People

MiJung Cho

Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr. MiJung Cho has focused on advanced nano/micro fibrous (carbon) materials with various fiber spinning methods and polymeric material characterization expertise.

I work as a research associate focusing on (carbon) nanofiber production from Asphaltene.  I studied wood science and technology with bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Kyungpook National University in South Korea. I received a PhD in the Department of Wood Science at the University of British Columbia in Canada. I also worked at Aalto University in Finland as a postdoctoral fellow for producing continuous carbon fibers from micro-sized fibers produced by the IONCELL spinning process.

Kevin Oesef

PhD Candidate | Cellulose Composites

I graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2022, and now I’m a PhD student under Dr. Yasmine Abdin and Dr. Emily D. Cranston.

My research is on the processing and surface modification of cellulose nanofibrils for use as epoxy composite reinforcements.

Jialin Zhang

PhD Candidate | GO Flax Treatment

I earned my Master’s degree in wood products processing from UBC’s Faculty of Forestry. Now, I’m a PhD student in materials engineering.

I enjoy sewing and handcrafting, allowing me to balance my technical research with creative and hands-on activities.

Olivia Margoto

PhD Student – Mitigating Forming Defects

I started my studies in composite materials during my undergrad degree and I loved it.

Outside the lab, I like spending time outdoors or baking. I have travelled around the world, and my suitcase is always ready for new adventures.

Zachary Li

PhD Student | GO Flax Treatment

I completed my undergraduate degree in biochemistry and masters degree in materials engineering at UBC. Now, I’m a PhD student in Materials Engineering.

Outside of research, I enjoy fencing, reading, board and video games, and piano. I hope to travel to Hong Kong in the upcoming years!

Yanbo (Eric) Li

PhD Student

Greetings,

I am Yanbo (Eric) Li, the 1^st year PhD student with a degree in Master of Science from UBC. Throughout my master’s program, I had the privilege of contributing to a project focused on developing sustainable products using bamboo/wood hybrid composites for structural building purposes. This enriching experience has sparked a profound interest in advanced composite materials, compelling me to further expand my expertise in fibre composites as a prospective Ph.D. student.

In drawing parallels between natural resources, like timber’s significance, Alberta oilsands represent a vital resource in Canada. However, the potential of its by-product, asphaltene, remains largely untapped due to limited value-adding technologies. I am keenly interested in exploring this potential by converting asphaltene into quality carbon fibre, offering an economically viable solution compared to polyacrylonitrile.

My primary area of focus lies in melt-spinning of asphaltene-based precursors. The initial phase of my research involved producing carbon fibres with a strength over 1 GPa and a modulus over 100 GPa, which I have accomplished. Next, I will keep exploring the potential modification to produce even better carbon fibres while scaling up the production to meet industrial expectations. The final phase of my research will be a thorough analysis of sizing materials, emphasizing their impact on enhancing the interfacial adhesion between the carbon fibres and matrix material, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement in composite mechanical properties.

Hongrui Han

PhD Student

I completed my undergraduate and master’s degrees in applied mathematics. Now, I am a PhD student in Materials Engineering, with a research focus on the numerical simulation of short-fiber composites.

Outside of research, I enjoy road trips, hiking and foraging, especially for mushrooms!.

Sheena Yan

MASc Student | Flax Fibre Elium

I did my bachelor in Manufacturing Engineering at UBC. My hometown is Shanghai, China.

I am a student of NET0MM-CREATE: Net-Zero in Material and Manufacturing program. I play the Tenor Saxophone and I enjoy knitting.

Archer Wang

MASc Student | Carbon Nanofibres

I began my academic journey as an undergraduate student majoring in materials engineering at the prestigious UBC.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have diverse interests that include playing video games, biking, and playing the violin.

Chuanhao Xu

MASc student| GO Flax Treatment

I am a graduate student at UBC’s Department of Materials Engineering, researching graphene oxide-modified flax fiber composites.

My work focuses on enhancing mechanical properties through optimized dispersion and epoxy mixing techniques.

Aum Wagh

MAsc Student

I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Materials Engineering, with an interest in composite materials.

In my free time, I like to skateboard, watch movies, delve into photography, hike, and engage in other hobbies that bring me joy and relaxation.

Derek Greenaway

MAsc Student

I graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2024. I am currently a MASc student under Dr. Yasmine Abdin. My research focuses on improving the accuracy to which residual stress may be predicted in injection moulded thermoplastics using simulation techniques and FEM software. Outside of research, I enjoy tabletop games, miniature painting, 3D printing, and the outdoors.

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Finn Nieland

Coop Student

I’m Finn, a German mechanical engineering student completing my bachelor’s thesis at UBC. My research focuses on balancing strength and sustainability in glass/flax fiber composites with a recyclable thermoplastic matrix.

Outside of academics, I enjoy skiing and exploring Canada’s landscapes.