The Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) proudly represents over 6,000 members all over Canada. All its members come from one of two societies, the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC), and the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineers (CSChE). The CIC is proud to highlight Paula Andrea Rivera Quintero, a member of CSChE. We sat down with Rivera to learn about her involvement in the upcoming CSChE 2025 conference and her work in catalysis and reaction engineering.
CIC: Can you tell us about your research and your PhD specialization?
Paula Andrea Rivera Quintero (P.R.): I am in the fourth year of my PhD in Chemical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal specializing in catalysis and reaction engineering under the supervision of Professor Gregory Patience.
My research is on biomass conversion, focusing on the catalytic conversion of lactose to lactic acid in a fluidized bed reactor. This process has important industrial applications, especially in the production of biodegradable plastics. By optimizing reaction conditions and catalyst design, my goal is to develop an efficient and scalable process that reduces waste from the dairy industry.
My work involves working full-time on experimental analysis in the lab and with techno-economic assessments for industrial partners, helping to bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications. I am passionate about sustainable chemical processes and am excited to contribute to the development of greener technologies that fit the needs of industry.
CIC: That is super interesting. How did you first learn about the Chemical Institute of Canada?
P.R.: I was introduced to the Chemical Institute of Canada and the CSChE conference through the research group I belong to. As a graduate student, I was looking for opportunities to network with the broader Canadian scientific community. My professor and colleagues highly recommended the CIC as a platform for networking, professional growth and knowledge sharing.
When I started attending conferences, I saw firsthand the impact CIC, as well as The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering has in fostering collaboration and innovation in the field where I am. Being part of this community has allowed me to connect with researchers, industry professionals and fellow students, which has been invaluable to my academic and professional development.
CIC: With the CSChE conference coming to Montreal in October, why did you choose to get involved?
P.R: The CSChE conference is one of the most important gatherings for chemical engineers in Canada. Since it is being held in Montreal this year, I saw a great opportunity to contribute to an event that brings together researchers, professionals, and students from diverse backgrounds.
Being based in Montreal gives me an advantage, as I can actively support the organization and logistics in a meaningful way. I previously participated as a speaker at CSChE, and it was a wonderful experience. This year, I wanted to go a step further by contributing to the organizational efforts and helping to create a dynamic and welcoming environment for attendees.
CIC: What is your role Co-Chair of the CSChE Conference Volunteer Program? How will you approach recruiting volunteers?
P.R.: As Co-Chair of the CSChE Conference Volunteer Program, I work alongside Dr. Truong Nguyen to organize and manage a team of volunteers to ensure that the event runs smoothly. This involves assigning tasks, coordinating schedules, and supporting both attendees and speakers.
My approach to recruitment focuses on outreach and engagement, connecting with students eager to gain experience in event coordination and networking. There is also a possibility that many volunteers will be bilingual since we have a French-speaking community here.
CIC: What does it mean to you, to be a part of the CIC community, as well a volunteer at the CSChE conference in Montreal?
P.R.: Being part of the CIC community represents an incredible opportunity for professional and personal growth. It allows me to engage with like-minded individuals who are passionate about advancing chemical sciences and engineering. Volunteering at the CSChE conference in Montreal is especially meaningful because it allows me to give back to the community that has supported my academic journey.
Volunteering is about serving others—using my skills and leadership to contribute to something meaningful while continuing to learn. Through this role, I hope to foster connections between students, researchers, and industry leaders, creating a collaborative environment where ideas and innovation can thrive.
Personally, I enjoy volunteering in scientific divulgation, it’s something I have been passionate about since 2016, first in Colombia and now in Canada, for both children and adults.
CIC: What are you most looking forward to at the conferences?
P.R.: I am most looking forward to the plenary talks, as they offer fresh perspectives and cutting-edge research that can spark new ideas while keeping me up to date with the latest advancements. As a student preparing to graduate, I am also eager to connect with researchers and professionals, especially through networking sessions that could open doors to future career opportunities.
One of the highlights of CSChE is its dedicated program for undergraduate students, such as the Plant Design Competition and the Hackathon. These are unique spaces where young talents showcase their skills, and as a teaching assistant for the Process Design course, I take great pride in seeing students actively participate.
Overall, I look forward to expanding my knowledge, sharing the research, and exploring industrial processes that align with my professional aspirations.
***
To learn more about how to register for CSChE 2025 in Montreal, click here.