My name is Crystal Wu. I was born in a city that is full of histories in China, Xi’an. It has served as the capital of Tang Dynasty for several hundreds of years. You may think that I would become a historian, but I sort of had my future all planned out when I was at the ignorant age. I wanted to be an engineer even when I had so little clue about the definition of the word engineer. However, I wanted to be just like my uncle who participated in building the longest bridge that across the Yangzi River in China, someone who can bring science on paper to real life and contribute to the society.

In year 2006, I graduated from the Chemical Engineering program at the University of Toronto with a firm thought that I want to dedicate my career to, biomaterial and waste treatment. And, here I am, studying about nano-composites, a delightful renovations in the biomaterial field.

Education

2008 - Present

Master of Science in Forestry, Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, Toronto ON

2001 - June 2006

Bachelor of Applied Science, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto ON

Working Experience

October 2007–Present

May-September 2006

Research Assistant, Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto

  • Investigate the physical properties of nano and flax fibers
  • Determined various end uses of pulp and paper mill sludge based on the success of wood fiber in many alternative biomaterial and energy field
  • Prepared and conducted the enzymatic hydrolysis of sludge, which is the prerequisite of producing the alternative energy source, ethanol
  • Investigated, analyzed and evaluated the potential of using the dried sludge to produce reinforced plastic composites
  • Conducted compounding and injection molding process to make wood-plastic composite testing specimens
  • Gained experience using various mechanical properties testing equipment, TGA, FTIR, HPLC, SEM, Microtome, Spray Dryer, and GC

December 2006–April 2007

May - August 2005

Junior Consultant, Hutchison Whampoa Property, China

  • Worked as a team with a senior consultant both in establishing the CTL (coal to liquid) project onto one of China’s finest mines in Yulin, Shaanxi Province and in marketing a sterilizing agent applicable to pharmaceutical and military sectors         
  • Reviewed and translated technical articles provided by Syntroleum and the inventor of the sterilizing agent for technical support
  • Traveled to several cities to conduct market research for the sterilizing agent
  • Articulated benefits of the products to client in formal meetings
  • Drafted cooperative protocols and participated in the negotiation to set the final agreement and to sustain long-term partnerships

July-October 2004

Office Assistant, Department of Fluorine Products
DuPont China, Beijing, China

  • Arranged a news conference addressing EPA concerns on waste releases in Teflon manufacturing
  • Presented at the Exhibition of Fire Control at China National Exhibition Center to promote products
  • Translated various technical articles related to fire extinguishers, refrigerants, Teflon and other fluorine-containing products
  • Processed mail, inventory and addressed incoming invoices
  • Developed interpersonal skills by assisting clients through telephone inquiries

May-August 2003

Lab Assistant, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences
Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.

  • Assisted the project in determining “ the effect of adenomas-mediated LCAT gene knockdown on the reverse transportation of cholesterol in hamster liver”
  • Conducted several biological, chemical and molecular experiments in regulated laboratory conditions under time constraints

Projects

September-
November 2005

The Conversion of Pulp Mill Waste Gases Into Formaldehyde
Pulp & Paper Center, University of Toronto

  • Worked as a design engineer as part of a team with 4 other students in a business format
  • Researched and investigated relevant literature to apply knowledge in developing a functioning process
  • Designed filters, reactors, absorbers and ion exchangers to fulfill project goals
  • Conducted cost analysis on implementation of this project in real pulp mills
  • Conducted a thorough safety analysis and HAZOP for the process
  • Wrote a formal report and presented the project to potential clients
  • Evaluated the design and illustrated that it is environmentally friendly compared to a rival plant and has a payback period of less than 2 years

January-April 2006

Environment Assessment of acrylonitrile, University of Toronto

  • Investigated on the substance which is considered problematic mainly to the groundwater system
  • Assessed the substance’s environmental fate in both open and close system using fugacity models

September-
November 2005

Beer Brewing Project, University of Toronto

  • Produced a batch of home-brewed beer to investigate the fermentation / separation process

Extra Curricular Activities

March-April 2005

Winner of the BioCar Initiative Logo Contest

2004 - 2006

Radio Hostess, Chinese Undergraduate Association at University of Toronto

March-April 2005

Toronto Institution of Bartending, Toronto

Interests

 

  • Interested in finance, interior and graphical design, and traditional Chinese medical science

  • Enjoys reading, cooking, hiking and other outdoor activities