What are your main responsibilities or activities in your current position?
As a postdoctoral researcher, my primary responsibility is to develop advanced mathematical models and perform simulations to investigate the microstructural evolution of materials, particularly aluminum alloys and steels, during heat treatment and high-temperature processing. My role also involves mentoring and training graduate students, guiding them through various mechanical and materials simulations, as well as materials characterization, to support their research objectives and deepen their technical expertise.
How does your current work relate to your graduate degree?
My current work builds directly on my PhD research, where I used similar modeling and simulation techniques to investigate material systems. During my PhD, I gained in-depth knowledge of materials simulation, which is directly applicable to my current role. Additionally, developing scientific software for high-performance computing platforms during my PhD gave me a strong computational mindset and advanced programming skills, both of which are invaluable in my current research. Perhaps most importantly, graduate school taught me the value of clear communication and a collaborative approach, essential skills in scientific research.
What do you like and what do you find challenging about your current position?
I enjoy mentoring and training graduate students, as well as collaborating with other researchers, as both allow me to expand my knowledge and skillset in diverse areas related to computational materials engineering. High-level research is inherently challenging, but I see this as a positive aspect, as it has significantly helped me develop key skills like time management, critical thinking, and an analytical mindset. One challenge I’ve encountered is balancing two completely separate projects that I am involved with, which has sometimes made it difficult to give each the focused attention it deserves. In hindsight, I would have likely approached my supervisors to discuss focusing on one of the projects, allowing me to dive deeper into each area. From this experience, I've learned the importance of setting clear expectations and managing workload boundaries early on, which will help me in future collaborative roles.
Is your current career path as you originally intended?:
My original goal was to become a research engineer in materials science and engineering, which I’m currently fulfilling. I am passionate about teaching and conducting high-level scientific research. Initially, I wanted to stay in academia as I envisioned a long-term career in academia. However, I’ve realized that gaining practical industry experience in a more dynamic environment will make me a more effective materials engineer, equipping me with real-world insights. I believe this should be my first step before entering academia.
What motivated you to pursue graduate work at UBC?
I’ve always aspired to become an engineer with cutting-edge technical expertise, which led me to pursue high-level scientific research. My work focuses on modeling materials behavior and microstructure during and after deformation, a field in which UBC excels. My graduate supervisors at UBC are highly respected in both the scientific and engineering communities for their contributions in this area, and I feel honored to be part of their research group. I chose UBC because it offers everything necessary for advanced research—state-of-the-art equipment and access to world-class researchers like my supervisors.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a graduate student at UBC?
I enjoyed spending time with my friends and colleagues at UBC. The UBC community is full of fantastic people with whom you can discuss things that matter to you, all on a very beautiful campus.
How did the graduate degree at UBC help you achieve your career and/or personal development goals?:
It certainly helped me significantly in terms of the technical skills that I need for my career in materials engineering and computational fields. But more importantly, It significantly improved my communication, critical thinking, problem solving, project management and leadership skills. All these can directly translate to any future jobs. My graduate work definitely increased my resiliency, commitment and patience.
What key things did you do, or what attitudes or approaches did you have, that contributed to your success?
My commitment to deliver high quality work, hard work, and believing in myself. I believe in can-do attitude.
What is your best piece of advice for current graduate students preparing for their future careers?
Don't be shy. Try to communicate with others and expand your network. As graduate student you are in the learning process, so do not be afraid to ask for help. Also, it is ok to fail, but it is not ok to give up on your dreams.
