Research Team

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Audrey Da Silva

M.A.Sc. student Student (2025 September – Current)

I’m a Chemical Engineering student at the University of Ottawa, currently completing my undergraduate thesis in the SELS Lab while beginning graduate studies in Winter 2026 through the accelerated M.A.S.c program. My research explores the development of slippery liquid infused porous surfaces on biodegradable substrates —aiming to preserve environmental integrity without compromising performance. The goal is to create low-drag, compostable surfaces that could replace traditional non-biodegradable plastics. 

Outside the lab, I enjoy nature walks with my Springer Spaniel, playing the flute, and getting lost in fantasy novels.

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Shivam Parekh

Ph. D Student (2025 May – Current)

I have the pleasure of being part of the SELS group as a Ph. D student. My research focuses on the synthesis and optimization of Ni-rich nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathodes for Li-ion batteries, in collaboration with the National Research Council’s Battery Materials Initiative (BMI) team. Outside the lab, I’m a big fan of sports—especially hockey, soccer, basketball, and cricket—and I enjoy unwinding with reruns of The Big Bang Theory and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Looking forward to sharing our work as it unfolds!

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Evelyn Bailey

Volunteer (2025 Summer)

I am a Chemical engineering Biotechnology student at the University of Ottawa. I volunteered over one summer in the SELS lab to explore the experience of doing research. I worked on the biomimicking of naturally occurring colloids. In my free time, I love playing volleyball, going outside with my cat, and travelling to new places. Bonus: Initial creator of this website.

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Darcy Tyrell

UG Thesis (2025 Summer)

I work in the SELS lab on my UG thesis project on biomimicking plant leaf microstructures. On top of studying chemical engineering, I am a musical theatre actor at heart, perpetually seeking local theatre to be a part of or enjoy. When not studying, I can be found knitting sweater vests, or brewing beer with uOttawa’s NanoBrew.

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Eli Pratt

UG thesis and COOP (January- August 2025)

I'm a fifth year Biotechnology student studying at the University of Ottawa. Having done a thesis project about a similar topic under Dr. Karthikeyan in Winter 2025, I'm currently on a COOP work term in SELS lab. I am surface-modifying biodegradable plastic to make it able to capture organic pollutants from moving indoor air streams. This aligns closely with my personal goals of helping mitigate air pollution and reducing humanity's impact on the environment. In my spare time I am an avid fan and practitioner of martial arts, and enjoy going to the gym.

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Amir Mohammad Sharifzadeh

Ph. D (January 2025 - Current)

I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. My project focuses on improving pool boiling heat transfer by modifying the heater surface microstructure.

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Tuba Minhaj

Honors (Fall 2024 - Winter 2025)

I did my Biochemistry Honors project in the SELS lab. I worked on studying the fouling of surface modified poly lactic acid polymers by whey protein for application in bio-reactors.

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Marie-Eve Oliviera

UG Thesis (2024 Fall)

I did my UG thesus in Chemical Engineering from the SELS lab on biomimicking of leaf surfaces for wettability.

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Vivian Bai

(2024 Summer, 2025 Summer)

I am a fourth-year chemical engineering biotechnology student at the University of Ottawa. I have been awarded the NSERC USRA scholarship for conducting research in the SELS lab. I am currently conducting research on enhancing the flame resistance of polylactic acid (PLA) by surface engineering. My objective is to develop a biodegradable material suitable for use in air filters that can effectively capture air pollutants while meeting fire safety standards for indoor applications.

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Oluwadamilola Olaifa

(2024 Summer)

I am a Chemical Engineering and Computing Technology student at the University of Ottawa. I worked over one summer term in the SELS lab to modify the surface of bio-printing injection nozzles to reduce the stress on cells. I am passionate about learning through hands-on research and using the skills to solve real-world problems. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, baking, and getting lost in a good book.

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Gavin Gordon

Volunteer (2024 Summer)

I volunteered in the SELS lab over the summer to gain hands on research experience. I worked on biomimicking naturally occurring colloids.

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Naima Soussi

UG Thesis (2024 Summer)

Hi, I’m a recent graduate of the Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry double degree (Biotechnology). I completed my undergraduate thesis at the SELS Lab in the summer of 2024, where I worked on protein adhesion to surface modified biodegradable polymer using collagen. Through this project, I learned how to 3D print PLA and modify its surface with a solvent-based method to improve protein binding—an experience that sparked my passion for surface engineering and inspired me to keep exploring the field!

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Olivia Potter

UG Thesis (January 2024 - August)

I did my UG thesis in Chemical engineering from the SELS lab on understanding the impact of corrosion of laser textured metal surfaces.