Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.

Experience

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  Universidad del Zulia

  Jan 2007 - Jun 2008

  Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate Tutor

  Conducted one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions to help students with the material taught in Analytical Chemistry, reviewing concepts and solving assignment problems to reinforce the content of the course topics.

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  Investigación y Desarrollo, C.A. (Indesca)

  Mar 2008 - Nov 2013

  Project Leader

  • Managed and executed 26 projects with impacts of up to $10MM in savings, in the fields of industry technical support, evaluation of new technologies and development of solutions for petrochemical processes• Designed and built bench-scale laboratory reactors for the study of heterogeneous catalysts commonly used in petrochemical processes and conducted catalytic performance analysis• Developed and applied analytical methods (FTIR, GC, acid/base titration), programmed and conducted verification and validation protocols, and collaborated in the development of reactor models for process optimization• Performed economic analysis to determine project feasibility, potential project benefits, and technology selection for process optimization using processing modelling tools (Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, MATLAB, PRO/II)• Collaborated with groups in industry and academia to integrate technical capabilities for problem resolution, improving effective communication and building bridges for industry-academia collaborations• Tutored four internship projects for undergraduate students in the field of catalysis Show less

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  Universidad del Zulia

  Jan 2009 - Oct 2013

  MSc Researcher

  • Studied a novel regeneration method using hydrogen for catalysts deactivated during the selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene. • Implemented characterization techniques such as XRF, TPR, N2 adsorption and CO chemisorption • Developed an accelerated aging method to mimic industrial deactivation at laboratory scale• Studied the activity of selected catalysts using a bench-scale micro-reactor monitored by a GC-FID/TCD• Prepared academic outputs and public deliverables for knowledge dissemination, and proposals to external bodies Show less

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  University of Calgary

  Jan 2014 - Apr 2018

  PhD Researcher

  • Laboratory for Environmental Catalytic Applications (LECA)• Developed a low-cost heterogeneous catalyst for CO2 re-utilization using waste materials such as petroleum coke• Implemented in-situ techniques for the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive carbon-supported metal carbide catalysts such as XRD, SEM, TEM, CO chemisorption temperature-programmed reduction/desorption• Designed and built a bench scale plug-flow micro reactor to study the catalytic activity of the prepared materials for CO2 conversion to useful products applying reactor design principles and VMGSim process simulator• Determined experimental pathways for recycling of deactivated catalyst using CO2 gasification and minimization of its environmental impact during preparation, utilization and disposal• Communicated research findings to broader scientific and industry community through papers and conference presentations; preparation of successful proposals for external funding bodies; prepare academic outputs and public deliverables for knowledge dissemination Show less

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  University of Sussex

  Aug 2016 - Dec 2018

  Research Fellow, TRANSrisk Canada Case Study, SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit

  • Undertook research on climate change in the Canadian energy sector (with a focus on the oil sand sector), as part of the Transitions Pathways and Risk Analysis for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Strategies (TRANSrisk) Canada case study• Worked with community leaders to progress stakeholder engagement work within the energy sector. • Participated in TRANSrisk partnership events and meetings, mainly through online tele-conferences and presentations• Produce high-quality research outputs for publication in monographs or recognised high-quality journals, or performance/exhibition, as appropriate, and contribute to the School’s REF submission at acceptable levels of volume and academic excellence• Contribute to the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, for example for funding purposes• Explore opportunities for enterprise activity, knowledge exchange income and/or consultancy, where permissible• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks and relevant external networks in order to form relationships and collaborations Show less

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  Innolab Space

  Jul 2018 - now

  Co-Founder / Director

  • Oversee project/initiative portfolio focused on sustainability research and education• Develop operational budget, funding strategy and grant applications to finance research activities• Conduct research activities as principal investigator in projects related to sustainable development• Mentor young professionals involved in research projects around the world• Prepare knowledge dissemination documents for various audiences such as peer-reviewed publications, reports, policy briefs and white papers Show less

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  Industrial Climate Solutions Inc

  Jan 2019 - Jan 2020

  Post Doctoral Research Fellow

  • Design, build and evaluate the performance of a pilot-scale froth contactor, for use with proprietary and non-proprietary solvents, to develop scale-up parameters for bringing the process to industrial markets• Evaluate alternative solvents for a regenerative froth contactor for CO2 capture and conversion• Study the effects of screen design and column configuration on the performance of the contactor and develop operational and design guidelines based on the optimum specifications• Identify key modelling assumptions and develop thermodynamic, heat and material balance correlations for the scale-up of the CO2 capture system• Develop and execute rigorous tests and Quality Assurance plans to guide the validation programs, design and integration of test assemblies and analysis, interpretation and reporting of performance results• Communicate results through preparation of of technical reports, peer-review publications, white papers and fact sheets for diverse audiences Show less

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  University of Calgary

  Mar 2019 - Dec 2022

  • Energy and Environment Research Group (EERG)• Develop innovative catalytic technologies for CO2 conversion into added-value products and net-zero emission technologies for GHG mitigation• Design and build pilot reactors for the evaluation of novel catalysts used on CO2 conversion• Perform process simulation and techno-economic analysis of technology alternatives using modeling tools such as ASPEN-HYSYS, PRO II, ALCES, GCAM and other tools• Find funding opportunities for novel research projects and prepare the corresponding grant applications • Supervise graduate and undergraduate during the development of their thesis, projects or internships• Communicate research outputs through the preparation of reports and peer-reviewed publications Show less • Energy and Environment Research Group (EERG)• Develop innovative catalytic technologies for CO2 conversion into added-value products and net-zero emission technologies for GHG mitigation• Design and build pilot reactors for the evaluation of novel catalysts used on CO2 conversion• Perform process simulation and techno-economic analysis of technology alternatives using modeling tools such as ASPEN-HYSYS, PRO II, ALCES, GCAM and other tools• Find funding opportunities for novel research projects and prepare the corresponding grant applications • Supervise graduate and undergraduate during the development of their thesis, projects or internships• Communicate research outputs through the preparation of reports and peer-reviewed publications Show less

  • Research Associate

    Jan 2020 - Dec 2022

  • Postdoctoral Associate

    Mar 2019 - Jan 2020
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  Vorsana Inc.

  Jan 2020 - May 2021

  Research & Development Lead

  • Lead high-performing team towards developing a valuable innovation portfolio• Scale-up new technologies for process optimization and intensification• Design and execute testing plans focused on biofuels, biochemicals, green catalysts, and CCUS• Coordinate investment, IP generation and knowledge dissemination strategies

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  Technische Universiteit Delft

  Aug 2020 - Aug 2024

  Research Fellow, Department of Multi-Actor Systems - Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management

  • Explore innovative strategies for sustainable transitions and its impact in SDGs for Canada, Latin America, and Europe, along with its intersectionalities across regions and continents.• Coordinate and execute research objectives proposed for LANDMARC and TIPPPING+ projects focused on land-use changes, clean energy development, behavioral changes, and socio-economic tipping points at local and regional levels.• Create transformative spaces for stakeholders across industries, communities, institutions, and governments, to communicate effectively and accelerate sustainable transitions.• Support research portfolio and teaching/mentoring activities within the faculty, and enable accessible dissemination plans with an international focus. Show less

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  The Canadian Energy and Climate Nexus / Le Lien Canadien De L’Énergie et du Climat

  Oct 2020 - Jun 2023

  Advisory Board Member

  Support project deployment and evaluations aimed to unify and de-polarize the climate and energy sectors in Canada. I am focused on enabling the creation and implementation of a collaborative frameworks for co-development of sustainable transition strategies along with key stakeholders from various societal sectors.

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  Ciclo Technologies Inc.

  Jan 2021 - Dec 2022

  Co-Founder & Scientific Advisor
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  NanosTech

  Mar 2021 - Jul 2024

  • Manage and develop a carbon management technology portfolio and team related to CO2 capture, removal, and conversion• Design and scale carbon management technologies aligned with the organization's priority areas.• Develop and implement experimental activities to validate technologies and support model development.• Perform process modelling, techno-economic analysis, and life-cycle assessments for technology evaluation.• Review state-of-the-art technology roadmaps, emerging markets, and new opportunities in the carbon management space to inform own technology development strategies.• Prepare funding applications and knowledge dissemination documents to support program goals. Show less

  • Technology Lead – Carbon Management

    Jan 2024 - Jul 2024

  • Research and Development Lead

    Mar 2021 - Jul 2024
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  Vortis

  Feb 2023 - now

  Director and Chief Technology Office (CTO)

  • Develop simple and affordable pathways to capture, covert and market carbon emissions.• Oversee the development and implementation of the technology roadmap based on partners’ needs/expectations.• Monitor KPIs, budget of the technology portfolio, and lead a high-performing team to achieve the company’s goal.• Supervise the company’s operations to ensure alignment with the company’s policy and vision.

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  University of Calgary

  Jul 2024 - now

  Assistant Professor

  In my research team, we explore how clean technology innovation can be optimized and accelerated while aligned with societal needs and priorities. We use a bridging approach based on transdisciplinarity and systems engineering in constant feedback with macro (landscapes) and micro (Indigenous and local) systems to address that. We strive to translate our results into relevant outputs for scientific and social practice.