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.

Pu (Justin) Yang

Postdoctoral Research Fellow | Carbon Fibre, Energy Storage, and Thermochemical Engineering

I am a postdoctoral researcher working on asphaltene-derived carbon fibre for electrode materials and conductive composites. My expertise includes thermochemical processing and structural and electrochemical characterization.

I also have experience with two-dimensional MXenes and bio-based functional materials.

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.

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 | Modelling of Unidirectional Composites

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering in 2024. My research focuses on predicting the mechanical properties of unidirectional composites using finite element analysis.

In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, cooking, and hiking.

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.

Zemeng (Julianna) Wu

MASc Student | Asphaltene-Based Melt-Blown Carbon Fibre Mats for Supercapacitor Applications

I completed my undergraduate studies in UBC’s Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology program in the Faculty of Forestry. As a MASc student, I am continuing to explore my interest in sustainability.

In my spare time, I enjoy working out and a wide range of sports, especially bouldering and ultimate frisbee.

Taylor Wheatley

Graduate Student | Asphaltene-Based Carbon Fibre Composites

I am a graduate student in Materials Engineering, focusing on enhancing the performance of asphaltene-based carbon fibres in injection-moulded composite parts.

Outside the lab, I enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and spending time with my dog.

Sam Lee

Co-op Student | Asphaltene Carbon Fibre Composites

I am an undergraduate student in Materials Engineering. My research focuses on the manufacturing and characterization of carbon fibre composites through mechanical testing and microstructural analysis.

Outside of research, I enjoy playing basketball, coaching badminton, and watching sports.

Thanasith Siwamoklakkhana (Tata)

Co-op Student | Asphaltene Carbon Fibre Composites

I am a co-op student working on carbon production and processing with Dr. Yasmine Abdin’s team.

Outside of science and engineering, I enjoy studying history, politics, and international relations.

Enye Botha

Co-op Student | Asphaltene Carbon Fibre Composites

I am a fourth-year Computer Science and Mathematics student focused on modelling injection-moulded asphaltene carbon fibre composites.

Outside of work, I enjoy climbing, hiking, and fencing.

Giuseppe D’Agostino

Research Assistant / Co-op Student | Asphaltene Carbon Fibre Composites

I am a fourth-year Materials Engineering undergraduate student at UBC. My research focuses on developing asphaltene-based carbon fibres using advanced spinning techniques.