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"Find what you are passionate about and then find like-minded professors. Don't be afraid to get creative in your work!"
Student Profile: David Aster
Mechatronic Systems Engineering PhD graduate in the Faculty of Applied Sciences
Originally from South Africa, I came to Canada with my family in 2002. Rugby and Hockey are my favourite sports and I also enjoy playing video games and coding in python. I have a poodle named Neo and a wife named Hilary. We currently live in the Bay Area in California where I am currently working as an Applications Engineer for energy materials for Zeiss Microscopy RMS. Feel free to find me on LinkedIn.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
SFU has a excellent reputation and coming from Ontario I was looking forward to living on the west coat. My decision was made simple however after meeting my supervisor Erik Kjeang and discussing the research proposal.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.
I use X-ray Microscopy to investigate fuel cell materials and understand the degradation mechanisms that occur and their role in performance change.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
The work! I love the creativity and knowledge sharing as well as the ability to investigate and pursue new experimental methods or analysis techniques.
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?
I was fortunate to be a recipient of Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral. This allowed me to focus fully on my research and make sure the quality was as high as possible.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS?
Find what you are passionate about and then find like-minded professors. Don't be afraid to get creative in your work!
Contact Robin: robinw@sfu.ca