Masters Student: Kashif Syed

I am a Process Safety Engineer currently working for Nova Chemicals at the Manufacturing East location. I obtained my Masters of Applied Science degree from Ryerson University in 2012 under the supervision of Dr. Yaser Dahman. During my 2 years of research work under Dr. Dahman, I invested my time in learning about and experimenting with green energy specifically derived from lignocellulosic substrates. My research project involved Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation of wheat straw using novel Clostridium strains to produce biofuels such as butanol and ethanol. The work involved a lot of problem solving, creativity, hardwork and discipline. The most important part for me was the hands-on experience that I was able to get in setting up experiments, troubleshooting process issues and collecting results. This experience helped me immensely while working in the the plant environment at my previous and current job. I also had the opportunity to present my research in front of peers and colleagues which helped me advance my communication skills. This experience was extremely helpful at work where I facilitated Process Safety meetings for different companies. I had access to all resources at the Chemical Engineering Department including help from the technologists which I frequently visited to troubleshoot problems with equipment for my experiments. Dr. Dahman and other professors in the department were always available to answer my questions and motivated me throughout my program. My time at the Department of Chemical Engineering was a great learning experience which will help me throughout my career wherever I go.