Meet our Graduate Students

MEET OUR MME GRADUATE STUDENTS


What have our students accomplished?

If you could live on the moon, would you? A group of Waterloo researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering has set out to help make that a reality by processing raw materials on the moon to power the area as a hub for manufacturing, construction, and human life.

LoopX, a Waterloo Engineering startup company, founded by a mechatronics engineering doctoral candidate, Chao Yu, has recently received a $30K funding boost when it took top prize in the 5G Transportation Challenge. It is also the recipient of funding from the Engineer of the Future Fund at Waterloo Engineering. Within the next three months, LoopsX plans to demonstrate its 5G MEC-based hybrid driving system in the David Johnson Research + Technology Park. 

In the quest to reach zero emissions by 2050, researchers are working with industry partners to develop more efficient, durable, cost-effective fuel cells.  

Waterloo engineering professor Dr. Xianguo Li and Dr. Samaneh Shahgaldi from Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), with support from Niobay Metals and Mitacs, are working to refine the technology of metallic bipolar plates to improve the potential of hydrogen in decarbonization. 

Shadab Sarmast (PhD)

Shadab posing in Waterloo Engineering building

Shadab Sarmast

Shadab is passionate about projects that aim to improve environmental sustainability and make a positive impact on people's lives. She has noticed that in recent years, there has been a growing focus on the environmental impact of transportation, especially in its role in global warming. Because of this, she is researching advanced welding and joining techniques and utilizing lightweight materials in automotive components to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing the safety aspects of vehicles. 

Shadab says the following drew here to her PhD program in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo: 

"The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo provides the perfect environment for learning, advanced research, and a supportive community that fosters innovation. On ranking websites, the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Engineering, particularly the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics, is ranked among the most renowned engineering departments in the world. I chose here to pursue my studies for a few reasons:

1. Cutting-Edge Research: Researchers in the faculty are at the forefront of advances in technology and engineering practices in their fields of expertise.

2. Industry Connections: The Faculty of Engineering has strong ties to industry leaders, offering students the opportunity to connect with them and gain insight into the field.

3. Modern Facilities: The facilities at the departments support hands-on learning and experimentation through well-equipped laboratories and advanced equipment.

4. Diverse Programs: Students can choose from a wide range of engineering programs to suit their interests and career goals."

Nikhila Kalia (MASc)

Nikhila Kalia

Nikhila Kalia

Please meet Nikhila Kalia, one of our Master of Applied Science students in the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering program here at the University of Waterloo! 

She is currently pursuing her MASc in Mechanical Engineering to broaden her understanding in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Nikhila's current focus is on uncertainty quantification in small modular reactors, where she is passionate about applying advanced theoretical knowledge to practical challenges. She is excited to be part of a program that fosters innovation and impactful solutions. Nikhila has been a part of the University of Waterloo since she started her undergraduate degree here, and the co-op experience combined with the university's curriculum has made her more passionate about engineering and applying concepts to solve real-world problems.

Martine McGregor (PhD)

Martine McGregor

Martine McGregor

Martine McGregor is pursuing a PhD degree in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Stewart McLachlin, PhD, PEng
 
Her research focuses on improving orthopaedic implant testing methods to better evaluate loosening at the bone-implant interface under multiaxial loading. This work has allowed for collaboration with both clinicians and manufacturing experts to design novel implants better able withstand multiaxial loading due to activities of daily living. Currently, she is working in collaboration with the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory Group at the University of Waterloo to reconceptualize titanium orthopaedic implants to improve bone-ingrowth and implant fixation. Martine is funded by a doctoral level National Science and Engineering Research Council post-graduate scholarship.