The strength of the Canadian chemical engineering community lies in its people—innovators who turn complex science into practical solutions that shape our industries and environment. The 2025 CSChE Award winners exemplify this spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. This year’s honourees, Dr. Hongbo Zeng, Dr. Masoud Haeri Nejad, and Dr. Sohrab Zendehboudi, are celebrated for impactful research that connects molecular insights, system-level modelling, and advanced technologies to real-world applications that drive sustainability and industrial performance.
Dr. Hongbo Zeng: Advancing Interfacial Science for a Sustainable Future
Recipient of the John R. Grace Award, Dr. Hongbo Zeng’s work connects the fundamental science of how molecules and surfaces interact with large-scale industrial applications. His research group has developed new methods to measure and control the forces between particles, droplets, and bubbles in complex fluids shedding light on how materials stick, spread, or resist fouling. These insights have helped industries design more effective chemical solutions, including demulsifiers, flocculants, and antifoulants used in oil production, mineral processing, and wastewater treatment. By linking molecular understanding to process engineering, Dr. Zeng’s work has advanced cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable industrial technologies. “The award underscores how fundamental science drives engineering innovation,” Dr. Zeng said. “By connecting molecular insights with real-world technologies, we can build more sustainable processes that truly reflect the spirit of the John R. Grace Award.”
Dr. Masoud Haeri Nejad: Molecular Simulations with Real-World Impact
Dr. Masoud Haeri Nejad, recipient of the Best Graduate Student Paper Award, was recognized for his article published in the Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering (CJCE)—the first part of his Ph.D. research. His study presented a molecular simulation of adsorption isotherms for two inhalation anesthetic agents on a metal–organic framework (MOF) structure, an especially complex system to model. Remarkably, his simulations closely matched experimental data, offering new insights into adsorption mechanisms at the molecular scale. “This recognition means a great deal to me,” Dr. Haeri Nejad said. “It has opened doors for collaboration and allowed me to share my research with a wider community.” Recognizing the Impact of Canadian Chemical Engineers.
Dr. Sohrab Zendehboudi: Leading Research and Critical Sustainability in Process Systems Engineering
At the 2025 CSChE Conference held in Montreal, Dr. Sohrab Zendehboudi was awarded the prestigious D.G. Fisher Award, recognizing excellence in systems and control engineering. His work represents a remarkable journey through the world of advanced Process Systems Engineering.
Dr. Zendehboudi’s research focuses on multiscale modeling, optimization, control, and risk analysis to address critical challenges in energy and environmental sustainability. His team has developed innovative frameworks for hydrogen production, carbon management, water and wastewater treatment, and process intensification—solutions that bridge theoretical advances with industrial needs.
With more than 300 publications and over $10 million in research funding, he has led multidisciplinary teams that integrate modeling and experimentation to design efficient, safe, and sustainable process systems. His contributions embody the spirit of the D.G. Fisher Award, celebrating technical leadership and transformative innovation in systems and control engineering.
Recognizing the Impact of Canadian Chemical Engineers
Collectively, the 2025 CSChE Award recipients reflect the society’s mission to advance chemical engineering through curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability. From molecular-scale insights to system-level frameworks, their work demonstrates how Canadian researchers are developing cleaner, more efficient processes that reduce environmental impact and support responsible resource development.
The CSChE Awards program celebrates such achievements each year, shining a spotlight on individuals whose innovations continue to elevate chemical engineering research, practice, and education across Canada and beyond.