving me the tools to evaluate the commercial viability of my project, something most technical programs don’t cover. In Prof. Amini’s lab, we are often encouraged to think not just about how something works, but also why it matters and how it could be implemented.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Stay curious and ask questions, both inside and outside the lab. Graduate school can be overwhelming at first, but leaning into the learning process and building supportive relationships with lab mates and supervisors makes a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to explore your interests, some of the best ideas come from side conversations or unexpected directions.
He also stresses the importance of applying for scholarships. UBC and the Department offer many funding opportunities. My scholarship eased financial pressure and allowed me to focus more on my research.
What do you like to do outside of research?
Outside of research, I enjoy playing board games, reading fiction, and scuba diving whenever I get the chance. These hobbies help me recharge and maintain a healthy balance between lab work and downtime.