Originally from India, Vrisha Nilesh Vyas moved to Vancouver in 2019 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering –– a field that brought together multiple areas of science and opened doors to impactful, cross-industry research. This was what drew her to the University of British Columbia (UBC). Its Materials Engineering programme’s depth, combined with the chance to gain hands-on experience through co-op, made it the ideal place to begin her journey.
“Continuing into a master’s here felt like a natural next step since I had already made good connections within the Department of Materials Engineering and the research topic aligned with my interests,” she says.
Her decision to stay at UBC was strengthened by the department’s focus on understanding and innovating with materials to address current and future challenges. Here, researchers study the behaviour of materials and how to process them. They also develop new techniques to push boundaries. With six prestigious research chairs and a strong record of technology transfer, the department consistently ranks among UBC’s top units for research funding — creating a dynamic environment where graduate students can explore their interests and meaningfully contribute to the field.
This commitment to impact is reflected in the range of graduate programmes UBC offers in Materials Engineering, including the Master of Applied Science (MASc), the Master of Science (MSc), and the PhD. These programmes cover key material classes such as ceramics, polymers, composites, metals, and alloys. Students engage in a combination of experimental work, theory, and simulation, all aimed at driving innovation, supporting industrial growth, and promoting a sustainable future in Canada and beyond.
Whichever programme students choose, they benefit from the department’s diverse research expertise, which is applied to solve real-world challenges. Vyas is a clear example. She works at the Amini Lab in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), focusing on electrochemical direct lithium extraction methods to recover lithium from Canadian water sources.
“Working with Professor Kiana Amini and Dr. Xinge Zhang from NRC has been an important part of my research journey,” she says. “Professor Amini introduced a new way to approach challenges, so what once felt stressful now feels like an opportunity to learn and solve problems together.”
Vyas’s research experience is complemented by the department’s deep ties to industry. Long-standing partnerships have contributed to the highest per-capita research funding among engineering departments in applied science at UBC. The department works with major partners such as Boeing, Rio Tinto Aluminium, and TIMET on aerospace materials, as well as, leading semiconductor companies, and industry leaders in electrochemical systems. Expertise spans corrosion, raw material extraction, and large-scale industrial materials processing applications, including projects with companies like Teck.
These partnerships create opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience. “Students regularly interact with industry sponsors and academic collaborators,” says Professor Jacqueline Noder. “They participate in joint experiments, share data, and present results. These experiences help them build practical skills and expand professional networks early in their careers. They learn from others, exchange ideas, and develop teamwork and communication skills essential for success in both academia and industry.”
Vyas has already reaped the benefits of these collaborations. Her master’s project with the NRC has given her direct experience in connecting lab-scale models with industry-relevant challenges. “I’m also part of the ECS-BC student chapter, and I’ll be presenting my research at one of their upcoming conferences,” she says.
The department’s research, often in collaboration with industry, combines theory, simulation, and experimentation to apply basic science for lasting societal impact. Source: University of British Columbia
As research priorities and industry needs evolve, UBC emphasises knowledge transfer and professional training to ensure students are prepared for various career paths. Graduate students are trained to pursue fundamental research or applied, industry-focused projects. The department’s environment — combined with thoughtful faculty guidance — equips them to thrive in whichever direction they choose. Professor Karthik Akkiraju, for example, offers close, structured mentorship at the beginning of a student’s journey, gradually shifting into a supportive, consultative role as they gain independence and confidence.
“This training philosophy ensures students entering interdisciplinary or computational work for the first time have the necessary theoretical foundation before they start independent research projects,” he says. Beyond mentorship, he accompanies students to conferences, advocates for them by connecting them with leading researchers, and provides lecturing opportunities in his classes.
UBC’s advanced research facilities further elevate the learning experience. Facilities such as the Frank Forward Building and the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL) house laboratories for mechanical testing, materials characterisation, and manufacturing. Here, students conduct state-of-the-art experiments across multiple scales, collecting real-time deformation data to support multi-scale models and simulations.
“Having this level of capability on campus accelerates research, allows students to produce high-impact work, and gives them hands-on experience with the same technologies used in industry,” says Professor Noder.
With this combination of mentorship, facilities, and real-world exposure, it’s no surprise that Vyas feels well prepared both technically and professionally. “Combined with hands-on work on advanced equipment and electrochemical techniques, including collaboration with the NRC, these experiences have equipped me with skills that are essential for the fast-paced energy and materials sectors,” she says.
Learn more about UBC’s Department of Materials Engineering.
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