Research Areas

Welcome to the Department of Chemical Engineering at Lakehead University - a vibrant community of scholars, innovators, and learners dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges.

Located in Thunder Bay, we foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment where curiosity drives discovery and ideas translate into meaningful impact.

Our research spans a diverse range of disciplines, organized into seven thematic areas that reflect both our expertise and our commitment to addressing global challenges:

1. Reaction & Catalysis Engineering

2. Sustainable Energy, Bioprocessing, Biorefining & Sustainability Analysis

  • Bioenergy – Biodiesel, biofuels, and biogas production (Dr. Liao, Dr. Rakshit, Dr. Kang, Dr. Kozinski)
  • Biorefining Processes – Biomass fractionation and valorization technologies, including platform chemical production (Dr. Rakshit, Dr. Kang, Dr. Fatehi, Dr. Kozinski)
  • Integrated Sustainability Analysis – TEA and LCA for emerging processes, focusing on Arctic and circumpolar regions, Indigenous and First Nations communities, and circular bioeconomy pathways (Dr. Rakshit) 

3. Environmental & Resource Engineering

4. Fluid Dynamics, Multiphase Flow, Thermodynamics & Process Systems

  • Advanced Fluid Dynamics (CFD) & Multiphase Flow – Rheology, hydrodynamics, and computational/experimental studies of single- and multiphase systems in reactors and mixing processes (Dr. Elyasi, Dr. Pakzad)
  • Modeling, Simulation & Process Optimization – Modeling, simulation, and optimization of chemical engineering processes (Dr. Elyasi, Dr. Rezaei, Dr. Ramos-Pallares, Dr. Kang)
  • Thermodynamics & Phase Behavior – Fundamental thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and computational modeling (Dr. Ramos-Pallares)
  • Respiratory Drug Delivery, Aerosol Transport & Spray Technologies – Inhalation systems, aerosol dynamics, particle transport and deposition, and spray processes for industrial and biomedical applications (Dr. Pakzad) 

5. Green & Sustainable Engineering

6. Materials & Polymer Engineering

  • Surface Engineering & Colloidal Systems – Surface science, coatings, and formulation of paints and pigments (Dr. Fatehi)
  • Multifunctional Green Materials – Functional materials, including films, antimicrobial surfaces, and sustainable solvents (Dr. Fatehi, Dr. Kozinski, Dr. Kang)
  • Advanced Polymerization Systems – Polymer synthesis and physicochemical characterization (Dr. Fatehi) 

7. Industrial & Forest Bioproducts Engineering

  • Advanced Functional Wood Products – Wood protection systems, advanced wood product technologies, and functional lignocellulosic materials (Dr. Fatehi)

 

Research Laboratories

Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences (CASES)

Alumni House (NO)

Centennial Building (CB)

Together, these research areas and facilities create a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and impactful research addressing local and global challenges.

Please download this PDF map of the Thunder Bay campus to find the buildings where our laboratories are located.