Two researchers within the UBC Okanagan School of Engineering (SOE) have been awarded UBC Killam Research Fellowships. These awards enable faculty to pursue full-time research during a recognized study leave.
Dr. Sepideh Pakpour and Dr. Sina Kheirkhah are among the 2023 recipients of faculty research awards announced by UBC this week. You can also read more in the announcement by Faculty of Applied Science.
Dr. Sepideh Pakpour, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UBC Okanagan.
Dr. Sepideh Pakpour, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering with the SOE, is a molecular biologist who works at the intersection of biotechnology and microbiome engineering, seeking ways to create healthier environments in our buildings and bodies. Her study leave will be undertaken at the renowned Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), a non-profit research institution located in Seattle, Washington. Read more about Dr. Pakpour.
“In light of the study leave, I see a valuable chance to invest in advancing my research capabilities at the esteemed Institute for Systems Biology,” expressed Dr. Pakpour. “This experience will enable me to enhance the scope of my laboratory’s work at UBC, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. By leveraging the insights gained, I aim to fortify UBC’s research profile, paving the way for more innovative discoveries.”
Dr. Pakpour is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards from The Fonds de recherche du Quebec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT), as well as Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Dr. Sina Kheirkhah is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UBC Okanagan.
Dr. Sina Kheirkhah is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering whose research explores zero carbon fuels (such as hydrogen) for energy generation and aircraft propulsion. Beginning in July, Sina will spend a year at the Institut de Combustion Aérothermique Réactivité et Environnement (ICARE) at Center National De La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in Orléans, France. Read more about Dr. Kheirkhah.
“I am very appreciative of this award that will help me during this leave to further my research and vision at ICARE, which is a leading space in advancing knowledge and technology for combustion of sustainable aviation and zero-carbon fuels. With this award, our teams will be able to work towards addressing scientific problems and engineering challenges of high-pressure hydrogen combustion,” said Dr. Kheirkhah.
“On behalf of the School of Engineering, huge congratulations to Sina and Sepideh on this significant accomplishment. We – your SOE colleagues – are incredibly proud of you and excited for the opportunities that lay ahead through your respective fellowships. We look forward to following your research with interest, and are grateful for your presence within the SOE community,” said Dr. Will Hughes, Director of the UBC Okanagan School of Engineering.