Kyle Lessoway

Kyle Lessoway has an impressive academic background, having obtained his bachelor’s degree of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia-Okanagan in 2019. He then went on to pursue his M.A.Sc. degree at UBCO in May of 2019, and later transferred into the Ph.D program in May of 2021, becoming a Ph.D Candidate in November 2021.

Currently, Kyle is conducting research on the heat-treatment of the aluminum alloy A356 and the fabrication of graphene reinforced aluminum matrix composites produced through casting. His research is focused on evaluating the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of these materials. Kyle brings a wealth of expertise in material characterization techniques to this research, including XRD, SEM, ICP-MS/OES, tribological studies, and thermal and electrical conductivity studies.

Saif Ahmed Alvi (MASc)

I am currently working as a Graduate Research Assistant (MASc) under Dr. Bichler. I have worked in Indian Space Agency ISRO as Scientist/Engineer for 5 years. I was responsible for the development of various mechanical ground systems related to launch vehicles for ITL/IOP concept. Currently I am working on development of composite ferrous alloy to be used in high impact hammers in mining industry.

Mitchell Barrett

Mitchell Barrett received his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia-Okanagan in 2022. He then went on to pursue his M.A.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2022. Mitchell worked in Dr. Bichler’s research group during his undergraduate degree through the Indigenous Research Mentorship program.

Mitchell’s research involves carbonizing and graphitizing wood waste from B.C.’s forestry industry for energy applications. His research is focused on process development and optimization, as well as characterization of material properties.

Franklyn Nchekwube

Franklyn Nchekwube received his Bachelor of Engineering in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria. His current research for his MASc is on the characterization and testing of rubber materials made with recycled carbon black filler particles along with metal casting of aluminum alloys. Franklyn’s research interests lie in strengthening materials, metal casting, extractive metallurgy and mineral processing of rare earth metals, and product modeling/design.

Ryan Pitre

Ryan Pitre is a third-year mechanical engineering student at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. He has been working on various projects including the recycling of carbon black filler particles and metal casting research. Ryan’s research interests are in product model and design as well as metal casting and sustainability.

Emma Tsukishima

Emma Tsukishima is an undergraduate research assistant who is completing her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. She has worked on metallurgical analysis of cast aluminum alloys and the processing and analysis of bio-carbon waste. Through her experiences, she has gained knowledge in material preparation and analysis such as polishing, electrical conductivity, hardness, microstructure analysis, SEM imaging, and tensile testing. Emma is eager to continue learning and to further her experience in her field. 

Ashton Kennedy

Ashton is an undergraduate research assistant who is completing his third year of study in mechanical engineering at UBC Okanagan. With an interest in material science, manufacturing and design he joined Dr. Bichler’s research group to gain hands-on experience in a research environment. Ashton has worked with Dr. Bichler’s team gaining experience with metallurgy, analyzing and preparing materials such as high manganese steel, ferrous metal matrix composites, and cast aluminum alloys. He has also been aiding with analysis of bio carbon. Ashton has gained knowledge in material preparation and analysis such as polishing, machining, microphotography, and SEM imaging.

Axcan Alba Gonzalez

Axcan Alba Gonzalez is a third-year mechanical engineering student at UBCO. He is pursuing to deepen his knowledge of material science to apply to biomedical applications.