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.
Guangnan Zhou, PhD ’21
Navigating the Semiconductor Frontier at Intel
I’m currently working as a Yield Development Engineer at Intel, where I lead post-silicon characterization and debugging efforts to support product validation and yield improvement. I coordinate cross-functional teams for electrical and physical failure analysis, driving root-cause investigations and defect resolution. I also develop Python-based tools to automate statistical data analysis, enabling faster decision-making and improved collaboration. I really enjoy working across the entire cycle of semiconductor development – from transistor-level design to full-chip validation. This allows me to engage with design, fabrication, testing, and post-silicon analysis, and continually expand my knowledge and skills.
Always learning: the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.
The semiconductor industry is well known for its fast pace. As devices become more complex and process nodes shrink, debugging and validation require increasingly sophisticated tools and approaches. Staying informed with the latest knowledge and methodologies, while solving intricate issues under tight timelines, demands both adaptability and deep technical insight.
How did your graduate studies in Materials Engineering prepare you for your current career?
I have always been fascinated by semiconductor devices and wanted to deepen my understanding through hands-on research since my undergraduate degree. My graduate studies at UBC provided a solid foundation in semiconductor device physics, fabrication processes, and advanced characterization techniques.
During my PhD, I worked extensively on Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility Transistors (GaN HEMTs), which sharpened my skills and deepened my knowledge in semiconductor device physics, device fabrication, reliability analysis, and failure mechanisms. Those skills have translated well to my current job.
I was incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Guangrui (Maggie) Xia as my PhD supervisor. Her support and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and professional journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity she gave me to pursue advanced research in this field.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a graduate student in Materials Engineering?
What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to dive deep into hands-on research while being part of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Performing a wide range of materials characterization techniques helped me develop an engineering problem-solving mindset and technical depth – both critical in the semiconductor industry.
I also appreciated the collaborative culture within the department. I had the chance to discuss ideas with peers and learn from others at the same time. Graduate studies are challenging but rewarding – they truly laid the groundwork for my professional career.
What is your best piece of advice for current graduate students preparing for their future careers?
Seize the days, gather the flowers while you may.
Meet the Vanier Scholar – Graeme Francolini
Graeme Francolini, a PhD student in the Department of Materials Engineering, has recently been awarded the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, valued at $50,000 per year for three years.
We spoke with Graeme about how he felt upon receiving this award and what it means to him.
“It felt incredible and surreal at the same time. I applied for both the CGS-D and the Vanier, and I still remember the anxious night before the announcement – I kept waking up to check my email. When I finally read the email and saw I’d been awarded the Vanier, I was so excited and had the widest smile on my face.”
He reflects on how the award affirms the importance of his work –
“When you’re working on fundamental problems and always looking at things on a microscopic level, it’s easy to lose sight of how this plays out in the macroscopic world and whether your work has a real impact. Receiving this award means a lot because it bolstered my confidence in the quality of my research and reassured me of its value in a broader context. It feels great that people can see and appreciate it.”
Graeme has always had an interest in STEM, a love of learning, and enjoys working with his hands. He began his undergraduate studies in chemistry and physics with a focus on solid-state, which gave him a strong understanding for the underlying fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering. He then completed a Master’s degree in Materials Science, further allowing him to gain hands-on experience in his current research area.
Now pursuing a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Ben Britton, Graeme is developing a highly automated 3D microscopy system. This system will enable users to detect defects and analyze microstructures within materials in 3D space, ultimately helping to optimize materials performance.
“This experience has really deepened my understanding of how something happening on a microscopic scale can have significant impacts at the macroscopic level. That’s what first caught my eye and drew me to this program. I’ve also really enjoyed being part of the close-knit community within the department – you can really expect a highly collaborative and supportive environment here, both from the people and in the areas of research.”
When asked about advice for applying to large scholarships like the Vanier or Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS-D/M), Graeme emphasizes the importance of starting early –
“Give yourself time to work on the application so you’re not stressed about last-minute tweaks. You’re competing with highly qualified students across Canada in a wide range of research areas. It’s important to truly showcase yourself and the impact of your research. Show that you have the ability to complete the work and portray your research in a way that’s understandable to a broader audience, but not having to completely dumb it down.”
He also recommends discussing the application with your supervisor and reviewing it together. Library seminars are also very helpful to help you write and build a strong scholarship application.
Congratulations again to Graeme on this incredible achievement!
Note: The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are now harmonized with the new Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral (CGRS-D) program. International applicants are now eligible to apply.
CGRS-D provides $40,000 per year for three years.
Applications for the Fall 2025 competition are now open through UBC till Sep 9, 2025.
CGRS-M provides $27,000 for one year and will begin accepting applications shortly, with an anticipated deadline in Dec 2025.
Women in Engineering: Diverse Paths, Shared Strengths
In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day on June 23, we spoke with five inspiring members of our community. From undergraduate students to graduate researchers, each brings a unique perspective shaped by personal experience, challenges, and growth. Together, their stories reflect the evolving face of engineering and the strength that comes from a diverse and supportive community.
Pictured (left to right): Isabella Rizzo (top), Chloe Stanford (bottom), Vrisha Vyas, Sherry Kiafar (top), and Anushree Shah (bottom).
1. Different Journeys into Engineering: Undergraduate Perspectives
There is no singular route into engineering. For some, it begins with a deep-rooted passion for STEM; for others, it emerges from a blend of creative and analytical interests. What unites these women is a shared desire to solve meaningful problems and contribute to something larger than themselves.
Chloe, an undergraduate in Materials Engineering, grew up equally drawn to both science and the arts. For her, engineering became the perfect intersection of her interests.
“I’ve always loved math and science, but also had a strong creative side. Engineering stood out because it brings structure and creativity together. You’re solving technical problems, but also need to think in innovative ways.”
Isabella, who comes from a liberal arts background, didn’t always envision a future in engineering. It wasn’t until late high school, when she began exploring STEM more deeply, that she became drawn to the evolving nature of the field and its constant opportunities for growth and application.
“I wanted to be part of something that’s constantly evolving, where I could keep learning and apply knowledge in tangible ways. That’s what attracted me to Materials Engineering.”
These experiences highlight the varied pathways that lead students into engineering. Whether grounded in early passions or discovered through later exploration, each journey enriches the discipline by broadening the range of skills, perspectives, and approaches that drive innovation.
2. Overcoming Barriers and Building Belonging
For many women in engineering, navigating a space where they are still underrepresented can involve overcoming doubt and building up their confidence. Yet it is often within these challenges that valuable support networks form and a strong sense of community emerges.
Chloe reflects on moments when she felt the need to speak louder just to be heard in a male-dominated environment. Despite this, she finds strength and encouragement in the collective support of her peers and mentors, especially the women who continue to uplift and inspire one another.
Isabella’s experience highlights the challenges of entering engineering without a strong STEM background. Early on, she faced impostor syndrome and the pressure of comparing herself to peers with different academic experiences.
“It took me time to realize I didn’t need to compare myself to others, and there is no shame in going at your own pace. The most important thing is that you’re learning.”
Graduate students echo similar themes. Sherry, a PhD student who moved to Canada from Tehran, describes the added complexity of navigating both gender and cultural barriers as an international student. She was also affected by impostor syndrome and struggled to find a sense of belonging. Over time, she built confidence by focusing on her long-term goals and forming supportive academic relationships. She emphasizes perseverance and community support as essential to overcoming these challenges.
“In moments of doubt, I remind myself of how far I have come and the goals I’m working toward.”
Vrisha, a master’s student, recalls a co-op experience working on a predominantly female team that strengthened her sense of belonging. She also credits faculty mentorship as central to her growth. The encouragement she received helped her navigate complex research questions, explore career pathways, and build confidence in her academic voice.
“Mentorship has made all the difference. Having professors who genuinely care and invest time into your growth helps you see possibilities you may not have considered on your own.”
Together, these reflections highlight the importance of encouragement, representation, and inclusive learning environments in supporting women through their engineering journeys.
3. Graduate Student Perspectives: Research, Growth and Giving Back
Graduate studies often bring a deeper focus and greater purpose, but they also introduce new challenges. For students like Sherry, Vrisha, and Anushree, this phase of their education has been shaped by more than academic achievement. It has also involved mentoring others, giving back to their communities, and redefining what success looks like.
Sherry’s research in polymer engineering centers on developing materials for sustainable applications. As she advanced in her program, she became more confident in her voice as a researcher and mentor. She now works with undergraduate students in the lab, sharing the knowledge and encouragement she once needed herself.
“I try to create the kind of supportive environment I was looking for early on. That kind of culture makes a big difference in someone’s experience.”
Anushree, who completed her undergraduate degree at UBC and later returned for a Master’s, is researching dimensional accuracy in 3D-printed metallic implants. Early in her undergraduate studies, she often felt behind her peers, but a strong support network helped shift her perspective.
“I found my people, and I realized that learning happens best through conversation. A discussion with a peer often sticks more than reading a textbook alone.”
Now, as a teaching assistant, Anushree values the opportunity to guide current students through the same courses she once took. This full-circle experience deepens both her understanding and reaffirms her role within the academic community.
Vrisha’s work in sustainable materials has strengthened her passion for applying engineering to global challenges. Through research and volunteer work that introduces young girls to STEM, she continues to advocate for inclusive outreach and education.
“What motivates me most is knowing that the work I do can lead to practical solutions with real-world impact. Being part of something that supports environmental sustainability and benefits communities beyond the lab gives me a strong sense of purpose.”
Each of these graduate students’ experiences exemplifies how support, representation, and meaningful engagement contribute not only to academic success but also to building a more inclusive and forward-looking engineering culture.
While each woman’s journey into engineering is uniquely her own, these collective experiences form a powerful narrative that speaks to the importance of inclusion, mentorship, and community. Their stories remind us that engineering isn’t just about equations or experiments. It’s about people. Progress in the field depends not only on academic and research excellence, but on diverse voices, equitable opportunities, and collective resilience.