Innovations in Sustainability Research Through Analytical Techniques

Tuesday, March 11, 2025
8:30 am – 3:00 pm


Location

The University of British Columbia
Brimacombe Building
2355 East Mall
Room 311
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Google Maps

Join us for a free seminar focused on analytical instrumentation in the field of Sustainability!

TA Instruments in collaboration with the Net0MM CREATE cluster are sponsoring this day of scientific exploration on site at the UBC campus. There will be 4 talks as well as a panel discussion about the future of analytical instrumentation. We envision this being a day of learning, discussion, and networking.

This seminar is designed for experienced users, post-docs, and scientific leads and is free of charge to attend. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please register today to save your seat - space is limited!


The sponsors would like to thank the team at the Composites Research Network (CRN) for their help and support in putting this day together.



Agenda

8:30 am - 9:00 am
Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 am - 9:55 am
Rapid Creation of Material Models for Composites Process Simulation: Fusion of Analytical Data and Modelling
Alistair McKee, Convergent Manufacturing Technologies

9:55am - 10:50 am
Fueling Innovation: The Role of DMA in Advancing Fuel Cell Durability
Hesam Mirfarsi, SFU

10:50 am - 11:05 am
Break
11:05 am - 12:00 pm
Thermal analysis of lignin-based materials: towards better structure-property analysis
Dr. Scott Renneckar, UBC

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Analytical Techniques for Advancing Sustainable Electrochemical Technologies
Dr. Arman Bonakdarpour, Mangrove Lithium and UBC

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Panel Discussion – The Future of Analytical Instrumentation
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Individual Discussion and Networking. Lab tour of CRN’s state-of-the-art material characterization lab

Register


Meet the Speakers

Speaker 01 Image

Hesam Mirfarsi

Hesam Mirfarsi is a PhD candidate at the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University, currently working under Dr. Erik Kjeang at the Fuel Cell Research Lab (FCReL). With a focus on the durability of fuel cell membranes, Hesam has (co)authored several research papers exploring innovative strategies to enhance the longevity of these critical materials. Over the past four years, he has collaborated with Ionomr Innovations Inc., applying research-backed solutions to real-world challenges in fuel cell technology. Hesam is passionate about advancing sustainable energy solutions and is committed to pushing the boundaries of research in this vital field.

Speaker 02 Image

Dr. Scott Rennekar

Dr. Scott Rennekar is the Chair in Advanced Renewable Materials and the Program Director for Forest and Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology at the University of British Columbia. His lab investigates the molecular structure and reactions of wood to transform trees and recycled fiber into novel materials that will serve as a platform for the bioeconomy.

Speaker 03 Image

Dr. Arman Bonakdarpour

Dr. Arman Bonakdarpour is the Co-Founder and Technical Advisor for Mangrove Lithium. He has an extensive R&D background in clean technology sector covering diverse areas such as water treatment, CO2 conversion, advanced batteries and hydrogen energy technologies. His work has led to over 55 peer-reviewed and highly cited scientific publications and a number of patent and patent applications.

Speaker 03 Image


Alastair McKee

Alastair McKee (P. Eng.) is the Engineering Lead for the Materials Characterization Group at Convergent Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. He has expertise in materials characterization, composite materials and process simulation.

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* Some modules and OEM products are excluded. Trade in required to receive discount. Please contact your local TA representative for more details. Deals valid for systems purchased and delivered before September 18, 2020.