The Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE) Conference was held in Montreal from October 5–7, drawing academics, industry leaders and students from across the country. A delegation of 17 students from U of T Chemical Engineering attended the national conference to exchange ideas, showcase innovation and represent our chapter.
Technical innovation
The conference opened with the Reg Friesen and Robert G. Auld Paper Competitions. Three U of T students — Angela Ye, Aziz Abdur Rakib and Jaekeon An — presented their work on topics ranging from lithium battery recycling to hydraulic fracturing optimization.
“This was a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of chemical engineering and see the depth of technical innovation coming out of our department.”
Basma Elsabban, Chapter Chair
Building connections
Our delegates engaged with industry representatives and researchers at the Opening Networking Event and the Hatch Plant Design Competition. Students explored new technologies, from chemical separation equipment to novel column designs.
The conference also provided opportunities to discover publishing channels in the Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering and to connect with peers from schools like Polytechnique Montréal.
Chapter leadership
At the Student Chapter Meeting, our executives discussed outreach strategies and sustainable growth with leaders from across Canada.
Basma Elsabban and Jeslyn Lorraine Winoto connected with leaders from McMaster University and the University of Alberta to plan future collaborative, student-led events.
Support from our department
Students met with Department Chair Professor Ramin Farnood, who encouraged the delegation to stay active in the broader engineering community.
“It was uplifting to feel supported in continuing that level of involvement as student leaders,” noted Elsabban. The group also attended technical sessions, including a presentation by U of T Professor Gisele Azimi on “Beyond Lithium-Ion Batteries.”
Pride and community
The conference strengthened our cross-campus network and established collaborations for the 2026–2027 year. Attending as a group fostered a shared sense of pride in the department and the student chapter.
We encourage all students to join us for the next conference and explore new directions in their field.
Adapted from U of T Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry.
