Reem Shomal

A motivated and self-oriented PhD candidate with wide experience in transferring innovative technologies from the laboratory to industry, bridging research and real-world applications to create practical, scalable engineering solutions.

1- PhD Graduate Fellowship, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University (2022–2026)

2- Full Tuition Grant (≈ CAD 80,000), Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) Joint Research Program in partnership with UAE University

3- Full Tuition Waiver (≈ CAD 150,000), BSc in Chemical Engineering, UAE University

4- Spring 2017, 2nd Place, Happ’Eat Competition, College of Food and Agriculture, UAE University

5- Fall 2016, 3rd Place, Poster Competition, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Open Day, UAE University

6- Fall 2016, 5th Place (among 60 teams), Challenge for Innovation Competition, Science and Innovation Park, UAE University

7- Fall 2016, 1st Place (among 20 teams), Innovation and Creativity Competition, UAE University

[1] Shomal, R., and Zheng, Y. (2024) MOF-derived Ni/C catalyst for guaiacol hydrodeoxygenation using a hydrogen buffer catalytic system at mild reaction conditions.Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference (CCEC). Toronto, Canada.  (Oral presentation – National conference). (PhD work).

[2] Shomal, R., and Zheng, Y. (2024) Harnessing waste for the future: Upgrading bio-oil into sustainable fuel. Western University Inspiring Minds Students Showcase. London, Canada. (PhD work).

[3] Shomal, R., and Al-Zuhair, S. (2019) Simultaneous extraction–reaction process for biodiesel production from microalgae. 5th Annual Undergraduate Student Research Conference, UAE University. United Arab Emirates. (Oral presentation – Domestic conference). (B.Sc. work).

• My expertise spans heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis, photocatalysis, wastewater treatment, biofuel production and biomass upgrading. As one of the few researchers in the field with this broad skillset. I have developed advanced skills in biochemical and chemical analyses, enabling me to evaluate complex processes, close kinetic, thermodynamic, and heat balances, and generate robust data for mathematical modelling of catalytic systems. My technical expertise spans a wide range of advanced characterization and analytical techniques, which I apply to establish direct links between catalyst structure and performance. Beyond bench-scale work, I was the first to develop a diffusion–reaction model for biocatalysts in biodiesel production, providing a framework for scale-up, later adopted as a teaching tool at UAE University, and supported by Aspen HYSYS plant-scale design studies. In my PhD, I developed a bifunctional catalytic system that enabled bio-oil upgrading under mild aqueous conditions, directly supports Canada’s clean energy strategy by providing a scalable pathway to produce clean fuels from lignocellulosic biomass, leveraging abundant nickel as a critical catalyst material. In parallel, I designed and operated thermal, photocatalytic, plasma, and electrochemical reactors, while supervising Meng students, maintaining equipment, and training peers in reactor design and process.