David Sinton elected to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
Professor David Sinton (MIE) has been named to the 2015 cohort of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. Now in its second year, the College recognizes and brings together an emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leaders from multiple disciplines.
Sinton is a pioneer in applying small-scale fluid mechanics research, known as microfluidics, to improve energy technologies, such as fuel cells and those used for oil extraction. Prior to his research contributions in this area, the field of microfluidics was almost entirely focused on biological applications.
Inspired by issues with fluid transport in fuel cells, Sinton’s first breakthrough led to a radical new understanding of how water is moved in porous fuel cell electrodes. This greatly enhanced the efficiency and performance of the cells in terms of power density and fuel utilization.
Professor David Sinton (pictured centre-right) has been elected to an interdisciplinary group of emerging leaders in Canada (Photo: Sara Collaton).
Building on this success, Sinton applied microfluidics to improve oil recovery processes that operated at massive scales. His insights underpinned several new reduced-carbon-footprint strategies for heavy oil extraction. The advances demonstrate the potential of microfluidic technology to improve the efficacy and reduce the carbon footprint of Canada’s largest energy processes.
“I am delighted to congratulate Professor David Sinton on earning this tremendous honour, which recognizes his pioneering research and places him among the finest emerging scholars in Canada,” said Dean Cristina Amon. “He has made exceptional contributions to the fields of energy and microfluidics that could reduce the carbon footprint of oil extraction and point to more sustainable ways of meeting the world’s energy needs.”