Ali Shafiee – From Iran to Cape Breton: Visiting PhD Student
Ali Shafiee grew up in Shiraz, one of the largest and oldest cities in Iran. As a teen, he dreamed of a life in Canada, and now as a visiting PhD student at Cape Breton University, that dream has become a reality.
Ali had been studying analytical chemistry at Damghan University when he discovered the work of CBU researcher, Dr. Shine (Xu) Zhang. Serving as the Research Chair in Applied Nanotechnology, Dr. Zhang is an expert in exploiting nanotechnology for environmental and health applications, and Ali had referenced his papers and findings in his own research. Ali felt that Dr. Zhang would be the perfect mentor and reached out directly, requesting to visit CBU as a student researcher.
Dr. Zhang was thrilled about Ali鈥檚 ambition and was more than happy to say yes. Ali arrived in Cape Breton on September 26, 2018 and will be conducting research at CBU for one year. During this time, he will be working on sections of his PhD thesis, preparing it for defence when he returns to Damghan.
鈥淢y thesis focuses on determination of trace amounts of chemicals in various media, such as water,鈥� says Ali. 鈥淥ne of the most important applications of my research is to find new technologies for water purification.鈥�
Ali works with Dr. Zhang and his team of researchers across the and the CBU Chemistry department. He says having such high-tech equipment at his fingertips has been amazing and the diversity of the research team is an added bonus. 鈥淲orking with people from across the world is so enjoyable. Being in this great country while doing my part to make the world a better place is the highlight of my experience,鈥� says Ali.
If there鈥檚 one thing that has taken Ali by surprise, it鈥檚 the weather. 鈥淚n Iran, winter temperatures might drop to minus five,鈥� says Ali. 鈥淣ot minus twenty-five! Never!鈥� But he laughs it off, saying it鈥檚 all part of the adventure.
When he returns to Iran, Ali will defend his thesis in hopes of earning his PhD degree. Canada has stolen his heart, and he says he would be happy to come back as a post-doctoral researcher. Ali wants all of his friends back home to take a look at CBU and everything it can offer students and researchers. 鈥淐ome to CBU and use your knowledge and skills to change the world!鈥� He urges.
鈥淚 always say that being here is a gift from God. And I鈥檓 so thankful to Dr. Zhang for giving me this great opportunity,鈥� says Ali. 鈥淲orking under the supervision of one of the most respected and knowledgeable professors in the field, on cutting edge projects and high-tech equipment is what I鈥檝e wanted all my life.鈥�