YP Highlight #14: Danmei Chen
Danmei Chen is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto (U of T). She completed her BESc. at Western University and MASc. at U of T, both in chemical engineering. Her journey in the UV industry began when she started her Ph.D. in 2021.
Her current research focuses on UV system validation and control for water and air treatment. Specifically, she utilizes numerical modeling tools (statistical learning, computational fluid dynamics, etc.) to evaluate the role of Reduction Equivalent Dose (RED) bias in many UV applications and to suggest appropriate approaches for safer and more efficient performance evaluation.
Besides research, Chen also is an active member of various communities, including a role as the content creator vice president for U of T OWWA-Student Chapter and the current co-chair of the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) Young Professionals (YP) Committee. More recently, she took on the role of the executive producer of the IUVA YP podcast, Wavelength. Chen aspires to contribute to the UV industry as a professional but also hopes to give back to the industry by volunteering and supporting other initiatives.
RTYP: When did you first learn about UV/EB as an industry and technology?
My research background is leaning more toward UV application for environmental engineering, including water and air treatment. I learned about UV/EB for the first time because of the co-located conference between RadTech and IUVA. Moreover, as the chair of the IUVA YP, I want to meet the fellow YP community members from RadTech and search if there are recourses that are interchangeable between the two communities. As a researcher myself, I’m intrigued to learn that UV has so much more to offer and would love to learn more about UV/EB in manufacturing.
RTYP: Have you run into any challenges as a young professional?
Definitely. As a UV young professional, I’d highlight one big challenge I have faced, which is learning to utilize my resources to achieve career goals. “Resources” covers a broad spectrum of topics – academic and industry knowledge, network and connections, voluntary opportunities, etc. When I started as a YP in the UV industry, I struggled with utilizing the resources that I have and expanding my connections, which would help me gain more clarity and to progress better in terms of my career. In this case, I found that having a good mentor and a group of peers who share similar values and being active by participating in projects/initiatives outside of your own work are very effective ways to keep on the right track in career development.
RTYP: How could we encourage more young professionals to get involved in UV/EB technology?
As a YP myself, I struggled with finding resources and reaching out. I think the industry is very welcoming of YPs, and the YP committee should serve the role of bridging the industry leaders/pioneers and the YPs who just started their professional careers, providing YPs with offers, such as getting involved in task forces with other professionals in the industry, volunteering opportunities, updates of recent endeavors in the industry, etc.
RTYP: What would your suggestions be for students or YPs who are just starting their professional careers?
First, network is key. Reach out more – for help, advice, technical knowledge, anything. Second, start building your leadership and people skills in the early stage of your professional career. Third, take small but achievable actions; build your credibility among the community.
The RadTech YP Committee aims to help young professionals (YPs) grow in the use and development of UV and EB technology. We are a group dedicated to enhancing interactions between YPs and senior experts within RadTech. YPs are students and professionals early in their careers who utilize UV and EB technology in industry, government, or academia. If you have questions or comments or would like to get involved, please contact us via email (yp@radtech.org).
