Report

Improving energy efficiency through innovative design

UNB student’s energy-efficient innovation saves AV Nackawic $40 000 annually and jump-starts his engineering career

Rohan saw AV Nackawic’s energy-efficiency problem as the perfect opportunity to develop the practical understanding of industrial processes he was missing in his academic studies.  Rising to the challenge of troubleshooting a process problem in the heat-recovery system for AV Nackawic, Rohan drew upon everything he had learned throughout his academic career and put it to practical use – turning his abstract knowledge into concrete results.

In only eight short months, Rohan, with the guidance of his supervisor Carolyn Drost, Senior Process Engineer at AV Nackawic, successfully addressed ongoing process issues that were preventing the energy-recycling system at the mill from reaching full potential.  Implications of Rohan’s success have led to savings at AV Nackawic of approximately $40 000 annually.  AV Nackawic was so impressed with his motivation and expertise that they offered him a position on their team as Junior Process Engineer, gaining a hard-working, capable employee who is passionate about his field.   “Rohan brought drive and enthusiasm to everything he did.  His success in this project has been a benefit felt by all,” reports his mentor, Carolyn.

Throughout his internship, Rohan was also able to benefit greatly by gaining hands-on industry experience, improving his public speaking abilities, and by learning more about Canadian work culture.  “Mitacs Accelerate internships provide a unique opportunity for students to step out of the academic world and get a taste of the real-life industry,” he explains, and he strongly recommends that other students take advantage of the research opportunities available through the program.


Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick for their support of the Accelerate research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Accelerate program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of British Columbia, 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 Saskatchewan, and 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

Mitacs Team
Mitacs Team

Mitacs’s website content is created by people throughout our organization, united in their passion for innovation and eager to share their perspectives with others in the innovation ecosystem.