Ameena Bacchus

Ameena earned her bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Lakehead University in 2021, after which she joined Dr. Fatehi's research group. Her research is primarily focused on the effect of drying on the physical and chemical properties of lignin and its derivatives. In her spare time she enjoys running and hiking, taking advantage of Thunder Bay’s bountiful and beautiful nature trails

Mohammad Emamian

Mohammad obtained his bachelor’s in chemical engineering from University of Tehran, Iran in 2021. Through his studies he was able to publish two journal papers on molecular dynamic simulation. For his internship, he worked on using silver nitrate for microbial protection to inhibit of microbial corrosion with IAESTE program in Bangkok, Thailand. He joined Dr. Fatehi’s lab in 2021 as a master’s student and his research is focused on lignin based emulsifiers and its application in oil/water emulsions.

Juan Paez

Prior to joining Dr. Fatehi’s lab, Juan obtained his bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Lakehead University in 2022. He is currently working on completing his master’s in Chemical Engineering. His research is primarily focused on modifying lignin to produce a PF adhesive. Through his academic and research pursuits, Juan aims to contribute meaningfully to the development of environmentally friendly technologies and applications.

Siriream Teapaibool

Siriream completed her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi in 2023. During her Bachelor’s Siriream also did a project on antimicrobial performance of polymerized lignin in Lakehead university under Visiting student program. Currently she is pursuing her master’s degree and her main projects are lignin based on hydrogel which is focusing in smart hydrogel applications.

Ebenezer Essilfie

I am a Professional Engineer who has spent over eight years in the mineral processing industry working with Gold, Potash and Palladium ores. I completed my Bachelors in the University of Mines and Technology in Ghana and moved to Canada in June 2012 to complete my Masters in the University of Saskatchewan, where my research focused on developing a modified Amine Collector for Potash Flotation. My research here at Lakehead University, involves the use of dispersants for improved mineral recovery by Froth Flotation and a look into the application of Lignin based dispersants in Mineral Processing.

Fatemeh Hassan Pour

Fatemeh has an MSc in Chemical Engineering from American University of Sharjah (AUS). She investigated the pyrolysis of food waste into bio-oil and biochar for her Master's thesis. Her main interests are green and sustainable energy and waste management. In Dr. Fatehi's lab, she is working towards production of antibacterial lignin nanoparticles.

Jonathan Alejandro Diaz Baca

Jonathan has a BSc in Chemistry and obtained his MSc from the Research Center for Food and Development A.C, Mexico, in 2014. He is experienced in food technology and the extraction and transformation of natural polymers. He joined Dr. Fatehi’s lab in 2018 and is currently working on the study and chemical modification of lignin extracted from tall oil soap, the modification of starch, and the reinforcement of natural rubber.

Saba Khodavandegar

Saba Khodavandegar is a dedicated researcher and scholar with a strong background in Applied Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Urmia University in Iran. During her Master's studies, Saba delved into the world of new ligands, coordination of transition metals, DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations, and crystallography.

Currently, Saba is pursuing her Ph.D. at the Green Process Research Centre in the Material Science program at Lakehead University. Her doctoral research is centered on the innovative modification of lignin, a key component of plant cell walls, with the ultimate goal of producing aerogels. These aerogels, tailored through her meticulous research, serve as advanced thermal insulation products with inherent flame retardancy properties. Her work contributes to the academic understanding of materials science and holds the promise of practical applications in developing environmentally friendly and high-performance insulation materials. As a researcher, she embodies the spirit of inquiry and innovation, striving to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community and beyond.

Yichen Liao

Yichen Liao obtained his MSc from Lakehead University, Canada, in 2018. He is experienced in working with membrane photobioreactor in wastewater treatment application. He joined GPRC in 2019 and is currently working on the studies of emerging microalgal biofilm membrane photobioreactors.

Dr. Shrikanta Sutradhar

Dr. Shrikanta Sutradhar earned both his Undergraduate and master’s degrees in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. During his tenure as a Research Fellow at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), he spearheaded various lignocellulosic biomass conversion research projects. He obtained his PhD degree in Chemistry and Material Sciences at Lakehead University, where he focused on the oxidation of lignin materials for value-added products. Currently, as a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Biorefining Research Institute of Lakehead University, Dr. Sutradhar contributes to a project centered on the thermal conversion of biomass.

Banchamlak B. Kassaun

Banchamlak B. Kassaun holds a Master of Science degree in leather product design and engineering from Bahir Dar University, located in Ethiopia. Her master's thesis focused on examining the progress of utilizing natural fibers to reinforce natural rubber in the production of shoe soles. In addition, she successfully undertook a three-month internship at Qilu University of Technology in Jinan, China. During this internship, her primary focus was on conducting research and producing hydrogels derived from lignin. The specific objective of this research was to create hydrogels capable of effectively absorbing dyes. She is now conducting research on lignin modification, formulation development for coatings, and improving lignin characteristics to assist the use of novel production processes like 3D printing for her PhD.

Rozita Zare

Rozita is currently a Ph.D. student in the Biotechnology program at Lakehead University. She obtained her MSc in Natural Resources Engineering and has experience in climate change and environmental chemistry. Before joining Lakehead’s doctoral program, she was a lecturer for courses in Environmental Chemistry, as well as, Air, Water, and Soil Pollution. She is now working under the supervision of Dr. Fatehi. Her research is focused on lignin nanoparticle aerogels, with the objective of developing novel, green chemistries to produce environmentally friendly and sustainable products. She specializes in state-of-the-art instruments to characterize the application of such products for their thermal and mechanical properties.

Suqian Gu, PhD

Suqian Gu, PhD - received his MSc from China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), China, in 2020. He is experienced in working with coal water slurry prepared from industrial wastewater or waste. He joined Dr. Fatehi's lab in 2022 and is currently working on the chemical modification of softwood lignin and the synthesis and evaluation of lignin-based chemical additives for mineral flotation and coal water slurry fields.

Hussein Ahmad Qulatein

Hussein Ahmad Qulatein, a passionate and highly accomplished professional with dual bachelor's degrees in chemical engineering and business administration and a master's degree in chemical engineering, recently completed the Erasmus Mundus Joint master’s program Bioref European Master Cohort 1. His academic journey took him through various international landscapes, culminating in a pivotal research opportunity at Lakehead University in Canada. Fascinated by Dr. Pedram Fatehi’s expertise in biorefining at the Biorefining Research Institute (BRI), Hussein chose Lakehead University for his master’s thesis placement. His seven-month on-site research focused on modifying kraft lignin for use as a dispersant in Coal Water Slurry, contributing to sustainable fuel sources. Beyond research, Hussein immersed himself in Thunder Bay's community, building connections and embracing personal and professional growth. Recognized with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Scholarship, Hussein is now set to embark on the Horizon Europe project SEACHEM, aiming to extract bioactive compounds from seaweed with a focus on sustainability. His diverse academic background, commitment to innovation, and adventurous spirit position him as an exceptional candidate, poised to drive offshore aquaculture innovation at Bantry Marine Research Station in Ireland and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium

Phattaraphorn Sawaengsai

Phattaraphorn Sawaengsai is a bachelor's student in chemical engineering from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand. In 2023, she completed a 6-month internship at the Green Processes Research Centre. Her research focused on the characterization of cellulose nanofibrils. Her impression of this place is that the people here are very friendly and willing to support her in every way during the internship, which has helped her improve herself and wanted to be better like the seniors in the office. Moreover, she really likes the atmosphere here; everything is green. The maple trees in autumn are breathtaking. She also enjoys going for a walk at the nearby waterfall during her free time.

Pratchaya Phansam-Arng

Pratchaya Phansam-Arg has completed her undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering from the Regular Program at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand, she engaged in research focusing on the corrosion behavior of red brass and modeling its antibacterial properties. Currently, as a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering at AR CHEPS, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand, her academic journey has further evolved. She has expanded her horizons through a Visiting Student Researcher Program at Lakehead University and an Internship as a Student Researcher at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). During this phase, her research has shifted towards exploring the antibacterial performance of modified cellulose-kraft lignin composite film fibers.Her future aspiration is to pursue education with the aim of acquiring knowledge and utilizing that knowledge to contribute to the betterment of humanity to the best of her abilities