This September, Nivarti is returning to the University of British Columbia to start his master's degree, after graduating from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur with the best mark in his class for his honours thesis in mechanical engineering.

Nivarti chose UBC over schools like MIT and Stanford because of his Globalink experience, which paired the mechanical engineering student with Kendal Bushe, a UBC assistant professor who is one of North America's most highly respected combustion researchers. Dr. Bushe will also supervise Nivarti's graduate work.

The Globalink program was pioneered in BC three years ago with the support of the Government of British Columbia. It introduces BC as a world-leading research and innovation destination to top undergraduate students from other countries. Students undertake a research project and connect with local industry. Globalink ensures BC is top of mind for international students choosing graduate schools, while enhancing relationships between post-secondary institutes and industry in BC and other countries. The program has since been adopted across Canada.

BC's Globalink students also are given a taste of life on the West Coast, from mountain biking to kayaking, as well as tours of some of the sophisticated research facilities operated by industry and post-secondary institutions.

In the past three years, over 150 students from India, plus 18 from China and 7 from Brazil, have taken part in the program. Now the first group of Globalink students have graduated - and like Nivarti, some are choosing BC universities to continue their education.

When he was in BC in 2008, Nivarti studied methane-based combustion, a low-pollution alternative to gasoline. It was part of a project that simulated combustion in automobile and aircraft engines, providing researchers with clues to improve engine efficiency and decrease emissions. Engines are then built based on the results.

Nivarti will focus his master's studies on mathematics-intensive subjects that will help him better understand the theory behind fluids and their combustion.

With content from the Government of British Columbia.

Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia for their support of the Globalink research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Globalink program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewanand Research Manitoba.

Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca