Materials science and additive manufacturing are advancing rapidly, offering new possibilities for innovation and sustainability. This sector focuses on discovering and manipulating materials to solve compound challenges, particularly in creating eco-friendly solutions that address pressing environmental concerns. As industries worldwide seek to incorporate more sustainable practices, the integration of innovative manufacturing techniques and novel materials is becoming increasingly important in achieving long-term goals for efficiency and environmental impact.
With a profound commitment to advancing both materials science and additive manufacturing, Ramona Fayazfar, Professor and ECAM (Eco-Friendly Circular Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing) Lab Director, has cultivated a reputation for inspiring and leading teams toward groundbreaking achievements. Her approach is characterized by a blend of curiosity, collaboration and a focus on integrating sustainability into every aspect of her work. Her leadership is marked by an ability to motivate others, foster innovation and drive quick progress in the field.
ECAM at Ontario Tech highlights pioneering research and practical applications that push the boundaries of what materials science and additive manufacturing can achieve. Its initiatives to develop novel circular materials and sustainable manufacturing processes reflect the university’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. This focus underscores the institution’s role in shaping a future where technology and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Let’s explore how Ramona’s groundbreaking research is redefining the future of sustainable materials and additive manufacturing:
Journey in Materials Science and Additive Manufacturing
From an early age, Ramona was captivated by the intricate balance of the universe, where everything is composed of matter and energy. This fascination naturally led her to materials science and engineering, a field where the discovery and manipulation of materials hold the potential to unlock countless innovations. Ramona shares, “Earth is a treasure trove of materials that have evolved over millions of years.” “I am deeply inspired by the untapped potential of natural materials and the possibilities they present for sustainable development,” she added.
Ramona’s desire to uncover new materials inspired by nature and harness their properties to address sustainability and resource efficiency challenges drove her in this field. Before joining Ontario Tech University, Ramona had worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Multiscale Additive Manufacturing Research Institute at the University of Waterloo, the largest metal additive manufacturing academic facility in Canada and one of the most comprehensive facilities of its kind in the world. It allowed her to grow as a researcher and solidified her commitment to advancing the field of additive manufacturing. Ramona combined her materials science expertise with the latest advancements in additive manufacturing to bridge the gap between these two dynamic fields. This passion led her to Ontario Tech University, where she now works as a professor, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what materials science and additive manufacturing can achieve together.
Vision for Circular Economy and Advanced Materials
Ramona, as the director of the Eco-friendly Circular Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing (ECAM) lab, is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of how eco-friendly materials and advanced manufacturing can fuel a greener healthier planet and address critical energy challenges across industries from the built environment to life-saving medical advancements.
She leads and inspires a team of dedicated researchers, engineers and innovators who share a common vision—to imagine a future where waste becomes the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous world. Ramona shares, “We are not just focused on creating materials—we are focused on redefining the very concept of materials in a circular economy.”
Ramona’s mission at ECAM is to develop novel sustainable and circular materials, alongside circular manufacturing processes, that directly address the acute challenges in supply chains and the growing environmental concerns the world is facing today. Ramona believes, “The future of manufacturing lies in the seamless integration of material science with advanced additive manufacturing techniques.”
Through cutting-edge research and sustainable practices, ECAM leverages sustainable additive manufacturing to transform waste, recycled, and bio-based resources into high-performance, circular, low carbon or carbon-negative materials and products. Recognizing the importance of sustainable living practices to mitigate environmental harm and tackle global challenges like climate change, one of the main research themes in ECAM is ‘Bio Augmentation of Circular Materials from Waste and Recycled Resources’. By offering this resource, ECAM aims to bridge the gap between research and industry, facilitating the transfer of innovative knowledge to real-world applications.
At ECAM, Ramona and her team inspire world where waste is not wasted but reimagined, reprocessed, reused, recycled, and remanufactured. One of the leading applications they aim is low carbon materials development toward a healthier greener build environment. Imagine affordable sustainable homes help cleaning up our oceans. With innovative process and developing carbon negative materials formulations using ocean waste. ECAM envision reducing pollution while creating eco-friendly homes. “Whether it’s in construction, aerospace, automotive, or consumer goods, the materials we develop at ECAM are designed with the planet in mind. If your dream house looks like of ocean waste, you are a visionary!” Ramona quoted.
Empowering Innovation Through Visionary Leadership
Ramona’s leadership is rooted in a vision-driven, collaborative approach that empowers every member of her team to contribute their unique expertise and creativity toward our shared goals. “I believe in leading by example, setting clear and ambitious goals, and fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration are not just encouraged,” she states.
Ramona cultivates a culture of curiosity and open-mindedness. She encourages her team to challenge conventional thinking, explore innovative ideas and take calculated risks. This mindset is essential in a research center to constantly push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable and circular materials and additive manufacturing. Ramona believes, “True innovation arises when people are given the freedom to experiment, coupled with the guidance to turn their insights into actionable outcomes.”
Collaboration is another cornerstone of her leadership. To foster collaboration, Ramona places a strong emphasis on communication and mentorship. She makes it a priority to maintain an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, challenges and successes. She also mentors young researchers and engineers, helping them develop their skills and guiding them toward their professional goals.
Ramona actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, knowing that the most groundbreaking advancements often emerge at the intersection of different fields. Thus, Ramona ensures that her team break down silos and work together toward their common mission.
ECAM’s collaborative efforts have led to significant advancements in low-carbon, carbon-negative, and eco-friendly materials, driving them closer to their vision of a sustainable and circular future. Ramona feels, “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I am committed to continuing to lead in a way that inspires innovation and fosters collaboration.”
Integrating Multidisciplinary Innovation with Sustainable Development
At ECAM, research is inherently interdisciplinary, encompassing key areas such as Additive Manufacturing, Bio Augmentation of Circular and Low-Carbon Materials, Cost-effective Additive Manufacturing of Metals using eco-friendly resources and recycled metal powders, Sustainable 3D printed Nanocomposite Materials for Sensors and Wearables to detect Cancer, along with ‘Post-Processing and Surface Qualification of 3D Printed Parts- Simple and Complex Geometries.ECAM aligns with current trends by focusing on creating materials that are not only high-performing but also sustainable and recyclable. It leverages advanced additive manufacturing techniques to push the boundaries of sustainable development, ensuring innovative contribution to the environment rather than depleting it.
At a personal level, Ramona employs a multifaceted approach to stay current with the latest developments and trends. She reads several top-tier journals, magazines and news sources to receive daily updates on the newest research, technological breakthroughs and industry trends. Ramona attends well-known and impactful conferences, webinars and workshops which offer invaluable opportunities to learn from leading experts, engage with transformative research and network with peers from around the world.
Balancing Passion and Purpose
Ramona feels managing the roles of a professor, lab director and researcher is not easy. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes that requires constant attention, dedication and resilience. Ramona shares, “When your work aligns with your passion and purpose, it doesn’t feel like work at all.” As the saying goes, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Ramona shares, “For me, this isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.”
She is passionate about the research she is doing with her team at ECAM. This passion fuels her and makes it possible to manage her various responsibilities with energy and enthusiasm. Ramona shares, “It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in what I do, whether I’m guiding students, leading research projects, or pushing the boundaries of innovation in the lab.”
Work and life are not separate entities for her; they are intertwined. Ramona shares, “I enjoy what I do so much that it feels like a natural extension of who I am.” It’s about living a life that is full of purpose and joy, where work and life seamlessly blend into a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Commitment to Mentorship and Empowerment
Ramona feels mentoring students and young researchers is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role, and she approaches it with a deep commitment to fostering an environment of respect, encouragement and growth. She believes that truly valuing and respecting the efforts of young researchers is fundamental to their success. When students feel that they are listened to and understood, they are more likely to exceed their own expectations and unlock their full potential.
She emphasizes the importance of discipline, passion and commitment, which will aid them to stay focused and motivated to achieve their goal. Ramona encourages them to view their experiences as valuable learning opportunities, even when faced with setbacks. By fostering a mindset where they see every effort as a step towards mastery, she helps them build resilience and confidence in their abilities.
Ramona’s goal is to inspire and empower the next generation of researchers by instilling in them the values of hard work, passion and a positive outlook on their journey. When they feel supported and believed in, they are more likely to reach new heights and make meaningful contributions to their field.
Advancing Sustainability Through Innovative Material Solutions
Ramona’s research at ECAM is poised to make a significant impact on the broader industry by advancing sustainability and circular economy principles through progressive material science and additive manufacturing. One of the key challenges in the industry is the shortage of available materials for additive manufacturing, which hinders its broad adoption. To address this, ECAM offers a wider range of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. ECAM’s innovative materials and methodologies are crafted with energy efficiency and environmental health in mind, designed to support a world where both production and energy usage uphold the planet’s welfare. To this end, through cutting-edge research and sustainable practices, ECAM leverages sustainable additive manufacturing to transform waste, recycled, renewable, and bio-based resources into high-performance, low-carbon, or carbon-negative materials and products.
A Guide to Pioneering in Science and Technology
Ramona’s advice to aspiring researchers and engineers is to embrace the belief that we are all part of a collaborative effort to drive meaningful change. She shares, “Don’t let feelings of isolation deter you; instead, seek out collaboration and build strong networks within the field.”
Focus on the fundamentals of discipline, hard work and passion, which is crucial for making a significant impact. Ramona emphasizes, “Believe in what you are doing, as this conviction will not only drive your success but also contribute positively to the broader community.”
Ramona asserts, “Your innovative ideas and diligent work can help advance the state of materials science and additive manufacturing.” “Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow and remember that your contributions are vital to pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” she added.
“Your efforts will not only advance your own career but also contribute to the broader mission of improving our world through science and technology,” Ramona quoted.
Shaping the Future Through Present Endeavors
Ramona believes that focusing on the present is the key to shaping the future. At ECAM, the team aims to continue advancing its vision and mission by working diligently and passionately towards innovation in materials science and additive manufacturing. ECAM’s approach remains centered on passion, hard work, discipline, and commitment to achieve excellence and drive meaningful progress.
For her personal career, Ramona is committed to ongoing growth and learning, striving to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field. She aims to deepen their collaboration with industry leaders and expand their network to bring their knowledge and achievements to a wider audience, maximizing the impact and contribution to the environment.
Ramona believes, “The future is built on the strength of our present efforts.” By persevering with enthusiasm and dedication, ECAM is setting the stage for continued success and significant contributions to the field.
