The PhD Journey: IBET Fellow, Ani Memuduaghan, embracing new perspectives at TMU.
It’s true – pursuing graduate studies in engineering can be demanding. However, Ani Memuduaghan would tell you that keeping an open mind and welcoming different perspectives can make the journey easier – and more fun. Memuduaghan holds multiple degrees and certifications, including a Master’s and PhD in the field of petroleum geochemistry, and has extensive energy and mining sector experience.
Most recently, Memuduaghan began a new PhD in Environmental Engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), and as she finishes her second semester, we recap the many highs of her graduate experience so far:
Gaining a network of support from the Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) Fellowship
Memuduaghan received the IBET Fellowship through TMU in 2024, which provides financial and mentorship support throughout her four years of PhD study. To kick off her fellowship, Memuduaghan attended the IBET PhD Project’s national conference, where she connected with Fellows, researchers, and leading lecturers from across Canada. IBET Fellows are also paired with a dedicated mentor; for Memuduaghan, learning from others with different perspectives is key to great research, and in her mentor, she’s already found a great motivator.
“At the IBET conference, I talked with lecturers from different fields about their research interests, my research, and some challenges. It was a very beautiful experience, getting immediate feedback that can help me go to the next level.”
Making new connections at leading water research conferences.
A month before starting her PhD program, Memuduaghan received a call from her main supervisor, Professor Rania Hamza, inviting her to the renowned 2024 International Water Association’s World Water Congress hosted at TMU. A few months later, Memuduaghan had another opportunity, helping to coordinate the 60th Central Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research, chaired by Hamza. She also took part in technical sessions and presented a Three-Minute Thesis, taking home second place. It’s these types of experiences that help Memuduaghan learn from other disciplines and find new collaborators.
Ani Memuduaghan’s graduate studies was off to a strong start, as she volunteered at the World Water Congress, alongside her main PhD supervisor, fellow students, and Urban Water TMU team members.
Memuduaghan received second place in the Three-Minute Thesis presentations at the 60th Central Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research.
Inspiring high schoolers to rethink waste and their impact on the environment.
Memuduaghan’s research is focused on removing harmful PFAS from the environment. Through one of her PhD courses, Memuduaghan worked with colleagues to educate high school students about the environmental impact of fast fashion. Students were encouraged to rethink how they buy, donate, and reuse clothes. The TMU team helped students transform old clothes and fabrics into new creations that could be sold, making concepts like the circular economy approachable. These outreach activities let Memuduaghan share her insights and combine engineering with another of her passions, fashion design and tailoring.
Memuduaghan and her PhD peers ran a workshop with a local high school, showing students how they could transform old clothes into new creations for sale.
As for what’s next in Memuduaghan’s graduate studies journey, she’s eager to set up her experiments and advance her research into PFAS removal, working alongside supervisors Hamza and Professor Bryan Koivisto, from the Faculty of Science. When the work gets challenging, she shares that balance is key. Memuduaghan finds sketching a new fashion design and singing in a choir help energize her work, letting her tap into the creativity that leads to innovation.
Learn more about the IBET Fellowship and apply today. Applications are open until June 30th, 2025.
Learn more about pursuing a master’s or PhD degree at the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at TMU.