Chemical Engineering 2020
CHEM 001: Nanosecond pulse generator
Professor Sylvain Coulombesylvain.coulombe [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaPlasma processing. Pulsed nanosecond power supply development. |
DescriptionThe interest in non-thermal plasma generation in gases at atmospheric pressure and above, as well as at gas-liquid interfaces and in liquids has recently been growing rapidly. High-voltage levels, nanosecond pulse durations and short rise times are typical specifications required, but the availability of simple, low-maintenance and low-cost power supplies which meet the performance requirements has not followed the fast rise in demand. This project consists in evaluating the efficiency of a high-voltage, high-frequency pulse generator for nonequilibrium plasma production at atmospheric pressure. The generator uses pulse transformers and fast recovery diodes to produce high-voltage pulses with an amplitude of up to 13 kV and a total duration of 100 ns at a repetition frequency of up to 30 kHz. The efficiency will be evaluated by producing discharges in electrical components as well as in preheated air. A second aspect to this project consists in evaluating the components leading to the highest power losses in the pulse generator and identifying the maximum efficiency achievable given the pulse generator architecture. The last part of the project consists in designing and developing a novel pulse generator architecture adding magnetic compression to the fast recovery diodes in order to increase the voltage pulses amplitude. Tasks per studentThis project builds on 6 years of development work, and several generations of nanosecond pulsed power supplies. Working under the direct supervision of a PhD candidate, the SURE intern will assist in the development of new architectures, fabrication and testing a prototypes.
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Deliverables per student- As per the project schedule. - Final report or presentation to research group. - Participate in SURE activities |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 3 |
CHEM 002: Parametric computational study of high-pressure xenon thermal plasmas
Professor Sylvain Coulombesylvain.coulombe [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaPlasma engineering, computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer |
DescriptionThis is a collaborative project with an international company with a local R&D and manufacturing facility. Intense light production is achieved by sustaining a high-pressure (p>10 atm) thermal plasma inside a small bulb. Due to the high gas pressure and presence of the thermal plasma, fast gas movement and intense heating take place causing strong thermo-mechanical stresses on the bulb. A parametric computational fluid dynamic and heat transfer model is being developed (Fall 2019 and Winter 2020 terms) by a Postdoctoral Researcher, and which will be used for a parametric study aimed at improving the design and reducing the constraints on the bulb. The ideal intern demonstrates a strong interest for computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer, and for programming. Ideally, the intern has some basic knowledge in plasma physics. Tasks per student- Learn the basics of the underlying physics - Extract meaningful graphs and other data from complex data sets - Analyse trends
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Deliverables per student- Set up and monitor parametric computations on supercomputers - Data extraction approach - Short biweekly reports - Final report or presentation to research group |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 3 |
CHEM 003: Conductive protein-based materials for bio-energy
Professor Noemie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesnenoemie.dorvalcourchesne [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaBiotechnology, Materials engineering, Bio-electronics |
DescriptionSoft and biocompatible materials capable of electron transfer are attractive for several applications, including biosensors, electrobiosynthetic systems, flexible electronics and low-cost energy conversion and storage devices. Using proteins and peptides to fabricate soft electronics allows for the production of multifunctional bioactive and environmentally-friendly devices. This project aims at modifying proteins that self-assemble into nanofibers to confer them with novel functionalities such as the ability to transport charges. These engineered conductive fibers can then be used to fabricate functional coatings or thin films, and can be incorporated into devices like batteries and solar cells. Modifications of the protein fibers will be carried out through genetic engineering, self-assembly with nanomaterials, or covalent bioconjugation reactions. Thin films will be fabricated and characterized for their mechanical, electrical and optical properties. Tasks per studentThe student will be involved in all steps of the fabrication process of protein-based materials; from the rational design of proteins and genetic engineering portion, to the protein production, purification, materials fabrication and characterization. If time permits, the student will contribute to the design of a functional device.
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Deliverables per studentA short presentation at the end of the summer. A final report including all relevant methods, literature review and results. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 004: Biologically-derived sensors
Professor Noemie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesnenoemie.dorvalcourchesne [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaMaterials engineering, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology |
DescriptionNature has evolved microorganisms, proteins and biopolymers with fascinating shapes and functionalities. Exquisite properties of biological materials include their ability to nucleate particles, bind molecules, catalyze reactions and participate in complex event cascades. Taking advantage of these features, this project aims at combining biological macromolecules with inorganic and organic nanomaterials to assemble functional sensors. Biological and chemical synthesis methods will be employed. Various materials/nanomaterials characterization techniques will be used to assess the morphology and composition of the nanobiomaterials, as well as their response to different environmental stimuli. Tasks per studentThe student will be involved in all steps of the fabrication process of biologically-derived sensors; from the growth of microorganisms, to the expression of proteins, the chemical modifications and nanomaterials characterization. If time permits, the student will contribute to the design of a functional device.
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Deliverables per studentA short presentation at the end of the summer. A final report including all relevant methods, literature review and results. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 005: Sustainable biocomposite materials
Professor Noemie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesnenoemie.dorvalcourchesne [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaBiotechnology, Materials engineering |
DescriptionProtein biopolymers represent green alternatives for various commodity materials. They can be engineered to be mechanically robust, flexible and biodegradable, and they can be integrated in various materials forms (thin films, coatings, gels, etc.). This project aims at fabricating composite materials composed of self-assembling proteins and organic substances. The stability and mechanical properties of the biocomposites will be characterized and optimal additives and compositions will be formulated to achieve the desired properties. Tasks per studentThe student will be involved in all steps of the fabrication process of biocomposites; from the production and purification of proteins, to the composite fabrication and characterization.
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Deliverables per studentA short presentation at the end of the summer. A final report including all relevant methods, literature review and results. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 006: Surface Engineering of Polymers using Plasma Deposited Thin Organic Coatings: Ageing in Various Ambient Conditions.
Professor Pierre-Luc Girard-Lauriaultpierre-luc.girard-lauriault [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaPlasma Science |
DescriptionSynthetic Polymers are used in several technological applications due to their many desirable properties: low cost, good mechanical properties, resistance to corrosion and durability. However, their surfaces are typically hydrophobic which limits their wettability and biocompatibility. This issue can be addressed using surface engineering: selectively tailoring the surface properties of materials without affecting the desirable bulk properties. Cold reactive plasmas (ionized gases produced by an electrical discharge) have been used to alter a surface by the addition of functional groups or a functional layer. However, plasma modified organic surfaces have been shown to undergo a time-dependent compositional change due to the presence of free radicals that react with components of ambient air, a phenomena generally referred too as ageing. The project will first involve the preparation of plasma deposited organic coatings on polymer films and their surface chemical characterization. A methodology and analysis plan will then be developed to determine suitable ageing conditions and the characterization if its effect. The candidate should demonstrate scientific curiosity as well as maturity and autonomy. This project may lead to a Masters project. Tasks per student- Deposition of thin organic coatings using plasma technology. - Surface analysis and characterization of the deposits - Literature search - Evaluation of the effects of ageing.
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Deliverables per studentPlasma deposited set of samples and their characterization |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 007: Plasma Activated Water
Professor Pierre-Luc Girard-Lauriaultpierre-luc.girard-lauriault [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaPlasma Science |
DescriptionCold reactive plasmas (ionized gases produced by an electrical discharge) have been used in several applications, including lighting and thin film deposition. A currently expanding field of research is plasma interactions with liquids for decomposition, synthesis or generation of active species. A particularly active direction is the generation of plasma activated water by putting in contact an electrical discharge in air with liquid water. This generates several active species such as nitrogen oxides, peroxides and ozone. Plasma activated water has several applications in diverse field ranging from medicine to agriculture. Tasks per student- Building of a plasma activated water generation system. - Characterization of the species produced. - Literature search.
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Deliverables per studentSet of treatment conditions maximizing the production of different species. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 008: Manufacturing immune cells to treat cancer: characterizing cell-surface interactions
Professor Corinne Hoeslicorinne.hoesli [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaBioengineering |
DescriptionImmunotherapy using engineered and cultured immune cells has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of cancer. The principle of immunotherapy is to “train” immune cells to detect and attack cancer cells specifically. One approach used in our lab is to harvest monocytes from blood and differentiate these cells into dendritic cells in culture vessels. These dendritic cells can then be injected into patients to activate an immune response against a specific cancer cell type. The efficacy of this approach is however highly dependent on the manufacturing process used to culture and manipulate immune cells in vitro, including culture surfaces and culture media. Currently, dendritic cell immunotherapy products are produced in culture flasks or bags, which share different surface properties. However, the impact of the different surfaces on the differentiation and biological functions of the cells remains poorly understood. We aim to characterize the effect of the surface material on cell adhesion, differentiation and effector function. This project will be conducted in collaboration with two companies involved in the development of products used to manufacture therapeutic cells. The results of this project will help develop better cell manufacturing devices for medical applications such as cancer immunotherapy. Note: please e-mail corinne.hoesli [at] mcgill.ca directly (cover letter, CV, transcript) before submitting your SURE form. Tasks per studentThe trainee will measure and quantify cell adhesion on the surfaces developed in the laboratory, characterize cells by flow cytometry, study cell interactions with the surface by microscopy and molecular techniques. The trainee will also present their progress at bi-weekly meetings with our industrial collaborators.
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Deliverables per studentEngineering report on the effect of surface properties on cell adhesion and behavior in the context of immunotherapy; oral and written presentation of the report to the collaborating companies. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 009: Engineering a vascularized bioartificial pancreas using 3D printing to treat diabetes
Professor Corinne Hoeslicorinne.hoesli [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaBioengineering |
DescriptionType 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed. To regulate blood glucose levels, most type 1 diabetic patients require several daily doses of exogenous insulin. Islet transplantation has emerged as an alternatie long term treatment to insulin therapy: instead of replacing insulin, the insulin-producing beta cells found in clusters called islets of Langerhans are isolated from donors and administered to patients. Currently, this treatment can eliminate the need for insulin injections in 40% of type 1 diabetic recipients for at least 3 years. Unfortunatly, the islet supply from human donors is vastly insufficient to treat all type 1 diabetic patients. Also, recipients must take immune suppressive drugs for the rest of their life to limit graft rejection. The long-term goal of this project is to develop a transplantation device allowing the transplantation of stem cell-derived islets while avoiding the need for immune suppression. Currently, our device consists in a vessel irrigated by vessels created using 3D printed carbohydrate glass (sugar) lattices. The objective of this project will be to optimize the coating applied to the 3D printed carbohydrate glass networks, including preliminary thrombogenicity tests in animals. This project is expected to lead to the design of an improved islet transplantation device to treat diabetes. Note: please e-mail corinne.hoesli [at] mcgill.ca directly (cover letter, CV, transcript) before submitting your SURE form. Tasks per studentAseptic cell culture of beta cell lines and primary islets; carbohydrate glass casting, coating & characterization (e.g. thickness, permeability, thrombogenicity); participation in animal studies; literature search; design of experiments; data analysis; oral and written presentation of results; presentation of research progress in bi-weekly team meetings; contribution to lab duties.
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Deliverables per studentStandard operating procedure for carbohydrate glass coating & sterilization procedure; final report; presentation at the lab meeting. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 010: Non-stick flow enhancing surfaces
Professor Anne Kietziganne.kietzig [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaSurface engineering |
DescriptionThe Nepenthes pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant that is said to teach insects how to “ice-skate” just before digesting them. This plant, or more precisely its highly lubricated surface, has triggered considerable biomimetic effort in creating similarly slippery and liquid-repellent surfaces (named SLIPS) with application in fields where non-wetting and anti-icing properties are desired. Thereby, the porosity of a substrate’s surfaces is what holds the lubricant in place. We have recently shown that femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation of surfaces produces novel porous topologies with multi-scale roughness. Further, we have established the mechanisms behind the formation of femtosecond laser-induced porous structures and the parameters that control their dimensions. In this project we want to explore the surface wettability of lubricant infused polyethylene and stainless steel with surface porosity resulting from femtosecond laser micromachining. Test liquids of different surface tension will be chosen with the long-term goal of fabricating extremely wetting and non-wetting surfaces. Tasks per student- participate in laser-machining experiments - develop an experimental method to efficiently infuse substrates with lubricant - experiment with different lubricants and test liquids - carry out contact angle measurements to assess wetting and flowability - test mechanical robustness and durability of produced slippery surfaces by cutting and drop impact tests under high speed videography
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Deliverables per student- experimental plans to carry out research tasks - weekly research reports - presentation of research results at group meeting |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CHEM 011: Catalyst development for CO2 and CH4 activation to value added chemicals.
Professor Jan Kopyscinskijan.kopyscinski [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaCatalysis and reaction engineering. |
DescriptionCatalytic Process Engineering (CPE) laboratory is engaged in the development and understanding of catalyzed processes and reactor engineering concepts dedicated to sustainable energy conversion technologies. In detail, we focus on the synthesis of novel catalysts for the direct non-oxidative methane conversion to valuable chemicals as as well CO2 conversion to renewable natural gas. The UG student will work closely together with PhD students. Tasks per student1. Catalyst preparation 2. Catalyst characterization 3. Catalyst activity measurements 4. Data analysis and kinetic modeling.
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Deliverables per studentWeekly reports, final report and and SURE poster presentation. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CHEM 012: Cardiac Surgical Simulator: Material and circulatory development
Professor Richard Leaskrichard.leask [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaBiomedical Research - Surgical Simulation |
DescriptionTo develop physical simulators for cardiac surgery. The work will include capturing patient geometry from medical images, development of materials suitable for cutting, suturing and canulating and incorporation into a dynamic flow loop. Tasks per studentCapture patient geometries from medical imaging In silico modeling for 3D printing Material Testing Perfusion loop design
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Deliverables per studentA suitable material to simulate cardiac tissue that possesses physiological fidelity in a flow loop. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 013: 3D printed vascular models for studying mechanobiology
Professor Richard Leaskrichard.leask [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaMechanobiology |
DescriptionThis project is aimed to improve our 3D dynamic cell culture models used to study the role of vascular cells in disease. The work will include model design and endothelial cell culture. Prior cell culture experience would be an asset. Tasks per studentDevelop multi-material vascular models suitable for culturing cells Material testing Viability testing Cell phenotype analysis
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Deliverables per studentThe goal is to be able to leverage our 3D printing capability to easily manufacture any geometry cell culture model to study cellular mechanobiology. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 014: Self-healing polymer coatings
Professor Milan Maricmilan.maric [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaPolymers |
DescriptionThe properties of self-healing materials have long fascinated polymer scientists and have increasingly been the focus for any application requiring re-forming after mechanical fracture. This is obviously a desirable property for coatings. Dynamic covalent linkages will be the mode used for self-healing in this project via retro Diels-Alder chemistry via furan/maleimide coupling. The student is expected to learn how to synthesize polymers with self-healing functionality as well as to characterize the resulting materials for composition and chain length and conditions required for self-healing. Specifically, furanyl:maleimide ratios will be varied and scratch tests will be performed in conjunction with evaluation of temperature required for retro Diels-Alder for our base formulation. Tasks per studentThe student is expected to learn how to synthesize polymers with self-healing functionality as well as to characterize the resulting materials for composition and chain length and conditions required for self-healing. The student will also learn how to perform mechanical property tests to test for self-healing.
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Deliverables per studentThe student will write a formal report detailing their findings during the SURE experience and present their research orally to the research group. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CHEM 015: Microengineered smart materials for tissue engineering
Professor Christopher Moraeschris.moraes [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaBiomedical Engineering |
DescriptionRebuilding human tissues requires multidisciplinary engineering strategies to design the material itself, as well as the tissue engineering process that goes with it. If we can understand how cells dynamically work in tissues, we can encourage them to behave in desirable or “healthy” ways, and address biomedical challenges in developing new therapies, rebuilding tissues to act as replacements in the body, or develop better tools to identify improved drugs. In this project, we will investigate how designing the dynamic properties of extracellular tissue components affect cell function. “Smart materials” respond to applied stimuli, and can be microfabricated into tissue scaffolds to watch cell activity. These materials can be used to change the mechanical properties, composition, and tissue architecture presented to cells, to model various aspects of disease progression. This designer materials will be initially be used to study cancer progression; but more importantly, this project will develop new tools and knowledge needed to engineer a wide variety of artificial tissues and organs. Tasks per studentThe student will gain experience in materials processing, characterization, cell culture, and microscopy; and this project will require students to work across disciplines and collaborate closely with materials scientists, engineers, and biologists. Solving these broad problems requires highly-motivated, independent and driven individuals, who are unafraid to learn new fields and try new techniques
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Deliverables per studentRegular meetings and updates throughout the summer with prof. and grad student mentors; Short data presentations for the research group; one formal presentation at the end of the summer; lab notebook; project report or journal publication depending on progress made. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CHEM 016: Microengineered organs-on-chip for drug screening
Professor Christopher Moraeschris.moraes [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaBiomedical Engineering |
DescriptionRebuilding tissues on a dish in the lab allows us to watch in high-resolution how cells orchestrate tissue progression through development, homeostasis and disease. However, cells are typically cultured on hard, flat, plastic devices that look nothing like the environment cells would see inside the body. In our lab, we build miniaturized organs “on a chip”, using microfluidic and microfabrication strategies to create culture conditions that replicate dynamic features of organs. For example, the breathing process of lungs generates a cyclic stretch which affects how lung tissues function, and we build a miniaturized bioreactor that recreates the breathing motion, while allowing us to look very closely at cells in these realistic tissues. The students involved in these projects will develop microengineered bioreactors capable of recreating dynamic culture conditions present in cancer, the placenta, and the brain, using an interdisciplinary and integrative engineering approach. These “on-a-chip” bioreactors will ultimately be used to identify and screen potential therapies or biomarkers for further study and development. Tasks per studentThe student will gain experience in microfabrication, cell culture design, simulation, cell culture, and microscopy; and this project will require students to work across disciplines and collaborate closely with biologists. Solving these broad problems requires highly-motivated, independent and driven individuals, who are unafraid to learn new fields and try new techniques
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Deliverables per studentRegular meetings and updates throughout the summer with prof. and grad student mentors; Short data presentations for the research group; one formal presentation at the end of the summer; lab notebook; project report or journal publication depending on progress made. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CHEM 017: Density Functional Theory (DFT) Computation for Electrochemical Upgrading of Biowastes
Professor Ali Seifitokaldaniali.seifitokaldani [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaElectrocatalysis; Biomass Upgrading; Density Functional Theory Computation; |
DescriptionWe are interested in using electrochemical systems to upgrade biomass such as hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) and furfural to more valuable chemicals and fuels such furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and maleic acid. Developing active and selective catalyst is paramount to improve the performance of these electrochemical reactions. In this project we aim to utilize quantum mechanics simulations such as density functional theory (DFT) to develop an accurate model of the electrochemical reaction. The understanding attained through these computations will shed light on the reaction mechanisms and will guide our experimentalists to develop more active and selective materials. The successful candidate should have strong interest in computational projects. Prior experience in programing such as python (although the project will not require massive programming) and also being familiar with linux environment and command terminal are assets. Tasks per student- Learn the fundamentals of quantum mechanics simulations based on the density functional theory (DFT) - Learn computation with CP2K or VASP software - Develop DFT models for catalysts used in our experimental lab - Simulate the reaction pathways in HMF or furfural oxidation - Participate in weekly group meeting and report the project progress - Prepare written documents (SOP or report) of the performed projects
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Deliverables per student- Adsorption energies of the reaction intermediates of HMF and furfural oxidation on three different catalysts (determined in the first group meeting) - Energy diagram for these oxidation reactions |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 3 |
CHEM 018: Nucleation Phenomena of Gas Hydrate-Forming Systems
Professor Phillip Serviophillip.servio [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnergy |
DescriptionClathrate hydrates are ice-like solids composed of a guest gas encaged within a lattice of water molecules. Also known as gas hydrates, these crystalline solids have long been a source of trouble for the oil and gas industry, particularly in offshore projects. When light hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane and propane, are contacted with water under high pressures and low temperatures, gas hydrates form. These solids form in blowout preventers, choke-lines, kill-lines and gas transmission lines. Gas hydrates that form in gas pipelines may accumulate and plug the pipe entirely, resulting in severe environmental, infrastructural, and economical consequences, in addition to jeopardizing the safety of working personnel. In order to better predict and understand hydrate formation, its crystallization process must be studied. Nucleation, which is the formation of microscopic clusters of hydrates that precedes the crystal growth event, is an intrinsically random event that has not been studied systematically. However, since nucleation is often the rate-limiting step in hydrate crystallization, it is imperative that engineers gain a better and more complete understanding of this phenomenon. Tasks per studentThe student should have a strong background in multi-phase thermodynamics and crystallization processes. He/she will design and carry out experiments related to gas hydrate nucleation, both at atmospheric and high pressures. The time taken for a sample to nucleate (induction time) will be detected via thermal imaging. The effect of various factors, such as degree of sub-cooling and inhibitor addition, that influence the induction time of a sample will be investigated. He/she will work closely with a graduate student on this project but must also be able to work independently and diligently.
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Deliverables per studentCollection and analysis of experimental data for submission to his or her supervisor. The student may contribute to the writing of portions of a manuscript that may result in a publication. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CHEM 019: Advances in energy harvesting and flow assurance through extreme high-pressure rheology
Professor Phillip Serviophillip.servio [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnergy |
DescriptionWater is one of the most significant compounds in nature that is not only responsible for life but also plays a significant role in many processes related to energy and safety. Water can undergo two significant phase changes when it is exposed to the proper thermodynamic conditions and components: Ice and Gas Hydrate. Ice accretion on modern infrastructure such as aircrafts, ships, offshore oil platforms, wind turbines, telecommunications and power transmission lines jeopardize their integrity and pose a significant safety hazard to operators and civilians alike. Gas hydrates on the other hand, are viewed as a new/alternative method to sustain our increasing energy demands and hence, our quality of life. Naturally occurring gas hydrates have enormous amounts of stored energy that exceeds conventional carbon reserves and mostly contain natural gas. Rheometry experiments will provide a unique insight into the flow of water, in a liquid state, but also as a slurry with soft-solids (ice and hydrate). This information is essential for the design of safe, economical, and environmentally responsible processes and facilities to deal with ice and hydrate-forming systems, as well as for the exploitation of in-situ methane hydrate as a future energy resource. A novel approach will be undertaken in this work, exploring the effects of nanomaterial surfaces and polymeric additives on both ice and gas hydrate forming systems. The goal is to elucidate the behavior of the flow of water in the presence of these surfaces and additives as it transitions to either ice or hydrate. The outcome of such work has the potential to place Canada at the forefront of technologies related to de-icing techniques that preclude ice accretion and natural gas recovery, storage and transportation. Tasks per studentThe student should have a strong background in multi-phase thermodynamics and crystallization processes. He/she will design and carry out experiments related to ice and gas hydrate nucleation, both at atmospheric and high pressures and measure rheological properties. The student will investigate the effect of various factors, such as degree of sub-cooling and inhibitor addition, that influence the rheology of the phase change. He/she will work closely with a graduate student on this project but must also be able to work independently and diligently.
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Deliverables per studentCollection and analysis of experimental data for submission to his or her supervisor. The student may contribute to the writing of portions of a manuscript that may result in a publication. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CHEM 020: Investigating prevention strategies to protect our water resources and public health
Professor Viviane Yargeauviviane.yargeau [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaWater resources protection |
DescriptionVarious strategies can be used to minimize exposure of human and aquatic organisms to environmental contaminants. Our on-going research approaches this issue from different perspectives. One project aims at developing ozone-based technologies for the removal of organic contaminants from water with a focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), of growing concerns. The objective is to find treatment strategies to reduce discharges of contaminants in receiving waters, to protect the ecosystem as well as the quality of our water resources. The other project aim at determining the extent to which humans are exposed to legacy and replacement compounds, such as phthalates and flame retardants and their replacements, through drinking water and to evaluate the efficiency of drinking water treatment technologies in minimizing exposure to environmental contaminants. These two projects offer an opportunity to be familiarized with various environmental issues, sampling procedures and sample preparation methods and to learn different ways of assessing the quality of water. Tasks per studentThe student will first get familiarized with the background information as well as the context of these projects, then will be trained on the various sample collection, preparation and analysis methods relevant to the projects, which will later be applied to the samples collected. The student will work in close collaboration with the team members to develop an experimental plan for the summer. The student will also participate in weekly research meetings and on a regular basis exchange with members of the other research groups involved in these projects, including our industrial partner.
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Deliverables per studentA report and presentation summarizing the data collected. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelYear 2 |