Are you curious about what it takes to become a postdoc at the University of Toronto? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from current Engineering postdocs. Our session includes a brief Career Exploration & Education presentation on networking practices to become a postdoc, followed by a panel discussion. The panellists will share what they wished they had known when applying, their postdoc experiences, and tips for future and current postdocs.
After this session, you will:
- Reflect on the benefits and considerations when applying to become a postdoc
- Develop strategies to prepare a postdoc application by connecting and meeting current Engineering postdocs who have been successful in applying to a postdoc
This event is also open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows within the Faculty of Arts & Science.
Our featured panellists are:
- Dr. Amirashkan Askari, Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering
- Dr. Celestine Hong, Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
- Dr. Goutham Rangarajan, Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
- Dr. Naadia Akhtar, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Dr. Amirashkan Askari, Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering
Amirashkan Askari is a postdoctoral researcher working on sustainable solutions to combat global warming at the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto. He completed his Ph.D. in chemical engineering in December 2023 after four years of graduate studies in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto. Amirashkan’s Ph.D. research involved assessing the impact of indoor sources of emission on ambient air quality and indoor air quality implications of cannabis legalization in Canada. He is passionate about teaching and mentorship and has served in various instructional and advisory capacities during his graduate studies.
Dr. Celestine Hong, Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
Celestine Hong is a postdoctoral fellow in the Shoichet Lab (Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry) and studies the delivery of therapeutics for retinal stem cell regeneration. She completed her PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the supervision of Prof. Paula Hammond and Prof. Bradley Olsen, where she developed materials to treat noncompressible hemorrhage and cancer. Her broader research interests span the field of biomaterials, immunotherapy, and polymer synthesis. Outside of the lab, she is especially passionate about teaching and scientific outreach, and has taught polymer synthesis as a graduate instructor at MIT.
Dr. Goutham Rangarajan, Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
Goutham Rangarajan is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, specializing in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. His research focuses on developing sustainable catalysts and optimizing chemical processes, with significant contributions to photocatalysis for biomass valorization and water treatment. Currently, he is working as a Climate Positive Energy Fellow, developing sunlight-active nanomaterials to convert waste plastics into industrially important chemicals. Goutham is also passionate about teaching and has enjoyed instructing various chemistry courses, fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the application of advanced data analysis techniques to enhance process efficiency and sustainability.
Dr. Naadia A
khtar, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
I attained my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Physics from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. During my academic journey, I engaged in a research exchange program, at the University of Padua, Italy, where I delved into the intricacies of material science. The focal point of my doctoral thesis revolved around the synthesis and characterization of ZrTiO4-based doped ferroelectric ceramic materials. Presently, I am contributing to the Photonic research group as a postdoctoral fellow. I have four years of enriching teaching experience at both university and college levels, specializing in the instruction of electronics and physics.
A brief presentation will be delivered by Jessica Wurster on “Networking for Postdocs”
Dr. Jessica Wurster, Graduate Career Educator, Career Exploration & Education
Jessica Wurster (she/they) is the Graduate Career Educator at Career Exploration & Education. She has worked within post-secondary education supporting students through career development and experiential learning for over 10 years. As Graduate Career Educator, Jess draws on their doctoral training in Communication Studies and professional experience to develop and deliver programming and resources targeted to professional and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and recent alumni. Jessica has a BA in Art History from Scripps College in California and holds an MA and a PhD in Communications Studies from McGill University.