Amira Abdelrasoul, Ph.D., P. Eng.

What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)?

Originally from Egypt, specifically Alexandria, I had the privilege of growing up in a coastal city. Growing up by the ocean, with its endless horizon symbolizing unlimited possibilities, has profoundly shaped my perspective on life and career. This experience has significantly influenced my life and aspirations, teaching me to embrace challenges with a sense of adventure and to approach my career with a mindset of endless possibilities and growth.

Why did you choose engineering and what is your area of specialty?

Several experiences sparked my interest in chemical engineering. My dad was a chemist, my brother was an engineer, and most of my family members were either chemists or engineers. I was inspired by their experiences, and I wanted to combine both fields as a chemical engineer to gain a broader vision. I was interested in making a real impact and becoming the kind of engineer that the world needs. I was particularly interested in exploring critical problems and synthesizing new materials, especially for the biomedical field.

Where and when did you study engineering/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?

I earned my Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering from Alexandria University in Egypt. Following that, I pursued my Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemical Engineering at Kuwait University, where I achieved an exceptional cumulative GPA of 4.00/4.00. Subsequently, I completed my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering at Ryerson University (currently Toronto Metropolitan University) in Toronto, Canada, with an outstanding cumulative GPA of 4.33/4.33. My Ph.D. thesis focused on membrane science and technology. Each of these educational experiences has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge, skills, and career. I particularly cherish my undergraduate experience in Egypt, as it provided a comprehensive fundamental program that equipped me with the essential knowledge I continue to apply in my work. I am deeply proud of my PhD, which holds a special place in my heart due to its significant impact. My academic journey was marked by notable achievements, including the prestigious Governor General Gold Medal, the most prestigious academic honour in Canada, and the Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award in recognition of my exceptional research contributions.

What jobs/roles have you held as an engineer?

I’ve had the privilege of holding various engineering roles and gaining exposure to diverse experiences in different countries, including Egypt, Kuwait, and Canada. I’ve worked in both academic and industry settings, which have provided me with a unique blend of experiences. In the academic environment, I actively engaged in teaching, research, academic activities, and collaborative projects that utilized different software and advanced technologies. In industry, I gained significant experience as both a product development engineer and a polymer process engineer, with a primary focus on research and development, material sciences, and nanotechnology. These diverse experiences have equipped me with a broad skill set and a profound understanding of engineering principles.

What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?

I’ve appreciated several aspects of my career opportunities and experiences, but one that stands out the most is my ability to contribute to problem-solving. The most rewarding facet of my work, particularly in research, is the direct impact it has on improving the lives of individuals, especially kidney failure patients. It’s an incredible privilege to be part of the efforts to find solutions to critical health problems. Knowing that the research and work I do may help enhance the quality of life and potentially save lives is both motivating and inspiring. This sense of purpose has been a driving force throughout my career, and it’s deeply gratifying to see how our contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. This appreciation for the real-world impact of my work continues to inspire me in my professional journey.

Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have the support and guidance of great mentors in the field of chemical engineering. These mentors have provided me with invaluable insights and wisdom that have profoundly shaped my career path. Their continued mentorship has been instrumental in my professional growth, and I deeply value the ongoing support that I always receive from my mentors who believe that learning doesn’t end with a degree. This belief has driven me to launch and chair a Women in Engineering chapter in 2018 to promote and support the success of female undergraduate and graduate chemical engineering students at the University of Saskatchewan.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

What I enjoy the most is my time with my kids and the fun we have together. These moments not only provide a break from the demands of work but also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to recharge my positive energy.

Anything else you want to say?

In closing, I’d like to add that I’m incredibly proud of my journey as an engineer. Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that have not only expanded my technical expertise but have also allowed me to contribute to meaningful solutions especially when it comes to helping kidney failure patients. Looking ahead, my aspirations as an engineer in my research program are boundless. I’m passionate about staying at the forefront of innovation within my field and continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. My ultimate goal is to create an artificial wearable kidney based on filters compatible with the body to help kidney failure patients and solve dialysis problems.