Dr. Erik Kjeang is an Assistant Professor in the new Mechatronic Systems Engineering program at Simon Fraser University, which offers the students a mix of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. Dr. Kjeang brings general expertise in the thermo-fluids field with a passion for energy engineering, fuel cell technology, and microfluidics.

Originally from Sweden, Dr. Kjeang obtained his M.Sc. in Energy Engineering from Umea University, not far from the Arctic Circle. The research part of his Master's thesis "Numerical simulation of methanol crossover in a flowing electrolyte direct methanol fuel cell" was performed at Carleton University in Ottawa, in collaboration with a small Canadian fuel cell company (EVI). His continued interest for fuel cell technology brought him to the University of Victoria and the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic), where he obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2007. The focus of his Ph.D. thesis, entitled "Microfluidic Fuel Cells", lies in the design, fabrication, and experimental evaluation of novel fuel cell architectures for microscale power generation. This work was part of the multi-disciplinary IESVic biofuel cell project, combining cutting-edge research in molecular biology, electrochemistry and microfluidics. Dr. Kjeang’s contributions resulted in patented technology and nine scientific publications, and have drawn significant interest from both research community and industry. Dr. Kjeang graduated in December 2007 as the recipient of the Governor General’s Gold Medal for outstanding dissertation. Shortly thereafter, he joined Ballard Power Systems in Burnaby, BC, the world’s largest fuel cell company, as a research engineer in the R&D department. In this position, Dr. Kjeang developed advanced porous gas diffusion media for next generation Ballard fuel cell systems, in close collaboration with Ballard Material Products in Massachusetts. The industrial research experience from Ballard is a cornerstone within Dr. Kjeang’s research program at SFU, with Ballard as a strategic research partner, and continued focus on fuel cell R&D.

In his spare time, Dr. Kjeang is likely to be outside, exploring the numerous outdoor opportunities that British Columbia has to offer. Skiing is the main winter passion, especially backcountry touring on telemark skis. In the summers, you name it. Ever since he first visited British Columbia in 1999, he has been keen on coming back to this beautiful province. Canada is much like Sweden, and a very nice place to live.

Dr. Kjeang hitting the slopes…

Awards

• Endowed Research Excellence Award

  Faculty of Applied Sciences
  Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC
  September 2009

• Governor General’s Gold Medal for Outstanding Dissertation

  Faculty of Graduate Studies
  University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
  June 2008

• CAGS/UMI Distinguished Dissertation Award Nomination

  Canadian Association for Graduate Studies
  Nominated by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
  University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
  March 2008

• Research Fellowship

  Bengt Ingeströms Stipendiefond
  Sveriges Civilingenjörsförbund, Stockholm, Sweden
  August 2007, August 2006 and August 2005

• Departmental Graduate Teaching Award Nomination

  Department of Mechanical Engineering
  University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
  May 2007

• The Charles S. Humphrey Graduate Student Award

  Faculty of Graduate Studies
  University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
  November 2005

• Fellowship Award

  Faculty of Graduate Studies
  University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
  September 2005

• Research Fellowship

  Miljöfonden
  Sveriges Civilingenjörsförbund, Stockholm, Sweden
  August 2004