Samantha Usas

 I started at McMaster University in 2018 and graduated from the Chemical Engineering program in the June of 2022 when I received my B.Eng. I have since continued my studies at Waterloo University pursuing my MASc in sustainable energy systems optimization. 

    I am currently in the process of reviewing Canada’s current position on carbon capture and developing an optimal solution for how we can reach our 2030 goal of 40% emissions reduction proposed by the Federal Government earlier this year (2022). With this review and optimization we will be able to provide a comprehensive basis for the progress that has taken place in carbon capture research and projects. 

    The main focus of my work is on post-combustion carbon capture systems. For my thesis I plan to development, simulate, and optimize an alternative carbon capture process for post-combustion implementation. Although there are many different avenues and methods in which carbon capture can be implemented, post-combustion is still the most common due to its flexibility and retrofitting capabilities. With this process it is my goal to supply the industry with a more feasibly and efficient way to capture CO₂ so that more commercial scale projects can occur in order to continue to making our industries more sustainable.