Jigar Patel | Current Graduate Students

PhD student Jigar Patel, from Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, is fascinated by the potential of Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) to transform industries and create innovative solutions. However, he recognized that limited knowledge about intricate components can create challenges in the field. Supported by an International Experience Award, Jigar travelled to the prestigious SIMTech research institute in Singapore to explore data science techniques aimed at addressing key issues in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF).

“The host institution, SIMtech is a research institute of the Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) at Singapore. A*STAR is one of the world's leading organizations when it comes to research initiatives, particularly for my research area of additive manufacturing (AM) and machine learning (ML).”

His trip to Singapore gave way to substantial research opportunities and the ability to connect with technology in ways he had never had the chance to before.

“I gained a lot more context on the research area my PhD focuses on. Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) is receiving significant attention all over the world, and I had a chance to witness that in Singapore with A*STAR. Participating in their collaborative research activities allowed me to experience the generation of large and pertinent AM datasets. Under the mentorship of subject-matter experts at SIMtech, I learned how to understand, unify, and extract value from these datasets. We hope to publish our findings and continue collaboration for future projects as well.”

Even though research was his priority, Jigar made sure to take time to embrace the beauty of Singapore and balance his travel experience.

“The international experience was a valuable opportunity to gain a fresh perspective while experiencing a different culture, both in and outside work. Professionally, the favourite part of the experience was the opportunity to learn how A*STAR conducts research at scale under some excellent mentors. Personally, my favourite part of the experience was exploring Singapore, either by going on long runs or via its intricate public transit. Despite the relatively small size, Singapore's balance of sustainable innovation was apparent in the harmony between high-rise buildings, technology hubs, and lush parks.”

In terms of advice for future international researchers, Jigar makes it clear that while it may be a rocky road, the journey is always worth it in the end.

“Do it! It certainly does not hurt to apply for relevant funding, such as the International Experience Award. For my own experience, I had to lean on a lot of support to make it happen (my family, my supervisor, NSERC's MSFSS, and the university's international experience award), but it was worth it. I came back with not just research exposure and fruitful collaboration, but personal growth as well.”