Life After Graduation: Where UBC Materials Engineering Alumni Are Now
As another class of UBC Materials Engineering graduates embarks on the next stage of their careers, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our remarkable alumni who’ve turned their education into impactful work. From managing mineral processing operations in Southeast Asia to driving clean energy projects, developing advanced water treatment solutions, and conducting cutting-edge research in electrochemistry, these alumni are demonstrating the strength and versatility of a Materials Engineering degree. Along with their stories, they offer insights and advice for students beginning their own journeys, reflecting on what helped them grow both personally and professionally. Here’s a look at where they are today and how they’re making their mark.
Focus on the Work, Not Just the Industry
Currently a Process Engineer in Training at CarboNet, Catherine Greenwood graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2021. Her co-op experiences, which included work in powder metallurgy, nuclear fuel, battery cathode manufacturing, and water treatment, helped her realize that the type of work she enjoyed could be found in many different industries. This perspective played a key role in shaping her career path. One of Catherine’s fondest memories from undergrad is the time spent with friends, whether out exploring, hiking, or studying together.
Be Curious, Stay Connected, and Get Involved
Currently a Senior Superintendent of Processing at Sepon LXML in Laos, Devy Dyson graduated from UBC Materials Engineering with a BASc in 2015 and an MASc in 2017. As a student, he stayed curious and actively engaged in both research and community. He worked with Dr. Edouard Asselin’s group on extractive metallurgy and later focused on autoclave chemistry and kinetics modelling during his Master’s studies. Devy also built strong connections through field trips to industrial plants in Toronto and Seattle, long days in Frank Forward, and Foosball matches in the clubroom. These experiences helped shape his passion for innovation and guided his career path.
Foundational Skills Go a Long Way
Currently a Project Manager at Innergex, Narain Khera graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2015. After three years in the industry, she returned to UBC to complete a Master of Engineering Leadership in Clean Energy in 2019. Her strong technical foundation in Materials Engineering has continued to support her work in both manufacturing and renewable energy, especially through skills like failure analysis and root-cause problem solving. A highlight of her undergrad was a field trip to Toronto, where she explored a range of industries and built lasting friendships. Narain was also active in student life through the Materials Student Council, E-Week, Storm the Wall, and the co-op program. These hands-on and community experiences helped reinforce the practical value of the technical skills she still uses today.
Materials at the Heart of Engineering
Currently a Research Technologist with the electrochemistry and corrosion team at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Ryan Grutze graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2018. He believes that materials science is at the core of all engineering disciplines and that a strong understanding of it is essential across any field. His co-op experiences in metals, ceramics, and composites gave him a wide-ranging perspective on how material engineering shapes research and innovation. Ryan also values the close-knit MTRL community, which he remembers as one of the program’s greatest strengths. During his time at UBC, he was actively involved in the MTRL Undergraduate Club and the Engineering Undergraduate Society, where he built lasting friendships and found a strong support network.
2025 MTRL Graduation
This past week, the Department of Materials Engineering gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. These graduates have demonstrated remarkable dedication, resilience, and intellectual curiosity, distinguishing themselves as future leaders in the field.
Beyond advancing their academic knowledge, the Class of 2025 has contributed meaningfully to the university community and beyond. As they embark on their professional journeys, we are confident they will make significant contributions across industry, research, and society.
Congratulations to the UBC Materials Engineering Class of 2025. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in shaping the future of materials engineering and related fields.
From Concept to Creation: MTRL Capstone Teams at Design and Innovation Day
On April 3, 2025, our Capstone student teams showcased their projects at the annual APSC Design and Innovation Day – an event showcasing the culmination of a year’s worth of dedication, where students apply their technical knowledge and design skills to transform ideas into real-world impact.
We spoke with student teams about their projects, what they learned through the process, and what they think could be improved.
Pressure Vessel Design for CSA
OASYS Lunar Greenhouse Project
Students – Dominik Adriany, Dylan Kipp, Veer Sambaragi, Peter Landine, Krish Arora, JP Kahlert, Usama Seifeddine.
1. What was the problem you were trying to solve?
In collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in accordance with the OASYS Lunar Greenhouse initiative, the goal of this project was to develop and manufacture a pressure vessel system capable of supporting plant growth systems on the Moon. This is important when it comes to supporting astronauts’ extended stay missions on the Moon.
2. Can you give us a brief overview of the Capstone project’s process?
We began by selecting an appropriate size and shape for the vessel, taking into account ease of manufacturing and integration with other systems. To address the structural challenge, we performed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with ABAQUS to evaluate stresses within the vessel.
“This analysis allowed us to determine the required number of plies, L-beams, and bolts to secure the system, as well as to optimize the vessel’s wall thickness. We then fabricated the vessel using composite materials through a vacuum bagging process and subjected it to load testing to assess structural integrity. Initial testing confirmed adequate strength for the intended pressure loads.“
3. Looking back on your experience, what would you have done differently?
In our case, we slightly overspent on the administrative aspects at the beginning, which required us to make some compromises on materials and manufacturing down the road. Despite this challenge, the experience was highly valuable for our team, and more importantly, we successfully delivered a working prototype.
4. Where do you see this project going next?
Overall, the project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of designing and manufacturing a high-strength pressure vessel for lunar greenhouse applications. Future work will include continuing on finishing the prototype and performing non-destructive testing (NDI) methods to detect internal flaws.
Developing Nafion 212 Membrane
Treatment Procedure in Redox Flow Batteries
Students – Karisma Jutla, Nattan Telmer, Emma Xiong, George Lin, Tony Yang, Harry Liu, Vivian Chen
1. What was the problem you were trying to solve?
Our project focused on ion exchange membranes used in electrochemical cells, which are essential in batteries. These membranes need to allow ions to pass through while keeping electrons separated. We aimed to investigate whether pretreatment of membranes could enhance performance.
Specifically, we looked into cleaning and reusing membranes to evaluate how this affects degradation (fade rate), with a goal of improving battery testing and promoting sustainability.
2. Can you give a brief overview of the Capstone project’s process?
We tested two cleaning solution concentrations and found no significant difference between them. We observed that as temperature increased, permeability decreased, which is detrimental for battery life. However, conductivity improved between 20-40°C, which is beneficial.
3. What would you have done differently?
One major challenge was the lack of existing literature on our specific testing methods, which led to a lot of trial and error, especially for measuring permeability accurately. We had to develop and refine our own method to ensure reliable results. If we had more time, we would have focused on optimizing the membrane cleaned at 40°C, as it showed the best performance. We also would have tested different cleaning solutions to further enhance the results.
4. What were some of the proud moments that you could share?
Many of our results matched our expectations, showing that our testing and retesting methods were reliable. It was rewarding to see both new findings and confirmation of our hypotheses.
MTRL Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Winner Announced
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic competition that challenges graduate students to present their research concisely and effectively in three minutes to a broad audience. First developed by the University of Queensland in 2008, the competition has since gained international recognition. UBC has been hosting its own 3MT competition since 2011, with individual faculties and departments holding preliminary heats usually between February and March. Winners from these heats advance to the UBC-wide semifinals, culminating in the grand finale in March.
On March 5, 2025, the Materials Engineering Graduate Student Association (MTRL GSA) and the Civil Engineering Graduate Student Society (CEGSS) co-hosted this year’s 3MT heat at the Frank Forward Building. Graduate students were given three minutes and one slide to communicate their research to a diverse audience. Following each presentation, audiences had the opportunity to ask one or two questions to engage further with the participants’ work.
“This competition really provides a great platform for graduate students to refine their communication skills, which are essential both in academia and in the workforce. It’s a great way to learn how to explain and break down complex research to peers from different academic backgrounds,” said one of the organizers.
The competition ended with scores so close that judges had to resort to standard deviation calculations to determine the winners! Congratulations to this year’s MTRL winner – Kevin Oesef, for his presentation, “Enhancing Cellulose Nanofibril Compatibility with Epoxy Resins through a Water-Based Surface Hydrophobization Strategy”. Kevin will advance to the UBC 3MT semifinals on March 12 at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, come and support your peer!
A special thank-you to MTRL GSA and CEGSS for organizing this successful event and to CEGSS for providing delicious refreshments. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the judges for their time and thoughtful evaluations – this event would not have been possible without your support!
For more information about 3MT at UBC, please visit the official website.
2025 Materials Engineering Research Day
On February 21st, the Department hosted its annual Research Day in the Frank Forward Building, celebrating the innovative research and efforts of our graduate students and researchers. The event kicked off at 10 am with opening remarks from the Department Head – Dr. Daan Maijer and the Associate Head of Graduate Programs – Dr. Ben Britton.
The day featured over 15 engaging oral presentations, complemented by breaks between sessions, allowing for a good mix of discussions and interaction. The day was filled with a dynamic atmosphere throughout the day – thanks to the audiences, who provided thoughtful questions and constructive feedback.
During the productive lunch session, poster presentation segment gave researchers the opportunity to network in small groups and exchange ideas. The presentations highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of our department’s research clusters, reflecting our ongoing commitment to bridging fundamental research with real-world applications.
The event concluded with a celebration of our peers who received the major Graduate Awards and Scholarships to recognize their outstanding contributions to the field.
As research in materials engineering continues to evolve, such event plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and innovation. We look forward to future gatherings where we can come together to share insights, inspire one another, and collectively shape the future of materials.
MTRL Student-Athlete Dylan Shares Her Tips for Balancing Academics and Sports
Currently a 4th-year undergraduate student in Materials Engineering, Dylan is also a student-athlete on the UBC Varsity Rugby team. Originally started as a volleyball player but growing tired of the environment, she took up rugby on her mom’s advice. Through rugby, she developed a strong sense of teamwork and self-confidence and hasn’t looked back since then. Dylan is also an all-star off the field, having completed several co-op terms. In the summer of 2024, she joined Slb’s Additive Manufacturing team, where she worked on identifying printing process parameters for two polymers and gained hands-on experience operating a 3D printer.
1. What made you choose Materials Engineering?
This was something I found very attractive because it would allow me to pursue almost any industry after I graduate as I will have the background to try and solve most problems. I wanted to focus on a career in sustainability, and Materials Engineering will provide me with the tools to achieve that from any perspective I choose.
2. Could you share some examples of how being a student-athlete has influenced your undergraduate experience at UBC, particularly within the Materials Engineering program?
Being a student-athlete has given me a unique perspective on time management and the meaning of being a team player. With limited free time and energy at the end of the day, I make sure to prioritize staying ahead of my work to avoid the unnecessary stress that comes with procrastination. Specifically in Materials Engineering, there are a lot of classes in the third and fourth year that require you to work in groups on projects and assignments.
“Being a student-athlete helps me be a better team player in these student teams and feel more comfortable taking on a leadership role. This supports organization, time management, and communication within the group. Academic groupwork is different from athletics because not everyone is used to being in a team, so it takes time to learn how each member works.”
3. What is your average day like as a student-athlete?
During the school year, a usual Monday and Wednesday for me is classes in the morning and early afternoon, and then practice from 3-5 pm. However, practice never ends at 5 pm because my coach likes to do a little extra work, so it is more like 3-5:30 pm. On Tuesday and Thursday, I have classes in the morning and afternoon and then go to the gym from 2-3:10 pm. On Fridays, I have class until about 2 pm, then go to the gym from 3-4 pm. Afterward, I have practice from 4-5:30 pm. At the end of the day, I plan my meals for the next few days, cook, and organize them. If I’m on top of things, I usually have lunch made beforehand because I do not have a lot of time between when class ends, and practice or gym starts. It may be a lot, but being a student-athlete is incredibly rewarding and meaningful. It brings community, joy, and new experiences that I would not have had otherwise.
4. What do you enjoy the most about your undergraduate experience in Materials Engineering?
I enjoy the course content and how accessible the professors are to support your learning. It makes a big difference when the community around you works to help you succeed and learn as much as you can. The content challenges your ability to solve problems and work through complex concepts. I was asked things I had never been asked before and from a very interesting point of view. My undergraduate experience has sparked my curiosity about how I can contribute to shaping the future of technology and driving innovation.
I found a lot of value in getting to know my professors and establishing them as a resource in my studies. They are incredibly knowledgeable and want to pass that knowledge on to their students to take with them into their careers.
5. What advice would you give to someone who is also a student-athlete or involved in leadership activities on balancing between academics and their outside commitments?
It is important to have a clear understanding of your priorities and goals at the start of each semester. It serves as a grounding point at times when you feel overwhelmed. Balancing academics and athletics is not an easy feat – do not be afraid to say no to things if you are not comfortable with them because your mental health and overall well-being should come first. I have found that writing down a to-do list every week with both school and life tasks can be a great tool to stay organized and focused. It also brings a sense of accomplishment and help me to stay motivated.
“Lastly, do not be afraid to ask for help! Whether that is from teammates, friends, professors, or academics, it is so important to utilize all the resources around you and speak up if you need anything.“
6. Do you have any advice for women in engineering, especially those who may be experiencing challenges related to being a woman in engineering?
“Believe in yourself. You are smart, capable, and creative.”
Make sure you are able to communicate your ideas and opinions, and do not shrink away from contributing. You cannot control what people think about you, so what matters is what you think and your growth. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either if you don’t understand something. There will be times when others may know more than you on a topic. Asking for clarification isn’t silly, so don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
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UBC Materials Engineering Alumni Mixer 2025
Last January 23, the Materials Engineering Department and the MTRL Undergraduate Society came together one again to host the 2025 Alumni Mixer at the UBC Engineering Student Center. This annual gathering provided a platform for alumni, faculty, and current students to build meaningful relationships, reconnect, and exchange wonderful experiences with one another.
The evening was filled with exciting conversations and a supportive community, from alumni sharing their tips from their careers and reminiscing on their undergraduate experiences to students exploring their potential career paths.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success. We look forward to hosting more opportunities for alumni, students, and faculty to engage, connect, and network with one another.