The Re-Engineering Education (Re3) Research group is dedicated to reshaping education through data-driven, research-backed strategies that address real-world challenges in teaching.
Principle Investigator: Ariel Chan, Ph.D. P.Eng.
Associate Professor, Teaching Stream. Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry.
Professor Chan obtained her Bachelors and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering from Queens University. During her graduate studies, she worked with Genencor Inc/Dupont Bioscience in Palo Alto, CA and later continued her Postdoctoral Fellowship at Agriculture Canada in biomaterials and bioplastics development. Prof. Chan began her academic career at the University of Waterloo in 2012. In 2017, she joined the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto and is now the Associate Professor (Teaching Stream). She is also a practicing professional engineer registered in Ontario, Canada. Her teaching and research focus on chemical process design and scale-up simulation and modernizing chemical engineering laboratory curriculum. In addition, she uses virtual/augmented technology and data analytics techniques to facilitate individualized learning. Her recent work on developing an interactive, virtual chemical plant with an intelligent feedback system has been awarded a U of T Engineering Dean’s Emerging Innovation in Teaching Professorship. She is also a recipient of the 2022 Wighton Fellowship, the national award which recognizes excellence in the leadership of laboratory-based education, and 2023 Northrop Frye Award.
We focus on three major domains to create a more inclusive, effective, and environmentally responsible educational landscape:
- Assisted-Learning Technology
Our work with augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) aims to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. By developing a digital twin of the pilot-scale chemical process equipment, we enable the students to practice hands-on learning virtually at their own time and speed. In addition, we conduct research to understand human perception in virtual space. The virtual operation data enables us to improve the technology and user experience. Our group also work on creating self-directed, miniaturized chemical process equipment to compliment student learning off-site. These projects are aim to create engaging curriculum and learning that is personalized, accessible, and inclusive.
- Data Analytics and Data-Driven Insights for Student Success
We us machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP)/large language models (LLM) to analyze data to better understand students’ academic strengths and challenges, examining how factors like math and language complexity in the curriculum design, textbook choices, coursework impact learning. This research supports equitable, inclusive, and diverse educational environments by shedding light on influences over student identity, career choices, and academic performance.
- Sustainable Laboratory and Hands-On Learning
We’re creating sustainable, net-zero lab experiences that incorporate Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Process Safety Analysis into experimental design. This includes LCA-based experiments for unit operations, like biodiesel and bioethanol production, and extends to global initiatives such as fortifying salts for improved nutrition.
PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS AND CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
- Liu J, Jo S, Wang, D, Chan AW*. Development of Multi-user enabled, Interactive and Responsive, Virtual/Augmented Reality based Laboratory Training System. American Society of Engineering Education. 2024. DOI: 10.18260/1-2–46810
- Sivanandam H, Hu C, Chan AW*. Reducing Environmental Impact in Higher Education: Incorporating Life-Cycle Analysis in the Curriculum Design for Sustainable Unit Operations Laboratory. American Society of Engineering Education. DOI: 10.18260/1-2–46832
- Yunsong S, Liu Q, Norval G, Chan AW*. The Impact of the Inherent Language Complexity in Engineering Courses on Students’ Academic Performance-Undderstanding Diverse Student Learning Profile. Canadian Engineering Education Association. 2024.
- Norval G. and Chan AW. 2022. Gender Differentials on Academic Performance and Lifelong Learning Attribute in Chemical Engineering. Journal of Chemical Education. 99(1): 252–258.
- Wulff D, Chan AW, Liu Q, Gu FX, Aucoin MG. 2020. Characterizing internal cavity modulation of corn starch microcapsules. Heliyon. 6(10):e05294.
Media/Publically Addressed
- Interview with Prof. Ariel Chan. Engineering Month. University of Toronto.
- Professor Ariel Chan receives the U of T Northrop Frye Award for faculty.
- Professor Ariel Chan recognized with 2022 Wighton Fellowship. U of T News.
- U of T Engineering students collaborate across time zones through the ‘Global Classrooms’ initiative.
- Chemical and Process Safety Education During Pandemics and Moving Forward. EdTech 2023 Workshop.
- Teaching Leadership and Excellence. During Pandemic. University of Toronto News on Feb 3, 2021. Video News on Twitter, FB, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- University of Toronto: Student life on campus. Maclean Magazine.
- U of T prof uses virtual reality to beam engineering lab into students’ homes.University of Toronto News. https://www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-prof-uses-virtual-reality-beam-engineering-lab-students-homes . Jan 20, 2021.
- Virtual reality makes unique chemical engineering lab accessible from home. U of T Engineering News. Jan 19, 2021.
- U of T professor engages engineering students with virtual reality. The Charlatan. Carletan’s Independent weekly newspaper. Mar 12, 2021.
Comments/Feedback
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