Dan Kahn is an international student who has been participating in the Work Learn program for over a year and a half. His position has involved researching, building, and testing a biodiesel fuel production system.

Dan created his own Work Learn job with the help of Naoko Ellis (Associate Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering).

Major and Year: 5th year, Mechanical Engineering major (Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science)

Current Position: Undergraduate researcher

What attracted you to the Work Learn program?

Originally, I received a $5000 grant from the AMS to work on a biodiesel production product: a pilot-scale reactor.

As an international student, I wasn’t eligible for NSERC funding. Instead, I approached Professor Naoko Ellis to create a Work Learn position to get paid while working on my research.

I have received a lot of support from the Work Learn program – they’ve been able to answer my questions about everything from Social Insurance Numbers to tax filing and more.

Tell us about your position. What are your duties and responsibilities?

During the first year of the project, I spent time designing the reactor, sourcing the parts, and connecting with suppliers.

Now that the reactor is online, I’ve been collecting waste vegetable oil from UBC Food Services and converting it into transport fuel. I am now doing quality testing and research to make higher-quality fuel through purification of our product.

Naoko has really taken me under her wing. I have more responsibilities and a higher level of decision-making than I would have working in a business setting.

What have you gotten out of your Work Learn position?

Firstly, my Work Learn position has allowed me to gain work experience while I have been in school. I have  had the opportunity to use unique analytical lab equipment that wouldn’t have been part of my studies.

The position has also allowed me to work with grad students. I’ve been able to benefit from their knowledge and increase my own. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on research papers with Naoko and grad students.

How does your Work Learn position fit into your future career plans?

My goal has always been to work on sustainable and renewable energy projects. Now, I have a foot in the door for doing research if I choose to pursue that path.

Thanks to Naoko, I have a higher level of decision-making skills than I would have acquired through classes. I’ve also received encouragement to continue my studies.

This summer, Dan will be working on another renewable energy project. He is joining Naaem Mawji, a “International Leader of Tomorrow” scholar, to work on a solar-energy project in Tanzania. Learn more about the solar-energy project.

Interested in creating your own Work Learn or Work Study position for the summer? Check out the Work Study/Work Learn website.