Alumni Spotlight
Sourojeet Chakraborty (ChemE PhD 2T3)
Supervisor: Arun Ramchandran
Describe your research: My research involved studying the behaviour of two complex fluids - emulsions and suspensions, and how their flow hydrodynamics change upon encountering a confinement.
In particular, I studied emulsion wetting, and identified key regimes the draining drop goes through. Through experiments and thermodynamic arguments, I also proved that classical wetting theory fails to explain emulsion wetting, and needs to be revamped. Finally, I successfully derived a set of macro transport equations to simulate the flow of concentrated suspensions across a Hele-Shaw (rectangular) geometry, commonly encountered in the microfluidics sector.
While my research topics were very fundamental, it has tremendous applications across several interdisciplinary industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, oil sands, paints, consumer goods, etc., which overwhelmingly produce emulsion-based products.
What was your favourite part of completing your degree at the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry?
Teaching undergraduates at the University of Toronto will definitely remain one of my best memories. I also actively took on some departmental leadership roles, and I was pleasantly surprised (and very happy) to be named one of the recipients of the 2023 Student Life Catalyst Awards.
Most notably, being a Junior Fellow at Massey College was a transformational experience for me. I met some extremely talented individuals, who helped me recognize different perspectives to approach my research.
What are your career goals?
I'm excited to start a postdoc with Prof. Barbara Sherwood Lollar, in Earth Sciences, at the University of Toronto. I'll be using my background of fluid mechanics and transport phenomena to solve contaminant degradation/transport underneath the Earth's subsurface.
Long term, I wish to be part of meaningful global roles involving an intersectionality of academia, industry, and leadership. I definitely want to give back to Canada, and also, make some substantial impact on this world.
What advice would you give incoming graduate students?
Choose your advisor wisely, someone who is knowledgeable and can support you. A Ph.D. isn't an easy journey, and you'll need your advisor's support, encouragement, and feedback at times.
P.S. I reached out to my advisor's Ph.D. and postdoc advisors, before I accepted this position. Do not hesitate to obtain more information about the person you'll likely spend the next 5-6 years of your professional life with.