Alberta Ingenuity & CMASTE
Career Connections: Oil Sands Research
Chemical and material engineers study the properties and characteristics of oil sand including
the extraction and upgrading of bitumen. Through research they test and apply new materials to
develop and improve technological processes that can benefit society. Laboratory work is used
to solve problems and evaluate materials for eventual use in commercial and industrial settings.
This activity uses a case study and career investigation processes to profile careers in
engineering. Dr. Steve Kuznicki is an engineering professor in the Department of Chemical and
Materials Engineering and a member of Imperial Oil- Alberta Ingenuity Center for Oil Sands
Innovation (COSI). Learn more about his career experience in engineering and the creative ways
engineers approach technological problems.
Part A: Case Study—Dr. Steve Kuznicki
Dr. Steve Kuznicki
Professor, Alberta Ingenuity Fund Scholar
Canada Research Chair in Molecular Sieve Nanomaterials
NSERC Industrial Research Chair in New Molecular Sieves
Background:
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Dr. Kuznicki is a professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the
University of Alberta. He is an Alberta Ingenuity Foundation Scholar in separation technology for
oil sands extraction and upgrading. With over twenty years of experience as a senior scientist and
manager, he is both an innovator and inventor credited with significant discoveries in
nanotechnology and over sixty patents.
Beginning his work in the separation of air into oxygen and nitrogen, his discoveries have
revolutionized air separation technologies. Understanding how molecules can be sorted by size
through the use of natural and man-made crystal structures has been fundamental to his research.
New discoveries in molecular sieve synthesis have placed Dr. Kuznicki at the forefront of scientific
initiatives related to the development of: catalysts, water purification separation agents, ceramic
membranes, semi-conductors, and the use of nanoporous materials.
An Interview with Dr. Kuznicki
Describe your current position and the work you are doing at the University of Alberta?
I define engineering as the transformation of science into useful things. My job, or at least how I
see my job, is to get young people enthusiastic about inventing things. I led a research and
development team of twenty two doctoral students, master’s students, undergraduate students,
laboratory technicians with both writing and admin assistants. On occasion, I also include high
school students for projects during the summer.
What inspired you to pursue a career in chemical and materials engineering?
I think of myself as more of an inventor than as a scientist or engineer. My work is in the area of
applied inventions. For me, curiosities are wonderful, but they must be transformed into something
useful. From the age of fifteen, I looked at different professions that I thought could contribute to
the world. For me, there were at least two that fit my own personality. One was being an inventor,
and another was being an entrepreneur.
Many teachers inspired me along the way, and the most important was a professor by the name of
Henry Eyring. This gentleman was very inspirational to me because of his simplicity. I am
currently writing an introduction to the story of his life and this quote really summarizes how he
inspired me.
“The lesson of Henry Eyring’s life is that simple people, people just like you and me can
change the world. You do it every day, even without recognizing it. You have the potential to
change the world much more if only you can understand the gifts you have been given”.
Can you describe your career path?
Coming out of school (B.Sc. in Chemistry with highest distinction from Worcester Polytechnical
Institute), I started my career with a company called Air Products working with hydrogen,
helium and most especially oxygen and nitrogen. I worked there for five years developing better
ways to separate air. I then accepted a position with a company called Engelhart (New Jersey)
where I worked for eighteen years on water purification (removal of lead), the removal of
nitrogen from natural gas, and the invention of different ways to put crystals together (molecular
sieves).
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Today, my research work is being used to crack heavy oil into conventional oil. These mineral
molecular sieves are being mixed with oil sand, heated and are breaking up large hydrocarbons
(asphaltenes) while also pulling out a lot of the contaminates (such as sulphur and heavy metals).
The resultant oil resembles traditional oil and there is the potential for the development of a
waterless upgrading process.
What are your roles and responsibilities?
I teach and guide students in the field of chemical and materials engineering and conduct a
research team. My job is to take these young people and teach them to think and work in more
professional ways. I direct and supervise the quality of their technical work so that it may be
judged as professional and worthy of publication. Finally, I assist students in developing
promising engineering careers by introducing them to potential areas of study and employers.
Describe your research and why it is important.
We’re working on cracking heavy oils using inexpensive mineral molecular sieves. These
minerals interact with the bitumen in oil sands and work as catalysts and absorbents. Under the
right circumstances, they can transform bitumen into something that looks like and acts like oil.
One of the major advantages of the process is that it doesn’t take enormous amounts of water.
Molecular sieves have uniform holes or pores, they are crystals. Depending on the size, some
molecules can pass through while others cannot. Applications of this technology include
hydrocarbon purification, nano-metal ensembles for use as antimicrobials and absorbents, and
hydrogen purification.
Our research is in nanotechnology. The holes in molecular sieves are anywhere from .25 nm to
1.5 nm while the pores in the metal ensembles range from 1 to 20 nm. These technologies
(titanium silicate crystals) have been used to separate nitrogen and carbon dioxide from methane.
What are some of the challenges you have encountered in your research?
You must be willing to take risks! A few successes make up for a huge number of failures. If
you’re afraid to fail, you almost can’t succeed. My point is, I have never seen somebody let go
from a company for trying something new and failing. The most valuable qualities you have are
your time and energy and you must not waste either one. Everyone has the ability to contribute
something new and unique to the world. Teamwork is important, but the people who get things
done are the people that just won’t stop, the people who decide they are going to make
something happen.
What recommendations would you have for high school students wishing to pursue a
similar career?
I would recommend that they do something interesting to them and don’t let anybody tell you
that you can’t do it. I don’t just mean your teachers, I don’t just mean your parents, I don’t just
mean your friends. I mean, don’t even let your first boss tell you that you can’t do it. People are
of roughly similar abilities. The people who contribute are the people who just won’t stop
trying. Some students will make marvellous lawyers, scientists, engineers, carpenters, and some
of them homemakers. Without any one of those the world just doesn’t move ahead. We’re all
here for a reason, don't waste it. The most destructive thing I see in people is fear, and it’s a
normal, natural thing. But if you let fear stop you from doing what you believe in, then you’ve
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lost. It’s not how people handle success, it’s how they handle failure that will determine how
ultimately successful they are.
If you want to be an A student, read one chapter ahead. The students who look brilliant, the
students who know all the answers, are those who are one chapter ahead of what they have been
assigned in any field.
If you are in high school and you want a career in science or engineering, take more math than
you are required to (Math 31). It becomes the basis for so many things later on. You may also
consider taking a second language.
My career has been about invention; and invention is looking at something differently and being
able to come to different conclusions. Computer courses are important but I consider them as
being supportive.
Team work is important, so people need to get along. Every person believes that what they are
doing is valuable and that they have the ability to set directions for the work they are pursuing.
We must have an environment where when one person succeeds, we all succeed.
Extensions:
Additional information on the faculty of engineering at the U of A can be found at:
www.engineering.ualberta.ca/index.cfm
Additional information on Dr. Steve Kuznicki and the Imperial Oil-Alberta Ingenuity
Center for oil sands innovation can be found at:
www.engineering.ualberta.ca/cosi.cfm
Questions:
1. Create a list of high-school subjects that are of interest to you. Compare this list to what
you have learned in the case study and describe the similarities and/or differences.
2. Oil sands research in chemical and materials engineering is both rewarding and
challenging. Summarize Dr. Kuznicki’s experience and create a list of three or more
research topics that are of interest to you.
3. Describe what you have learned about a career in engineering. What additional
information would be useful in helping you decide on a career in engineering?
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Part B: Investigating Engineering Careers Using the
Alberta Learning Information System (ALIS)
The Alberta Learning Information System (ALIS) website provides occupational profiles that
describe the duties, personal characteristics and educational requirements for students pursuing
careers. Complete the career investigation activity and submit it to your teacher for assessment.
Share these findings with parents, career counsellor, teachers and school administrators as part of
a post secondary planning program.
Use the ALIS website and links within to conduct a career investigation and complete the
questions for this exercise.
Procedure:
Go to: www.alis.alberta.ca
Click on: Career Explorers
View the career information and services that are available on this webpage.
Click on: View Occupational Information under the title Exploring Occupations
Read this webpage and click on: Occupational Profiles (OCC info)
Occupational Profiles may be searched by title, interest, subject or industry.
For the purposes of this activity, a search by title for a Materials/ Metallurgical Engineer or an
Engineering Physicist would best fit the occupational profile of Dr. Steve Kuznicki. This
assignment is not restricted to these two profiles.
Students may scroll down to the section: Related Occupational Profiles, to select additional
profiles for this assignment. These may include:
Mining Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Agricultural Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Once an occupational profile has been selected, complete the following questions:
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Exercise
1. List the name of the Occupational Profile you have selected.
2. Describe the duties and working conditions related to this occupation.
3. List the personal characteristics of people who work in this area and place a checkmark
beside the areas that are similar to your own personal characteristics.
4. Describe the educational requirements and list the high-school courses needed for syudy
in this occupation.
5. Identify post secondary institutions that you may attend and give any other requirements
for individuals in this occupation.
6. List the related high-school subjects that would be of interest to students pursuing a
career in this occupation.
7. Describe the opportunities for employment and advancement in this occupation and list
the industries that provide work for this occupational classification.
8. Summary Paragraph (1 Page). Describe what you have learned about careers in
engineering. Do you see yourself becoming an engineer or working in a related field? Is
this career path right for you? (Remember to share this activity with parents, career
counsellors, teachers and school administrators as part of a post secondary planning
program.)
Assessment Rubric
0 – 40%
Assignment
incomplete with brief
responses and few
explanations
40 – 60%
Assignment
somewhat incomplete;
responses and
explanations are
provided with few
details
60 – 80%
Assignment is
complete with
detailed responses and
explanations
80 – 100%
Assignment is
complete with
excellent responses,
explanations and a
well written summary
paragraph
Extensions:
Additional information may be obtained on occupations by using the ALIS website to:
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View occupational videos
View wages and salaries (WAGE info)
Find certification and registration information (CERT info)
Find additional education programs (ED info)
Conduct online job searches
Get help with your resume
Apply for student loans, scholarships, and bursaries
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