Ryan Grutze, BASc '18

Ryan Grutze, BASc ’18

His Electrochemical Journey to Los Alamos

Currently a Research Technologist with the electrochemistry and corrosion team at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Ryan Grutze graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2018. His fondest memory of undergrad is the strong community of students, staff, and professors in the department. Ryan was very involved with the MTRL Undergraduate Club and the Engineering Undergraduate Society, where he made lasting friendships. He gained diverse co-op experiences in the R&D field across three major material categories – metals (steel), ceramics (geopolymer), and composites (aerospace).

1. Can you tell me about your current job? How did you end up with it?

I am a research technologist with the electrochemistry and corrosion team at Los Alamos National Laboratory. After working in the metro Vancouver area post-grad, I decided that I wanted a change in my life, so I went on a bikepacking trip in Europe for 3 months. This prompted me, upon return, to move back to the US, where I later applied for and accepted my position at Los Alamos.

“I never would have imagined I could work at Los Alamos National Laboratory without a PhD.” When I was younger, I envisioned working in the cycling industry making bikes, but I found that I enjoyed working in the chemistry side of materials engineering more.

2. What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day does not exist in the R&D engineering field! I would say work is about 75% hands on and 25% computer modeling. I juggle 3-6 projects such as electroplating samples, designing new equipment/processes, lab improvements/upgrades, and modeling electrochemical processes.

3. What opportunities do you see for materials engineering graduates in the field you are working in?

I believe there will always be research and development opportunities in the US and Canadian governments. I also believe that electrochemistry is quickly becoming a dominant field with the rise of cheaper renewable energy and advances in materials science to displace entrenched industrial processes.

Opportunities in metal production like Boston Metal (iron and steel), Magrathea (magnesium), Lilac Solutions (lithium), Cyclic Materials (rare earth metals), LiCycle (battery material recycling), and Redwood Materials (battery material recycling). Opportunities in battery production like eZinc (zinc batteries), Peak Energy (sodium batteries), Form Energy (iron-air batteries). Opportunities in carbon capture like Verdox (electrochemical CO2 capture). Opportunities in hydrogen production like Electric Hydrogen.

4. How did your materials engineering degree lead you to get the job you have?

“It provided the building blocks and resources (fundamental knowledge, physical notes, awareness to solve problems, and social connections) to gain work experience which ultimately led to my current position.”

5. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

I believe that materials science is the foundation for all other major disciplines (mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical), therefore, you can’t go into those fields without a solid understanding of materials science and engineering!

“I think the close-knit community of the MTRL department is a big advantage over other programs.”

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Roni Jones, BASc ’09

Navigating from MTRL to Intellectual Property Law

Currently a lawyer specializing in intellectual property law, with a focus on patent and trademark law at Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP , Roni Jones graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2009. Roni’s fondest memories from his undergraduate years are the time spent with his close-knit group of classmates, studying together, playing foosball in the student lounge, and taking class trips. Despite not being involved in extracurricular materials engineering activities, the bonds he formed with his peers have endured, and they still meet regularly 15 years later.

1. Your career might be considered ‘non-traditional’ for many materials engineers. Can you speak about how you ended up in your current role?

Even before choosing engineering, I was already considering a career in law, but knew I still had to complete at least three years of an undergraduate degree. I specifically chose materials engineering because I was really interested in the subject matter. “I enjoyed my time in the program so much that after graduation I still wasn’t entirely convinced that I was ready to leave it behind for law.” However, when I learned about roles where lawyers could use (and greatly benefit from) an engineering background, this finally swayed my decision, and specifically pushed me towards patent law.

2. What does a typical day look like for you? Does a typical day exist?

One of the things that I like most about my role is that my work varies greatly from day to day. In large part, this is because I work with clients in a wide range of industries and technology types (e.g., everything from semiconductor manufacturing to sporting goods). That means that even if I sometimes do spend a lot of time on the same type of task, each instance of that task is made entirely different by the underlying technology.

3. What opportunities do you see for materials engineering graduates in law? Is there growth in demand for engineers in this area?

“In my experience, it is highly desirable for patent lawyers to have a background in engineering or science in order to better understand clients’ technologies.”

As such, there is a demand for engineering graduates, including materials engineering graduates, in the field of patent law. This demand is heightened since very few engineering graduates attend law school.

4. What do you wish you had known about your career when you were a student?

“I wish that I had known how international this career can be.”

I work with lawyers around the world. These other lawyers help me to help my clients obtain global protection and in turn, I help these lawyers to help their clients obtain protection in Canada. “Getting to work with and know people from all around the world was unexpected for me but is one of the best parts of my job.”

5. What barriers need to be overcome to enter the field?

Entering and completing law school is the first barrier to becoming a patent lawyer, but even after law school, there are further exams that must be passed in order to become a patent agent. That being said, it is possible to become a patent agent without being a lawyer. Non-lawyer patent agents are more limited in what they can do for clients, but this can still be a great career.

6. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

“While obtaining my degree in materials engineering, I learned about a wide variety of subjects applicable in a wide variety of industries. This helped me to understand that I did not want to limit my career to a single industry.”

My career in patent law allows me to work with clients in a large number of industries and to learn about a wide range of technologies.

7. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

When we hire new lawyers, we typically try to look for people with a background relevant to the industries and technologies where we have a lot of work. Materials engineering has broad applications and can be relevant to many industries and technologies. This breadth of knowledge was an asset in obtaining my job and continues to be an asset to this day as I work with clients in so many different industries.

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Devy Dyson, BASc ’15 & MASc ’17

His Unique Metallurgy Path from Vancouver to Laos

Currently a Senior Superintendent of Processing at Sepon LXML in Laos, Devy Dyson graduated from UBC Materials Engineering with a BASc (2015) and MASc (2017). His fondest undergraduate memories were field trips to industrial plants in Toronto and Seattle, the daily grind in Frank Forward, and Foosball matches in the clubroom. During his studies, Devy worked with Dr. Edouard Asselin’s group on extractive metallurgy, a research area he further pursued in his Master’s degree, focusing on autoclave chemistry and kinetics modeling of the zinc pressure leaching process.

1. Could you share about your current role and the journey that led you to it?

I currently work as a Senior Superintendent of Processing at Sepon LXML, a major gold-copper mine in Laos in Southeast Asia, managing around 150 employees and have six direct reports. I started out working with Barrick Gold – one of my Master’s sponsors, focusing on autoclave chemistry. Over time, my career grew from being an autoclave metallurgist to expanding my knowledge on many extractive processes.

2. How does a typical day look like for you?

My day to day is very engaging – starting with routine meetings to ensure we’re doing everything we can to hit gold and copper production targets. Sometimes, equipment can break down unexpectedly and it is up to us to troubleshoot the process to maintain process throughput. This requires great knowledge on both the mechanical and chemical processes to mitigate losses and identify production opportunities. Beyond the regular meetings, I am involved in long-term technical planning. For instance, exploring options for future ore source treatment and developing capital projects.

3. What aspects of your current role do you find the most rewarding?

“It is exciting to work with multidisciplinary groups and achieve a common objective of producing more metals while promoting sustainability.”

There are many opportunities to contribute to the country’s economics and sustainability goals. It’s incredibly rewarding when small process improvements lead to substantial gains in revenue and profit. In 2022, we had a successful recovery enhancement project that took six months, but we were able to boost the recovery by 10% from technical testing programs, resulting in an equivalent revenue gain of over $30M.

4. How does your career now compare to how you originally envisioned your career in undergrad?

I never envisioned myself going beyond chief engineer, but my passion for this sector grew rapidly. I realized that I never had “bad” days at work and didn’t mind putting in extra hours as the satisfaction of helping others and achieving career goals drove my motivation. Over time, I realized that management was the path I wanted to pursue.

“Leading teams and developing people’s talent, while maintaining a strong technical foundation, is a great way to tackle major challenges in the sector.”

5. What are the 3 biggest challenges facing the extractive sector today?

Some challenges I have observed in this sector include:

#1: Ore grades are declining, and easily extractable ores are depleting. Extracting the remaining complex ores will require extensive processing to ensure economic recovery.

#2: Establishing a fixed flowsheet is challenging as orebodies evolve over life-of-mine. Additionally, equipment design and installation take time to implement.

#3: Demand is outgrowing supply due to the shift of energy transitions across various sectors.

6. What advice would you give to someone entering this field? What barriers need to be overcome to enter the field?

Field experience is invaluable. “Take opportunities to visit engineers working in the extractive metallurgy sector and get a first-hand feel into the career.” Though it took some convincing for me to leave the beautiful city, it has been a phenomenal experience stepping out of my comfort zone in Vancouver for work. “Stay curious and challenge industry assumptions – fresh perspectives often lead to innovative solutions. Go the extra mile by building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and professors, and by getting involved in industry organizations. These experiences will help you discover your passion and shape your career roadmap.”

7. How does a materials engineering degree, compared to a mining degree, lead to a career in the extractive sector?

A materials engineering degree offers a unique path into the extractive sector, where metal processing plays a crucial role. “Unlike mining, which focuses on ore movement, processing metals is often the most complex and impactful aspect of production. It dictates the operations of other departments and has the greatest potential to drive profitability. “

“Therefore, the industry is often in need of metallurgists, which, in my opinion, makes this field even more valuable and exciting.”

8. How do you think your education at UBC MTRL sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

We were fortunate to have a more intimate department where the bonds felt strong between peers compared to other Engineering disciplines. “UBC MTRL has some of the best professors in the field and is internationally recognized for its strong extractive metallurgy program.” There is a larger focus on hydrometallurgy rather than mineral processing, which many other metallurgists lack the expertise for.

“This is a major advantage to study extractive metallurgy at UBC MTRL and learn from the best!“

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Alex Gonzalez, BASc ’21

Using a Capstone Project to Pave His Way to CNL

Currently an Operations Specialist at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Alex Gonzalez graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2021. During his studies, he served as the Academic Coordinator for the MTRL Undergrad Council and APSC Student Senator. Also, while at UBC, he completed co-op terms with EVRAZ pipeline steel, UBC Geering Up, and UBC Civil Engineering.

1. What is your current role and what was the journey that led you to it?

I am an Operations Specialist in the Licensed Nuclear Facilities group at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). I help keep the facilities running safely! This includes supporting a facility that handles highly radioactive material and size reduces it for analysis. Some of the analysis is performed elsewhere on site, but we also have a fully functioning metallographic line (polishers, microscopes, hardness tester, etc), fatigue testers, and MTS machines – all confined inside of hot cells. I’m also a Nuclear Criticality Control Officer, which means I play a role in ensuring facility operations are criticality safe.

“I ended up in this job after completing a capstone project that was sponsored by CNL. Because I had references in the company and a strong background in materials & sample preparation, I was a unique addition to the operations team.”

2. What does a typical day look like for you? Does a typical day exist?

After parking and grabbing my dosimeter, I head through security. When I arrive at my desk, I change into work boots, don my lab coat, and grab dosimeter #2.

“Most days all start the same way, but what I do each day is almost never the same”

The work day can be split into one of my 3 main job duties:

Troubleshooting equipment in need of repair
Improving current processes and procedures
Implementing new processes & procedures and commissioning new equipment

Here are some examples!

#1: Mid-morning, a technician alerts us that the door to a hot cell requires repair. The door provides crucial shielding between high radiation dose inside the hot cell and an operating area. It will be my top priority to understand what led to the needed repair and how to return to operations safely.

#2: The current procedure for replacing a HEPA filter inside a hot cell is missing some important steps, which we noticed when we changed the filter recently. I will submit a new work plan with Engineering Change Control, and I’ll write a new procedure for the next HEPA change.

#3: The old DSC (MTRL 394 callback!) is dead, but luckily, we bought a new one. Unfortunately, electronics and radiation don’t mix! I’ve procured a modified DSC, but now I need to plan and document how to install this sensitive equipment in the hot cell, where poor judgement in this case could risk CNL not meeting contractual requirements for DSC outputs.

3. How does your career now compare to how you originally envisioned your career in undergrad?

When I was a student, I wasn’t aware of the field of operations or that it was a field that needed workers with an engineering background, but I wish I had. “I didn’t even think of nuclear as an option until ~1 year before I graduated!” Not only is working in operations fun, but at large companies like CNL, it can be a stepping stone to roles that usually only hire people with Master’s degrees or PhDs. I find great enjoyment in my day-to-day tasks, as it allows me to delve into both design and problem-solving.

4. How did your materials engineering degree lead you to get the job you have?

A set of interesting coincidences led me to my role. In February 2020, I accepted a co-op term with a department at CNL that studies the effects of radiation on materials. However, due to the pandemic, the CNL co-op program was put on hiatus. I was still very interested in the role, so my would-be manager agreed to partner with MTRL to sponsor my capstone project!

During my final year, I applied to work at CNL full time. The hiring manager saw my metallography experience from EVRAZ, and wanted to hire me based on my familiarity with sample preparation and microscope/hardness tester use. I was able to provide CNL references from my capstone project, which made the hiring process smoother.

5. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

In nuclear facility operations, most people have backgrounds in electrical or chemical engineering, which is useful for standard process-mechanical breakdowns. However, the facility I support is unique from the other CNL nuclear facilities because breakdowns, process improvement, and equipment upgrades occur with polishers, hardness testers, microscopes, and other lab equipment inside of the hot cells.

“I was the first person with a materials engineering background to be hired in my group, and now my manager is always on the lookout for more people with this degree.”

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Emma Dodyk, BASc ’21

Applying Her Materials Background in Mine Remediation

Currently an Engineer-In-Training in Mine Remediation at AECOM, Emma Dodyk graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2021. Her fondest memory as an undergrad was cheering on the MTRL team during EWeek. Emma was deeply involved in the Engineering Undergraduate Society, holding various leadership roles, including VP Student Life, VP Administration, and eventually EUS President in her fifth year. While she didn’t participate in co-ops, Emma worked with Geering Up after her second and third years, teaching science and engineering outreach camps in rural and Indigenous communities across BC.

1. Can you tell me about your current job in the extractive sector?

I currently work with a consulting firm as an Engineer-In-Training in Mine Remediation for sites in Northern Canada, primarily on the remediation of an abandoned lead and zinc mine in the Yukon. I contribute to many different areas of the project, ranging from collaborating on some technical design deliverables, managing budgets and schedules, and supporting socio-economic and engagement initiatives for the project. I work with a wide variety of people, including other engineers, scientists, contractors, and government agencies.

2. What does a typical day look like for you? Does a typical day exist?

Right now, a typical day looks like a mix of technical work, project management meetings, and assisting in the advancement of longer-term initiatives. I mostly work in Edmonton, either in the office or at home, but occasionally head out for some fieldwork. I spent two weeks on site in the Yukon last summer, and had a quick trip up in early April to attend a career fair in one of the nearby communities.

“I’ve been in my current role for just over a year and my work has evolved based on what I have enjoyed so far and the needs of the project, so I expect to continue to shift around in my role as I progress in my career.”

3. How does your career now compare to how you originally envisioned your career in undergrad?

When I started my undergrad, I didn’t have a very strong idea of what my career would look like after school. My career goals only started to solidify in third or fourth year, but where I am now is fairly aligned with my plans at the latter end of my degree.

4. What are the biggest challenges facing the extractive sector today?

Human resources are a huge challenge for the extractive sector currently. Mining is a small industry, but the increased focus on critical mineral supply is encouraging significant growth, especially in Canada. All parts of the industry are looking for new talent to fill critical roles.

I work in closure and remediation of mine sites, but I see closure also as a huge challenge for the extractive sector. There are many abandoned sites in Canada that have caused significant environmental, social, and economic impacts to local communities. As more mines are built to provide critical minerals, there is an increasing public focus on responsibly closing and remediating these projects that is often overlooked by proponents.

5. What advice would you give to someone entering this field?

Don’t be afraid to try things, even if you think it’s hard or difficult. I’ve had so many great opportunities and learning experiences just because I said “yes” to something on a whim. Even if something doesn’t seem relevant to your goals at the time, often it will become surprisingly relevant later in a way you might not have expected. “The only barriers are the ones you put up for yourself.”

6. How does a materials engineering degree lead to a career in the extractive sector? Why would someone choose to pursue a degree in materials, instead of mining, to end up in this career?

“The amount of chemistry and mineral processing knowledge I have in my back pocket from my materials engineering degree has been hugely helpful while working in the extractive sector”

Even beyond the specific content of each course, I enjoyed the exercise of breaking down the physical world to the molecule-by-molecule level phenomena and then building that understanding back up to conceptualize a whole process or system.

“If there’s a specific topic in another engineering department that you’re absolutely devoted to learning, there’s always opportunities to take a technical elective, audit a class, or even just borrow a textbook.”

7. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

There are fairly few materials engineers out there, so explaining my education to recruiters and employers was always a great way to highlight my unique skill set and interests. Combining your education, work experience, and extracurriculars provides a clear picture of who you are, what you know, and where you’re going.

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Nevin Taylor, BASc ’18

His Diverse Career Path From Manufacturing to Consulting

Currently a Failure Analysis Engineer at Exponent, Nevin Taylor graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2018. As an undergrad in MTRL, his fondest memories were the friendships he made and activities like starting an intramural basketball team, playing foosball in the student lounge, and attending the TMS conference via a trivia team. He actively participated in extracurriculars, including a co-op at a titanium manufacturing plant, and led a small group in the Formula SAE Design Team at UBC, working on projects like quantifying adhesive strength in vehicle components.

1. Can you tell me about your current job? How did you end up with it?

My current job is working in the field of failure analysis. I work for a technical consulting company, composed of experts who help other companies figure out why their products and services fail.

My career path was heavily influenced by my experiences at UBC. During one of my co-ops, I took on an opportunity at TIMET in Pennsylvania where I worked at a titanium manufacturing plant. This hooked me into the world of titanium, and after my undergrad in MTRL, I went on to pursue a Ph.D in Materials Engineering, focusing on titanium alloy development. I have long been interested in the field of failure analysis, and developing a specific expertise allowed me to build a role for myself as a metallurgist expert, while getting to help out the world’s most exciting companies solve their biggest problems.

2. What does a typical day look like for you? Does a typical day exist?

A typical day exists in the sense that every day I come in to work ready to take on a new problem. However, every day that may look completely different. Some days I am in the lab building test frames to crash cars together, while other days I am studying literature and patents on solar panel technology.

“In the technical consulting space, you have to be willing to learn, adapt, and apply yourself to solve new problems, which is something I find extremely rewarding and satisfying.”

3. You did a graduate degree after your undergraduate degree. How did this help you to end up in the career that you are in? Would you have advice for others considering graduate school?

I pursued a graduate degree after my undergraduate degree, and got a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering which did help me land my current role. There are definitely some circumstances where this approach can be valuable, but there are still many career paths where a graduate degree is not necessarily needed to advance, and can be made up for in valuable work experience. A graduate degree is also always something you can pursue after a couple years in industry, where you can get a better understanding of how it can advance your career, and what specifically you want to study.

4. How does your career now compare to how you originally envisioned your career in undergrad?

During undergrad, I envisioned my career being spent in manufacturing, but after a co-op position in manufacturing, I realized it wasn’t the best fit for me. During my graduate degree, I envisioned going into R&D, before most recently deciding to try out technical consulting. Needless to say, my plans have changed many times since undergrad, and I’m sure will change many more still.

5. What opportunities do you see for materials engineering graduates in the field you are working in?

Failure analysis is a unique discipline of problem solving. It often involves understanding complex mechanisms of corrosion, mechanical loading and manufacturing processes. Many companies do not have a team dedicated to failure analysis, and instead rely on design engineers with limited resources to understand these complex relationships.

“Many companies I have worked with could have mitigated significant issues if a well-trained materials engineer was a part of the team.”

6. What do you wish you had known about your career when you were a student?

I think the importance of communication can not be understated. Every day as an engineer, your most important asset is your ability to communicate. Solving technical issues may be a part of your job, but being able to communicate technical concepts to non-technical people will be as well. It’s also important to think critically about how to market yourself: convincing others that you can solve their problems based on your background and experience is not always simple. “Solving an engineering problem is often easier than convincing a team of people that you will be able to figure out how to solve that problem, before having done it.”

7. How did your materials engineering degree lead you to get the job you have?

“My degree in materials engineering was crucial in paving the way to my current position, as I work closely within this field. My degree also allowed me to consider many different possible career paths before deciding to narrow my expertise to metallurgy.”

Every day I work with colleagues with specific expertise in fields such as polymer chemistry and mechanical engineers, and my background in materials engineering allows me to easily bridge the knowledge gaps due to the diverse background that materials engineering offers.

8. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

“I think that a MTRL degree opens lots of doors, and allows you to choose a career path that fits your interests.”

You can choose to pursue R&D or manufacturing. You can choose to advance lithium-ion battery technology, or thin-film displays used in phones all with the same degree. Your career in MTRL is very much what you make of it, and I believe the number of possibilities for the future is unique. Since a degree in Materials Engineering is less common than Mechanical or Electrical, it also allows you to market yourself as unique which can be instrumental in landing an opportunity.

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Catherine Greenwood, BASc ’21

From Polymer Chemistry to Process Engineering

Currently a Process Engineer in training at Carbonet, Catherine Greenwood graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2021. Catherine’s fondest memory of her undergraduate years in MTRL involves spending quality time with friends, whether they were going out, swimming, hiking, or studying together. Her co-op experiences were diverse and extensive, covering powder metallurgy, nuclear fuel, battery cathode design and manufacturing, and advanced chemicals for water treatment at CarboNet.

1. Could you share about your current role and the journey that led you to it?

Currently I work for CarboNet. We develop specialty chemicals for water treatment and resource recovery. I work on product development and implementation, which involves both experimenting in the lab and going to various sites to test or rig-up our chemicals. I also help design and build our manufacturing processes.

My day to day varies greatly depending on the current priorities. Earlier in my career, my job was primarily lab-based, but as I gain seniority and understanding, it has become more people-facing and field-based. My job is split between the lab, the office, the manufacturing warehouse, and roughly 25% of my days are spent in the field or traveling.

2. How does your career now compare to how you originally envisioned your career in undergrad?

Some aspects of my job line up with my original expectations. In particular, designing and building processes. However, I didn’t think my job would become client-facing as quickly as it did, and I didn’t expect this level of leadership and responsibility, which has challenged me to progress in my career quite quickly. Additionally, my day to day is wildly more varied than I was expecting: working in water treatment, you may be working with execs, salespeople, engineers, scientists, and operators. All of these are reasons I love my job. I love meeting and working with new people in new environments all the time.

3. What opportunities do you see for materials engineering graduates in the field you are working in?

There’s some really interesting materials used in water treatment. For example, polymers are used for flocculation. Furthermore, there’s been quite a bit of development in new membrane materials used for water treatment and other applications. There’s also a market push for greener chemicals in water treatment that materials engineers could be helpful in.

“I think materials engineers learn a good balance of chemistry, processing, and manufacturing that makes them well suited for the chemical industry.”

4. How did your materials engineering degree lead you to get the job you have?

I found CarboNet’s website while sitting in our polymer course. I remember seeing that they specialized in polymer chemistry and this piqued my interest, so I sent them an email with my CV. I think the mix of polymer chemistry and practical engineering knowledge I had made me a useful team member, so they invited me to stay on. I continued working for them part-time, while I finished my last semester.

5. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

“I think materials has some courses that focus more on first principles, which created a solid foundation for my career. Understanding material properties and applications helped me start designing my own chemicals.”

Then, because we also had courses that focused on the more practical side of engineering, I was able to start designing processes to implement my own chemicals. Overall, I think the variety of subjects and industries covered in UBC MTRL helped me bridge into my industry.

6. What further advice do you have for prospective graduates of our program?

There are so many more career options than you may realize. I think focusing on the type of work, rather than the specific industry was helpful for me. My co-op experience showed me I could have that in a multitude of industries.

“I knew I wanted to work at a company that did good for the world, was technically interesting, was small, and that let me be autonomous.”

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Narain Khera, BASc ’15

Career Transitions from Manufacturing to Renewable Energy

Currently a Project Manager at Innergex, Narain Khera graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2015. She worked in the industry for three years, before completing a Masters of Engineering Leadership in Clean Energy at UBC in 2019. A highlight of her undergrad experience was a field trip to Toronto, where she explored various industries and bonded with her classmates. Narain was also active in the Materials Student Council for three years, serving as student rep and social coordinator. She also participated in E-Week, Storm the Wall, and the co-op program.

1. What is your current role and what was the journey that led you to it?

Currently, I’m working on a utility-scale wind farm in the USA and I’ve chosen to be on site for its construction. A typical day involves a long and beautiful drive to the job site, providing technical support and coordination with contractors, auditing/inspecting current construction activities, and reviewing/approving various permit requirements, design changes, and/or material changes. I learned about my current company through a conference/panel. This company’s values aligned with mine and so I continually checked their webpage for openings that fit my skillset and interests.

2. You did a graduate degree after your undergraduate degree. How did this help you to end up in the career that you are in? Do you have advice for others considering graduate school?

After 3 years of work experience, I went back to school for the Masters of Engineering Leadership in Clean Energy Engineering. My intention was to transition my career from the manufacturing industry into renewable energy, which was a success. It was also helpful in transitioning from a technical background to a more business-oriented background, as I favour people and project management in technical fields.

“I found it extremely helpful to have solid work experience before going back to school again. This geared my mind to learn the curriculum subject matter in a practical approach.”

3. What opportunities do you see for materials engineering graduates in the field you are working in?

There are many opportunities for materials engineers in the renewable energy field, including manufacturing, R&D, breakdown analysis/repair. If you’re interested in the business side of technical sites: operations management, construction management, and project management.

“The Materials Engineering degree provided me with a foundation of technical understanding that has helped me both in my manufacturing and renewable energy experience. More specifically, failure analysis and breakdown/route-cause-analysis is still useful in my day-to-day life.”

4. What advice would you give to a current undergrad about your field, and to your undergrad self?

“As an undergrad, I thought I would stay with the same company for a while and work myself up the chain. I’m grateful I’ve been able to explore a few different companies in a couple of industries so that I could find what fulfills my personal ambitions”.

The renewable energy field, and more specifically wind energy, are relatively newer fields. I would recommend networking and connecting directly with people on LinkedIn to conduct “informational interviews”. Learning more about a more niche industry from experts in the field may provide you with the perspective to help ‘get your foot in the door’.

Are you learning/studying to find a career or finding a career so you can continue to learn? Mindset is important when you’re searching for how you want to spend your valuable time.

5. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?

“The Materials Engineering program itself was a smaller program which allowed for a high level of interaction with professors and students of different years, which accelerated my learning and provided me with a strong network of professionals post-graduation.”

In industry, my materials engineering background allows me a technical perspective that’s unique to most other engineers.

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Former EUS President, Karisma Jutla, Reflects On UBC’s Unique Culture And Community

Faculty Insight: Dr. Kiana Amini

Pioneering Electrochemical Solutions

Dr. Kiana Amini’s research group at the Materials Engineering Department at UBC (September 2024).

Congratulations to Dr. Kiana Amini, who has been recently announced as a recipient of the CFI – John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) award! As one of the newest faculty members in the Materials Engineering Department at UBC, she is dedicated to advancing research in the field electrochemistry to drive the development of a sustainable future.

1. What is the primary focus of your current research?

My research focuses on the development of electrochemical systems aimed at advancing clean energy and promoting environmental sustainability. It can be broken down into three main pursuits. One key focus is creating batteries capable of storing energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind for long periods – from hours to seasons – ensuring a steady and reliable energy supply even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing. The second aspect of my research involves developing electrochemical technologies to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. My last research avenue looks at developing systems to extract lithium from water and/or brine resources, a critical element for battery production.

2. What excites you the most about your research?

The thrill of solving problems that haven’t been addressed before never failed to excite me. It’s incredible to know that even the smallest breakthrough advances human knowledge for the better. “I’m particularly passionate about my field because it seeks positive solutions to one of today’s greatest challenges – climate change.” I am grateful for the opportunity to develop technologies that directly address environmental issues.

3. What have been some of the rewarding moments in your career so far?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is seeing other researchers engage with and build upon my work. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my efforts are being recognized and making an impact in the field. Mentoring students and witnessing their growth in research has also been a fulfilling experience.

“I feel excited these days when I successfully secure funding for projects I am passionate about – it motivates me even more to continue doing what I enjoy.”

kiana-research-group — Kiana and her graduate students discussing and having a close look at their latest samples in the lab.

4. How do you see your research field evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?

“This is an exciting time to be in electrochemistry! As mentioned, these systems are addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. I expect redox flow battery technology to see significant market adoption and commercialization over the next decade. “

It will be fascinating to observe which materials become dominant in redox flow batteries as the technology continues to grow. Also, with the rise of AI, machine learning, and lab automation, it will be interesting to explore how we can fully leverage these advancements to advance our research.

5. What are you most looking forward to in MTRL? What do you hope to achieve?

I am excited to build a team of passionate researchers and students dedicated to advancing technologies for a clean energy future.

“I hope to achieve the research outcomes we envision while also creating a team that nurtures researchers who will go on to make significant contributions in their careers.”

6. As a woman in your field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

I think one of the biggest challenges is the lack of representation. I’m often the only woman, or one of the few women, in the room. This can be challenging at times, especially when you are at the early stage of your career. However, I’ve always focused on my role models—people who came from similar backgrounds as mine and achieved their goals. Their journeys inspire me and show me what’s possible. “Having role models has been very important to me, as they are a source of inspiration and give me a sense of belonging and hope.”

7. What advice would you give to someone starting in research?

My advice is to stay focused – dedication and persistence are essential in research. “Embrace setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.” And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey!

Learn more about Dr. Amini’s research at UBC MTRL.

Read the UBC announcement on CFI-JELF awards.