Ana Giron

Research Assistant

London, Ontario, Canada

About

Chemical Engineer PhD candidate

Experience

  • Postdoctoral Scientist at Trojan Technologies
    Mar 2024 - Mar 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Investigated chemical interactions and degradation pathways in PVDF hollow fiber membranes under various cleaning conditions. • Conducted advanced analytical techniques (FTIR, SEM, FESEM, EDS) to assess surface morphology, chemical alterations, and fouling behavior. • Optimized cleaning and maintenance protocols to ensure material performance and process reproducibility. • Evaluated the performance of polymeric materials under aggressive chemical conditions, mirroring the challenges encountered in bioreactor systems and downstream purification for biologics. • Demonstrated rigorous problem-solving and experimental design to support process scalability and transfer. • Explored environmentally friendly alternatives for membrane cleaning, contributing to sustainability. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to translate lab-scale research into industrial-scale applications.

  • Western University (5 yrs 2 mos)
    • Research Assistant
      Sep 2018 - Oct 2023 · 5 yrs 2 mos

      • Designed and implemented advanced wastewater treatment systems for both from freshwater and seawater, for the removal of pollutants. • Cultivated a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and microalgae, to extract and characterize their bioactive byproducts such as biosurfactants. • Investigated the use of biosurfactant-based foam as an alternative for microplastic removal. • Extracted and purified biosurfactants using spectrometric analysis and quality control methods. • Carried out experiments to identify the parameters that influence the microplastic removal efficiency. • Analyzed effluent quality to meet regulatory requirements. • Participated in mentoring and training of students and colleagues. • Prepared detailed weekly reports for board meetings, summarizing key operational insights and achievements. • Ensured that meters, valves, chemical levels were maintained to regulate the process flow. • Leveraged AI systems to document and maintain process data, enhancing operational control.

    • Graduate Teaching Assistant
      Jan 2021 - Apr 2021 · 4 mos

      -Conducted tutorials for several chemical engineering courses at the undergraduate level -Graded assignments and reports -Proctored Exams

  • Scientific Researcher at KMW Energy Group
    Sep 2016 - May 2017 · 9 mos

    • Studied the effect of operational and non-operational parameters in steam biomass gasification using a novel Riser Simulator Reactor. • Optimized the process • Prepared and characterized the materials to load the reactor. • Carried out laboratory runs and process simulations • Prepared reports

  • Graduate Engineer Trainee at RECAT Technology
    Aug 2014 - Aug 2016 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    • Provided engineering consulting services for the companies' chemical sector. • Developed standard operating procedures for product testing using GC, HPLC, TOC and mass spectrometer. • Conducted mass and energy balance calculations for yield optimization of biomass systems for a reactor unit. • Analyzed thermal energy usage to help determine feasibility of CHP (combined heat and power) system for industrial greenhouses. • Assisted with trouble shooting of scale-up problems and developed solutions. • Worked on optimizing a thermal biomass gasification process and its application to electricity and fuel production. • Dried, weighed, and characterized biomass feedstocks to produce samples and small-scale batches for experimental trials. • Assisted with technology transfer from R&D batch scale to commercial facilities.

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant at Western University
    Oct 2014 - Nov 2015 · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Prepared engaging lectures of courses: Biological wastewater treatment and Reaction Engineering. • Graded fairly assignments and provided effective feedback to students.