Smit Patel
Toronto,Canada
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
01.2023 - 07.2025
- Performed thesis research on austenite decomposition of X70 pipeline steel in collaboration with Interpro Pipe & Steel, applying principles of process optimization, quality evaluation, and energy sector standards.
- Developed testing procedures and designed 20+ thermo-mechanical simulations to study the effect of process parameters (TMCP manufacturing) and chemistry on the microstructure evaluation of HSLA steels.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams (industry partners, supervisors, machine shop, and researchers) to prioritize and schedule experiments, design test plans, and manage shared resources (samples, equipment, reusables), ensuring alignment with project requirements and objectives.
- Interpreted complex technical data from metallography, optical microscopy, hardness testing and SEM/EBSD to identify trends and continuously improve structure-property correlations (R² = 0.85).
- Solved quantification problem in SEM-EBSD datasets by building a MATLAB-based data processing algorithm focusing on unindexed pixels, later adopted by the broader UBC group to improve accuracy.
- Implemented an ageing-test-based strategy for modeling niobium precipitation in Steckel mill processing, reducing reliance on physical trial-and-error and eliminating waste in the evaluation process.
- Developed and validated protocols for high temperature ageing testing to enhance efficiency and safety.
- Performed root cause investigations on deviations in mechanical properties between thermal paths, identifying microalloy behavior (solute vs precipitate) as primary contributors to inconsistent hardenability.
- Assessed pipeline integrity through Charpy-impact testing and welding simulations for industry partners.
- Delivered 5+ technical reports and presentations to industrial sponsors, and funding agencies, showcasing professionalism, strong analytical and communication abilities.
- Took initiative in troubleshooting and implementing corrective actions for recommissioning a hot torsion simulator, collaborating with research engineer to redesign sample geometry and restore functionality.
Intern
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Bangalore, India
12.2021 - 01.2022
- Optimized heat-treatment parameters (tempering time, temperature, quench medium) to enhance mechanical performance of 30NCD steel alloy for defence sector, and analyzed results using Minitab.
- Gained hands-on experience across multiple departments, including sourcing materials, vendor and contract management, and technical operations in heat treatment, forging, foundry and quality control (QA/QC).
Education
Master of Applied Science - MATERIALS ENGINEERING
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada07.2025
Bachelor of Technology - MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
Indian Institute of Technology
Gandhinagar, India05.2022
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- ImageJ
- ABAQUS
- AutoCAD
- Python
- MATLAB
- Compliance with scientific standards
- Equipment calibration & maintenance
- Data analysis
- Technical reporting
Projects
Simulation of welding between dissimilar metals, UBC, 2023, Led a team project simulating stress distribution in carbon steel-stainless steel joints using finite element tools (FEA), Simufact welding and SolidWorks., Proposed optimized parameters and PWHT to reduce residual stress.
Scholastic Achievements
- Presented research findings at the MS&T International Conference.
- Runner up among 143 entries in the International Sci Art competition held by INYAS 2021.
- Completed WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training at UBC.
- Registered as Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with EGBC.
- Lean Six Sigma: White belt.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
The University of British Columbia
01.2023 - 07.2025
Intern
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
12.2021 - 01.2022
Master of Applied Science - MATERIALS ENGINEERING
The University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Technology - MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
Indian Institute of Technology