Researchers and Experts

Sask Polytech has the in-house capacity to conduct experiential development, business validation, and technology adoption and provides the resources industry needs to innovate. Faculty and staff combine their expertise with a wide spectrum of leading-edge technology such as 3D printers, water and laser-jet cutters, and computer numerical control (CNC) machines to assist research partners with the capital-intensive components of the product development process.

Sonja Aagesen, MA

Research associate

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE)

Biography

Leila Benmerrouche, B.A.Tech., Dip. (IRM)

Instructor

School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sustainability

Biography

Lindsey Boechler, PhD(c)

Research manager

Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

Biography

Blaine Chartrand, MSc.

Research chair

BioScience Applied Research Centre (BARC)

Biography

Dr. Cyril Coupal, PhD

Research manager

Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE)

Biography

Graeme Drysdale, PhD, P.Eng.

Research chair

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE)

Biography

Melissa Dykhuizen, RN, BScN, MN, PhD

Research chair

Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

Biography

Danielle Faris, Geological Technologies, FCP

Academic chair

Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades

Biography

Dr. Pamela Farthing, RN, PhD

Research chair

Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Centre for Health, Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

Biography

Raman Kaur Grewal, M.Sc., M.Eng., EIT

Research associate

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) in Biomaterials Testing and Prototyping (B-TAP)

Biography

David Halstead, B.Sc., M.Sc., P. Biol.

Research chair

School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sustainability Hannin Creek Education and Applied Research Centre (HCEARC)

Biography

Abu Kamal, PhD, P.Eng., EP

Research chair
Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) in Biomaterials Testing and Prototyping (B-TAP)

Biography

Abu Kamal, PhD, P.Eng., EP

Abu Kamal is a professional engineer (P.Eng.) with a wealth of experience in the fields of materials science and environmental engineering. His impressive educational background includes a PhD in Environmental Engineering (materials science) from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), Saskatoon, an MSc in Environmental Technology and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, and a BSc in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology from the University of Dhaka, Dhaka.

Dr Kamal has over 15 years of experience in applied research, teaching, and training. He has worked with leading institutions such as UBC/FPInnovations and the Edmonton Waste Management Centre of Excellence, where he gained valuable insights into the beneficial applications of biomass boiler ash and the potential of using construction and demolition (C&D) waste wood in biosolids composting. Dr Kamal has offered a comprehensive solid waste management course at the University of Alberta and worked as a lab instructor for an engineering materials lab at U of S. He conducted a study at U of S to build bio-composites and compare their properties with those of artificial composites. His research on wastewater treatment using biological methods at AIT is significant.

Dr Kamal is currently focused on cutting-edge research in biomass, bio-composites, bioplastics, biodegradable and compostable plastics, bioenergy, biomass boiler ash, sustainable waste management, wastewater treatment, intellectual properties, technology development, and commercialization. He is dedicated to making a positive impact through his work and is committed to advancing the fields of biomaterials through innovative solutions.

Dr. Sarah Kostiuk, EdD, MN

Research chair

Patient-orientated curriculum research, Centre for Health Research Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

Biography

Paul Labbe

Regional program manager

MICA

Biography

Leon Lipoth, M.Eng, P.Eng., FCP

Research chair

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP)

Biography

Leon Lipoth, M.Eng, P.Eng., FCP

Leon is a professional engineer with a BSc. in Electronic Information Systems Engineering from the University of Regina and an M.Eng. in Systems and Computer Engineering from Carleton University. He has over 20 years of engineering experience in industry on advanced technology projects in areas including telecommunications research, semiconductor design and verification, and embedded systems. He also has 12 years of experience creating and integrating projects into the classroom as an instructor at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in the Computer Systems Technology (CST), Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CADCAM), Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), and Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology (DMET) programs. Most recently, he developed the hands-on content for the mechatronics stream of courses in the DMET program. He enjoys designing, innovating, creating and building.

In his role as Research Chair, Leon facilitates projects with industry and the Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) team located at the Saskatoon campus. The RAMP team is capable of designing, modelling, and creating physical prototypes using digital technologies including an array of 3D printing and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment in the lab.

Current research interests include leveraging additive manufacturing to produce prototypes for products and automation across a range of industries. Expertise includes engineering design and project management, embedded hardware and software systems, communications systems, additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing), CAD, CAM, CNC, and internet of things (IoT).